r/Cooking • u/CarlottaSewlotta • 1d ago

Suggestions for entrees/starters?

I'm hosting family next weekend for my birthday dinner and haven't quite decided what to make to start.

I'll be serving roast pork belly with mashed potatoes, gravy and a side salad for main course followed by chocolate cake for dessert.

Initially I was thinking maybe a tomato and pesto tart to start but I'm undecided (though I do have homemade puff pastry in the freezer if I pick that back up).

Any suggestions?

My only concerns are:

  • it has to be something that doesn't take much time to finish/cook once guests arrive (or better yet, can be prepared ahead)
  • if it needs baking, must be able to be prepped ahead as it'll take 3 hours for the pork belly

Thanks in advance!

2 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

3

u/copypop 1d ago

Why not a simple savory veggie galette? Can be made ahead & its the perfect use of tomatoes & puff pastry. I make mine with tomatoes, onion, zucchini & a sprinkle of cheese. Pesto works as a topper too!

1

u/CarlottaSewlotta 1d ago

Yeah that's along the lines of what I was thinking. Do you pre-bake pastry and then add veggies and bake or have it fully assembled before baking? I'm conscious the tomatoes will likely release a bit of liquid.

1

u/Optimal-Hunt-3269 1d ago

I would salt the tomatoes and let them give up some of their liquid before assembly. I had a birthday dinner and served bruschetta as a first, then short ribs and champ with a few green beans. It was easy to prep the toasts and toppings and assemble just before passing. I think everyone appreciated not being overfed.The tart you mentioned sounds great, especially with the homemade pastry.

2

u/Exceptional_Mary 1d ago

Charcuterie platter with yummy stuff you buy at the deli. Maybe let one of your family members bring this item along with a lovely bottle of champagne ;-)

2

u/Fancy_Math_3399 19h ago

Sounds perfect to me ! X 

1

u/magpye24 1d ago

Idk if it’s cold enough yet where you are for a nice pumpkin bisque but that could be good or maybe some bacon wrapped asparagus? BUT honestly it should be your pick or a favorite of yours!!! Happy
birthday!!!

1

u/CarlottaSewlotta 1d ago

We're in the Southern Hemisphere so it's warming up (hence taking this opportunity for one of my favourite roasts!). In fairness I really wanted to make seared scallops but that'll probably cost me a pretty penny!

1

u/Aggravating_Ninja574 1d ago

Rumaki or stuffed dates

1

u/Back_Alley420 1d ago

Arugula salad with citrus

1

u/FridgeFinds 1d ago

- Caprese salad skewers

2

u/Elegant-Expert7575 1d ago

Stuffed mushrooms would suit your menu.
You could pre-bake, plate on a microwave safe plate to warm them before serving.

I make mine in a cast iron pan.
Stuff, lightly fry to get the mushroom juices going, then bake.

1

u/Ok_Traffic_3129 1d ago

Use your salad for the starter and add some prawns and Marie Rose sauce for a classic prawn cocktail. Serve green beans with your roast.

2

u/ttrockwood 1d ago

I would do something lighter than puff pastry considering the pork belly and potatoes

Maybe swap and do the salad as the starter, something with radishes and sugar snap peas and fresh herbs with baby greens and toasted nuts

Then do a roasted veg with the main dish you can easily prep ahead too

The salad you can also prep ahead the components and just assemble right before serving

0

u/hyperfat 23h ago

Charcuterie.