Recipe(tried): Easy but special dinner party ideas

Hi Janice - Here are a few more ideas for you if you want to make a slightly fancier meal. Use the Search feature to find the full recipes:

Since it's springtime in your part of the world, you might want to start with a soup using asparagus or peas. Julie from South Africa has posted a very nice but simple "Curried Fresh Pea Soup" recipe (along with many others). Or, maybe serve a cold asparagus salad as a first course (search for this easy recipe: "ASPARAGUS WITH TANGERINE MAYONNAISE).

For your main course, may I suggest you read two chicken recipes posted by Gina in Florida - one called "Chicken Marbella" and one called "Grecian Chicken." Both are wonderful, and only take a little prep time that should be quick with several helping hands (I think the long marinating time for the Chicken Marbella can be omitted without too much harm to the outcome of the dish). I've used the marinade/sauce from the chicken marbella on pork (use less oil), and I think it would be outstanding on lamb chops, too. Lamb or beef kebabs with colorful veggies would also be easy.

With any of the above main courses, the following easy rice dish would be a good accompaniment:

Lemon Rice
from "The Silver Palate Goodtimes Cookbook"
4 to 6 portions

2-1/2 cups canned chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
1 clove garlic, slightly crushed
1 cup long-grain rice
1 TBL finely grated lemon zest
2 TBL chopped fresh dill
2 TBL unsalted butter
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Heat the broth, salt, and garlic in a heavy saucepan to boiling. Stir in the rice, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon zest and let stand covered for 5 minutes.

Remove the garlic. Gently stir in the dill and butter. Season to taste with pepper. Serve immediately.This is another easy recipe from the same cookbook for dessert (whipped cream is wonderful with this):

Pineapple Bake
6 portions

8 thick slices day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups drained crushed unsweetened pineapple
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
4 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Grease a 1-1/2 quart baking dish. Combine the brad and pineapple and place in the prepared baking dish.

Mix the butter, sugar, and eggs and pour over the bread mixture. Bake until puffed and golden, about 40 minutes. Serve warm.

Hope these ideas help. It would be great to hear what you finally serve! Enjoy your party!!