Meal Ideas From the Cookbook

I recently hosted a dinner party with the following menu:

  • Zucchini Pancakes
  • Polenta Squares w/ Tomato Sauce
  • Simple Salad
  • Shepherd’s Pie (dairy-free as well as w/ half cauliflower/half mashed potato in the topping)
  • Fruit Crisp w/ Ice Cream

I picked these dishes because they are usually crowd pleasers. The ages of guests ranged from 5-60 years old so I thought this would cover a broad range of tastes.

For some of the dishes, I needed to look at the recipe. When I did, I realized everything I was cooking came from my book! It gave me the idea to create menus that you could use for your family or friends. I truly hope this is a help! And the dinner party was a huge success. Everyone loved the menu. Bring your guests into your warm kitchen.

Brunch

  • Crepes w/ Mushrooms or Jam (pg. 36)
  • Waffles (pg. 34)
  • Broccoli and Ham Quiche (pg. 46)
  • Fresh Fruit (knife tips) (pg. 50)
  • Yogurt w/ Granola (pg. 43)

Kids Party

  • Chicken Tenders or Meatball Lollipops (pg 120/100)
  • Crustless Quiche (pg. 44)
  • Caesar Salad (pg. 68)
  • Veggies w/ Ranch Dressing (pg. 71)
  • Cupcakes and Frosting (pg. 213)

Family Night

  • Salad w/ Ranch Dressing (pg. 71)
  • Beef Saffron Risotto (pg. 150)
  • Whole Grain Bread (pg. 180)
  • Easy Vanilla Cupcakes (pg. 214)

Italian Night

  • Polenta Squares (pg. 152)
  • Lentil Soup (pg. 64)
  • Spinach Lasagna (pg. 94)
  • Caesar Salad (pg. 68)
  • Lemon Almond Cookies (pg. 234)

Mexican Night

  • Corn Chowder (pg. 66)
  • Chili Pie or Burrito Casserole (pg. 107/108)
  • Flour Tortillas (pg. 109)
  • Dark Chocolate Cupcakes (pg. 216)

Elegant Dinner Party

  • Zucchini Pancakes (pg. 169)
  • Coconut Shrimp (pg. 128)
  • Apricot Dijon Chicken (pg. 117)
  • Almond Quinoa Pilaf (pg. 144)
  • Chocolate Molten Cakes (pg. 255)

Asian Night

  • Mini Asian Meatballs (pg. 101)
  • Turkey Quinoa Lettuce Wraps (pg. 135)
  • Asian Salad (pg. 70)
  • Maple Soy Salmon (pg. 132)
  • Pear Ginger Crisp (pg. 250)

Vegetarian

  • Indian Lentil Soup (pg. 64)
  • Flour Tortillas (pg. 109)
  • Chard & Quinoa Salad (pg. 143)
  • Sweet Potato Millet Cakes (pg. 141)
  • Carrot Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting (pg. 220)

Vegan

  • Corn Chowder w/ Dairy-Free options (pg. 66)
  • Simple Salad (pg. 70)
  • Dino Kale w/ White Beans (pg. 166)
  • Shepherd’s Pie made w/ Mushrooms & Walnuts (pg. 105)
  • Fruit Crisp (pg. 250)