Suggestions for Company from out of state

[Adillo303]

I have relatives comming from out of state this weekend. They are here for a week. Saturday, they get dinner in NYC, Sunday is my turn. I'd like to wow them and not blow the budget.

I welcome all suggestions.

TIA

AC

[TATTRAT]

What IS the budget, and are the foodies?

[pdswife]

First we need a clue on what kinds of food they like?
Soups and stews,
Roasts, veggies, pastas??

Let us know and the recipes will flow!! : )

[Uncle Bob]

What came to my mind was...Where are they from? I wouldn't try to plan a meal or an outing that was built around foods that are common to their area/state. I mean If I came to New Jersey please don't take me out to eat Catfish...I'm from Mississippi. Take me out or prepare something for me that is "special" in your area...it doens't have to be lavish or expensive........

[Adillo303]

OK - Sorry to be vague.

The budget, Hard to put a dollar value on it. There will be 8 for dinner and I prolly shoulden't think surf and turf. Maybe surf maybe turf,

Steak seems a little Blah, It's supposed to be cool Saturday and Sunday, Possiblly a good stew and some Sourdough bread. DW suggests Chili and Sourdough or Rye. Personally, I would like to upscale that somewhat.

I'm the foodie, she's the accountant. For some reason I keep having Paella going through my head, but, then what would go with it.

They are going sight seeing in NYC Saturday and dinner, prollay Italian, on Saturday night, so, I would stay away from Italian. That kind of takes me away from the chili as it is alos tomato based.

The out of towners are from Green Bay WI, but, Originally Lethbridge Alberta CA
As to what they like, no real idea on the out of towners. the rest of us are flexable.

[pdswife]

Clam chowder... filling, not too expensive, very tasty, easy
French bread and salad to finish the meal

[Adillo303]

Uncle Bob - Actually, I would love to come to MI for catfish. I spent a great year in Biloxi. Tow jobs ago I went to New Orleans / baton Rouge a lot.

I really can't at the moment think of anything that would be typical New Jersey. Alos I for these kinds of things I like to give them something they would find to be different. If it were to be warm, I would prolly go for steaks outside around the fish pond.

[Adillo303]

PDS Wife - New England or Manhattan, or a small pot of each?

[pdswife]

I like New England.
Here's my recipe.

Add some nice French bread and a green salad and you've got a wonderful dinner! Use small bowls so you can have seconds! As with most soups this is better the next day!


Ingredients:

3 10 oz cans chopped clams
1 lb bacon
3 cups peeled and chopped potatoes
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
2 chicken bouillon cubes
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon thyme (some times I use parsley instead)
2 cups half and half
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons all purpose flour

salt and pepper to taste



Directions:
Open canned clams reserving all juice
set aside

cut up bacon, removing a lot of the extra fat
in large sauce pan cook bacon until crisp. Keeping the bacon and the grease in the pan
add potatoes, clam juice, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, onions, pepper,bouillon cubes.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about ten minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Combind milk, cream and flour till smooth. Add to potatoe mixture. Cook and stir until slightly thickened. Stir in Clams. Return to boiling reduce heat. Cook for a few minutes more. Add salt and pepper to taste.

If soup is too thick add more milk or cream
if soup is too thin add more flour mixing with milk or cream first!

We add a tablespoon of butter to each bowl when serving ( not at all good for you
but it tastes great!!!)

OR...
How about French onion?


Description:
This is the onion soup recipe that I use. Pretty great!



If you're really hungry... add some browned stew meat. It makes for a delish meal!!


Ingredients:
1-2 tablespoons butter (you can use much less)
2-3 cups thinly sliced onions (Walla walla sweet works best)
4 cups beef broth
1/4cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup white wine
4-6 slices french bread
3/4-1 cup shredded cheese, your choice.. I use a combo of swiss and parmasian




Directions:
In a large saucepan melt butter. Stir in onions. Cooked covered, over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and golden, stirring occasionally. Add beef broth, white wine, Worcestershire sauce and a dash of pepper. Bring to a boil.
reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

fill small (OVEN SAFE) soup bowls with soup sprinkle with parm.cheese, top with a piece of French bread and some of the Swiss cheese, bake in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted and nicely browned!! Very easy and very good!!

CAREFUL!!
THE BOWLS WILL BE VERY VERY HOT!!

[Jeekinz]

Grill something. Corn on the cob. Shrimp and/or steak kabobs.