What to eat

From Shabbat

1. You want advice? Don't invite vegetarians - they screw up your meal plans. Ha, I'm joking. In all seriousness, I'm buying portobello mushroom to marinade and grill for my dear vegetarian friend. Just pointing out that dietary needs are something to consider when inviting people!

2. I am asking guests to bring a parev (non-dairy) dessert or a bottle of wine and keeping the menu simple but delicious.

3. I'm having a pretty simple menu too. I figure, if it's my day of rest too, then why stress out? Everyone is excited just to have a free hot meal with a bunch of friends. Also, since I'm cooking I asked everyone else to bring wine. That's a lot of wine. I'm guessing the food will only get tastier as the night goes on!

4. I prepped and partially cooked everything the night before. That way when I get home after a busy Friday, all I will have to do is put stuff in the oven and set the table.

5. Wow, I'm having the most productive day! I have cleaned my entire house really well, having people over is always the best motivation for me. I am having so much fun preparing the meal. The butcher at Rainbow in the Quarry was incredibly helpful and I learned that brisket doesn't cost as much as I thought it did. My house is starting to smell wonderful and I'm getting really excited to share and eat this tasty food.

My Menu:

Brisket in an oven bag with carrots and onions - 4 hours, 325 degrees

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Baby Greens Salad with cashews, raisins, onions and feta

Steamed Asparagus

matzah ball Soup

Macaroons

The guests are bringing wine and/or dessert

THANK YOU SO MUCH HILLEL FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE!

6. Yay For Delicious Challah!

7. AEPi Wiki Shabbat + Lots of Jewish People = FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD.

On that note, I think there was a good point made about vegetarians (and special food needs in general). We have vegetarians, diabetics, and good old-fashioned picky eaters. We decided that it would be fun (and easier) to have a "non-traditional" Shabbos meal. We had fun with our food choices. We have different kinds of lasagnas, garlic bread, salad, broccoli and cheese casserole, ice cream and my two favorite random things of the evening: AEPie (Pumpkin pie. Jewish fraternity style) and Mexican soda (yeah, we went there...). It should be an interesting night.

8. I had a smaller group over, but I bought some various sandwiches from Fishman's Deli, some pop, and made some stir-fry as a side dish. It worked great, and there was plenty of food for everybody!