When Friends Come Over!: Meals That Allow You to Be Part of the Party

By Xlibris US

Ever wish you could host a dinner party and not be stuck in the kitchen while your guests talk and enjoy time together.
Readers will notice early on that these are recipes that allow them to prepare much of the food ahead of time and finish up the meal quickly so they can spend more time as part of the party and less time standing over a hot stove.
Enjoyable time together is what makes the meal memorable; not fancy presentation and exotic ingredients. Eliminating the complicated methods and the time away from guests will allow hosts to make meals their own and make them special just like the guests for whom they are cooking.
Good, basic recipes that together with appetizers and desserts you let your guests bring make the meal a group effort and a special time together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499008180

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Willis McCree.

Library of Congress Control Number:     2014907820

ISBN:                  Hardcover                        978-1-4990-0819-7

                            Softcover                          978-1-4990-0820-3

                            eBook                               978-1-4990-0818-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 07/03/2014

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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CONTENTS

MEATS

Meatloaf

Hamburger Stroganoff

Steak and Roasted Vegetables

Steak with Olive Tapenade

Easy Short Ribs

Horseradish Rolled Beef Tenderloin

Beef Bourguignon

Ham in Fruit Sauce

Pork Roast

Pork Chops with Gravy

Boneless Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Shanks

FOWL

Chicken Breast with Mushrooms and Cream

Lemony Bacon Chicken

Breaded Chicken Breasts

Cornish Game Hens

Duck Breast with Blackberry Preserves

FISH

Ginger Marinated Salmon

Dr. Frank’s Tilapia

Halibut with Tomatoes and Basil

Tuna with Edamame Beans

Seared Scallops

Shrimp Creole

Mussels in White Wine

PASTA

Shrimp Scampi

Penne with Shrimp and Asparagus

Pasta with Sausage

Cheesy Baked Orzo

Angel Hair and Shrimp Bowl

Easy Spaghetti

Pasta with Tomato-Squash Sauce

Impromptu Pasta

Vegetable Lasagna

SIDE DISHES

Bacon and Brussel Sprouts

Butternut Squash Risotto

Gingered Rice

Skillet Potatoes

Beans and Kale

Sweet, Sweet Potatoes

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Twice Baked Potatoes

Dean Street Ratatouille

Cannellini Beans and Spinach Pasta

Green Bean and Carrots

SALADS

Basic Coleslaw

Lima Bean Salad

Shallot Salad

Cauliflower Salad

Corn Salad

Golden Rice Salad

Garbanzo Bean Salad

Three Bean Salad

Orzo Salad

Pecan and Carrot Salad

Butternut Salad

Roasted Carrot and Beet Salad

Sesame Broccoli Salad

Wild Rice Salad

Cucumber and Quinoa Salad

Couscous Salad

Beet and Lentil Salad

SOUPS AND CHOWDERS

Bean and Kale Soup

Beef and Bean Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

Vegetable Soup

Lentil Soup

Mark’s Gazpacho

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Corn Chowder

Onion Soup

Butternut and Corn Bisque

CASSEROLES

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Microwave Asparagus Casserole

Joe’s Cheese and Rice

Chicken Pot Pie

Spinach Frittata

Sausage Casserole

Patty’s Quiche

MANAGEABLE RECIPES THAT LET YOU SHINE AND YOUR GUESTS FEEL SPECIAL

There are lots of complicated recipes in books all over the world. Many require strange and costly ingredients that you might use only once and then leave sitting in a cabinet until you throw them out.

There will be no scouring specialty markets for exotic ingredients to be used in these recipes. Just simple meals that with some advance preparation and timing will amaze your friends and let you be part of the fun when friends visit. The common herbs and spices used here let you create good, basic meals. Substitute, experiment and make them your own. Each recipe balances planning, preparation and presentation so you are not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else talks and waits for food. I have intentionally left out appetizers and desserts since if I have them that is what I let my guests bring.

Great food and enjoyable experiences, shared with friends, makes life just that much better.

A Word From Willis

You are special, and so are your guests—you should have food that says so.

This book is dedicated to the many friends and family who have graced my table and my home, and allowed me to serve them and to be part of their lives. A special thanks to John Fromer who has been my constant support and guide on this project!

A grateful acknowledgement to: