Company is coming…What’s for dinner? Part 2

Thanks to everyone who left comments on yesterday’s post and played along. I know it was a very general question and you responded with many great suggestions. The question was on my mind because I had company for dinner earlier in the week. Today is my turn to share my menu with you.

First, let me tell you about myself and a secret. I’m a recipe hoarder. I love recipes and I love to cook but the two don’t always measure up to cooking successes. Sometimes I amaze myself and other times I’m amazed at my husband for having the grace to actually eat the so-called dinner that I put in front of him. Yes, there are days when it’s that bad. Obviously I want to treat my guests to a cooking triumph not a cooking disaster. My secret is a website called Allrecipes. I’m aware of several great recipes databases and cooking websites but this is my favorite. I’ve been using this website for over five years now and it never fails to make me look good. Allrecipes is a cooking community of reader submitted recipes that are rated by members (membership is free). I love browsing the entire website but when I need a no-fail dish for a special event I simply look for recipes with a five star (highest) rating or recipes with four stars that are “most popular” and have the highest number of reviews. The reviews are helpful to read before you try out the recipe. The recipes that I have found on Allrecipes are the ones that I get complimented on time and time again.

My company menu this week was made from recipes that I’ve found on Allrecipes. The menu was created with a middle eastern/mediterranean theme.

Main Dish: Greek Style Garlic Chicken Breasts

Salad: Fatoosh

Side Dishes: Fasoliyyeh Bi Z-Zayt (Syrian Green Beans), Oven Roasted Potatoes (not exactly middle eastern but I needed another vegetable that the kids would eat!)

Bread: Syrian Bread (homemade pita bread that is surprisingly simple to make)

When I make this meal again in the summertime, I will also serve Strawberry, Ginger and Mint Sekanjabin.

All these dishes were simple to make but high on flavor (olive oil, lemon, garlic, fresh herbs – parsley, mint & cilantro). I also choose these dishes because most of the steps can be done earlier in the day. The chicken is marinated, the green beans are even better re-heated, the salad dressing can be prepared and refrigerated and the salad vegetables can be chopped in advance.

I hope you enjoy my menu. Let me know what you think if you are inspired to try some of these recipes too. And feel free to keep sending more ideas.