grr...Having some trouble menu planning for my dh's after marathon birthday party

I am being so indecisive I want to slap myself.

my dh is turning 34 on Marathon Sunday (he is also running..this is his 7th.. )

I am planning to go cheer for him at AT LEAST 2 sites (one BK, one Qns, and then potentially in the city)

but I still have to make it home to set up and prepare food for about 15 people by 6pm

so far, I am pretty certain I am doing

guacamole
meat lasagna

but that is not enough for the post marathon crowds....

I'd like to have a meat course, as well as 2 more sides (maybe a soup) and another appetizer.

I will not buy anything pre made or "instant" or frozen. I simply cannot

please throw some ideas at me...I am coming up blanks.

Re: grr...Having some trouble menu planning for my dh's after marathon birthday party

you can do sweedish meatballs, which is like a side or maincourse. Maybe a chili, which can be done in a crockpot (prepare the night b4 then turn it on b4 you leave for the marathon so it's done when you get home).
What about some veggies for the sides: asparagus, stringbeans, etc.
Fresh bread or you can make garlic bread. Prepare that the night b4, wrap it in foil and put in the fridge then just back for about 15 mins or so b4 dinner.

Re: grr...Having some trouble menu planning for my dh's after marathon birthday party

what about a homemade strombolli,bread being your doing meat lasagna, goes well, you can do sausage .

u mentioned steak i think what about marinate a steak over night & then broil or bbq it next day

hth
eta, u said anothermeat not steak, hmm what about chicken you could get a bunch of chicken breasts marinate them in lemon & evoo overnight. next day just breadcrumb them & bake. kinda something thats not horrible if its warm or cold, & tasty & light aftyer running a marathon ,, god blesss him

Message edited 10/29/2008 12:48:40 PM.

Re: grr...Having some trouble menu planning for my dh's after marathon birthday party

kabobs...make the night before and throw in oven 30 minutes before peeps arrive

my friend sent me home with a piece of her Martha Stewart turkey shepard's pie on a cold day...it hit the spot.

that can also be night before, then reheated.

Re: grr...Having some trouble menu planning for my dh's after marathon birthday party

How about potato soup? I found a really good and easy recipe that is so good and nice for these cold days. Plus you only need a little since it is filling.
Homemade Mac & cheese, meatloaf, stringbeans with olive oil and garlic.

Re: grr...Having some trouble menu planning for my dh's after marathon birthday party

hmmm...I make a salmon and potato soup that he likes...and the kabobs are a definite possibility...

I think I'll make the potato soup before the race since they are very good for distance runners!! THANK YOU

how about

appetizers
guacamole
taquitos/flautas (my friend will make)
antipasta platter (cheese, roasted veg, olives)
salad

main courses
lasagna
roasted chicken (either kabobs with mushroom and onion or whole)
rice with chorizo
sauteed green beans
escarole, white bean and sausage soup

what do you think?

Message edited 10/29/2008 3:59:50 PM.

Re: grr...Having some trouble menu planning for my dh's after marathon birthday party

I was actually just going to suggest the antipasto platter, but then I saw it on your menu!

Your menu looks good to me! I think I would do kebobs with the chicken instead of whole since you have the lasagna, but that's just me!

Message edited 10/29/2008 5:22:23 PM.

Re: grr...Having some trouble menu planning for my dh's after marathon birthday party