We're probably hosting a 7 brachos in a few weeks. Aside for the logistics (such as- where on earth do I put everyone) I'm trying to come up with a simple yet savory and satisfying menu. I'm thinking of making a thick soup as a 1st course, because that's something I can prepare a couple of days before and freeze (but don't tell my husband) and we're probably doing this the day after the wedding.
It also has to be cost effective, so something like schnitzel and chicken instead of beef. I can't make it milchig, not enough pots and utensils.
So... I'll welcome any ideas (but NO soup mix!). Winners get invited. Just kidding, no room. We're having the immediate families, which should be a minimum of 20 people not counting toddlers. Let's say 18-22 people.
Full Version: Seven Blessings
QUOTE(Bluelaptop @ Dec 3 2007, 01:41 PM) 
We're probably hosting a 7 brachos in a few weeks. Aside for the logistics (such as- where on earth do I put everyone) I'm trying to come up with a simple yet savory and satisfying menu. I'm thinking of making a thick soup as a 1st course, because that's something I can prepare a couple of days before and freeze (but don't tell my husband) and we're probably doing this the day after the wedding.
It also has to be cost effective, so something like schnitzel and chicken instead of beef. I can't make it milchig, not enough pots and utensils.
So... I'll welcome any ideas (but NO soup mix!). Winners get invited. Just kidding, no room. We're having the immediate families, which should be a minimum of 20 people not counting toddlers. Let's say 18-22 people.
It also has to be cost effective, so something like schnitzel and chicken instead of beef. I can't make it milchig, not enough pots and utensils.
So... I'll welcome any ideas (but NO soup mix!). Winners get invited. Just kidding, no room. We're having the immediate families, which should be a minimum of 20 people not counting toddlers. Let's say 18-22 people.
Brisket can be prepared significantly in advance. (Marinate, cook, let cool, slice, freeze in juices, defrost/cook some more in oven right before serving. Yummy.) It's pricey but the convenience may be worth it.
Favorite quick chicken: Chicken filets in aluminum tin with Italian dressing poured over them. Cook in oven and eat.
Pasta dishes make great sides and are versatile/easy. Tossing pasta with fresh/previously frozen veggies and a light dressing works great. (Open a can of olives for a little more flavor.)
Rice with mushrooms. Can be made in oven or on stovetop.
Green salad.
Desert can be fresh fruit.
QUOTE(Bluelaptop @ Dec 3 2007, 04:41 PM)
We're probably hosting a 7 brachos in a few weeks. Aside for the logistics (such as- where on earth do I put everyone) I'm trying to come up with a simple yet savory and satisfying menu. I'm thinking of making a thick soup as a 1st course, because that's something I can prepare a couple of days before and freeze (but don't tell my husband) and we're probably doing this the day after the wedding.
It also has to be cost effective, so something like schnitzel and chicken instead of beef. I can't make it milchig, not enough pots and utensils.
So... I'll welcome any ideas (but NO soup mix!). Winners get invited. Just kidding, no room. We're having the immediate families, which should be a minimum of 20 people not counting toddlers. Let's say 18-22 people.
It also has to be cost effective, so something like schnitzel and chicken instead of beef. I can't make it milchig, not enough pots and utensils.
So... I'll welcome any ideas (but NO soup mix!). Winners get invited. Just kidding, no room. We're having the immediate families, which should be a minimum of 20 people not counting toddlers. Let's say 18-22 people.
Soup:
Creamy potato leek soup
Salads:
Corn salad (posted on seperate topic)
Hummus with baby carrots and celary and/or pita chips
Olive dip (I'm a big sucker for olive dip)
Main course:
Spice rubbed chicken (choose your own spice! I always do mine with za'atar)
Mashed sweet potatos
Steamed frozen green beans with slivered almonds
Sweet noodle kugel
Sauted zucchini w/garlic
Dessert:
Brownies
Cookies
I honestly have no idea what is served at a 7 brachos, I never had any and I haven't been to any.
QUOTE(Penina @ Dec 3 2007, 01:59 PM)
I honestly have no idea what is served at a 7 brachos, I never had any and I haven't been to any.
Anything can be served, in theory. In practice, some communities have certain norms/expectations.
(One of ours was a get together at the shul with deli platters and bagels. Another was a formal dinner complete with waiters.)
QUOTE(Penina @ Dec 3 2007, 04:59 PM)
I honestly have no idea what is served at a 7 brachos, I never had any and I haven't been to any.
It doesn't matter, anything goes.
Hearty root vegetable soup
deviled eggs (appetizer, if desired)
fresh string beans sauteed in olive oil w/crushed garlic
broccoli salad w/cashews and craisins
roasted baby red potatoes with dill or rosemary or whatever you like
marinated chicken in olive oil, white wine, crushed garlic and seasoning grilled or broiled
falafel encrusted chicken cutlets
ziti rigati tossed with olive oil, basil, crushed garlic and tomatoes with fresh black pepper and salt
quinoa with sauteed onion, baby portabello mushrooms, black pepper and salt
deviled eggs (appetizer, if desired)
fresh string beans sauteed in olive oil w/crushed garlic
broccoli salad w/cashews and craisins
roasted baby red potatoes with dill or rosemary or whatever you like
marinated chicken in olive oil, white wine, crushed garlic and seasoning grilled or broiled
falafel encrusted chicken cutlets
ziti rigati tossed with olive oil, basil, crushed garlic and tomatoes with fresh black pepper and salt
quinoa with sauteed onion, baby portabello mushrooms, black pepper and salt
My MIL often makes meat knishes for an appetizer- even though its a patchka, its a patchka ahead of time and you can just reheat them. It looks nice on a small plate with mushroom sauce.
QUOTE(Nechama @ Dec 3 2007, 06:28 PM)
My MIL often makes meat knishes for an appetizer- even though its a patchka, its a patchka ahead of time and you can just reheat them. It looks nice on a small plate with mushroom sauce.
That sounds good actually.
As for all the green beans suggestions, I prefer fresh ones- maybe I'll sautee' them with olives and tomatoes.
I think my garlic-olive oil-hot pepper spaghetti will be well received by my side of the family and the kids could have pasta with ketchup or sauce.
I appreciate all the suggestions so far...
QUOTE(Tova @ Dec 3 2007, 05:05 PM)
roasted baby red potatoes with dill or rosemary or whatever you like
Love these!
A friend and I split it three ways - could you have an invited guest make the dessert, or some such?
IIRC, I bought the paper goods, made several kinds of rolls, and a cabbage knish. We had something pickeld with the knish, can't remember what, and two kinds of kugel - a lukshen with a topping and a tri colored veggie kugel.
My friend had in it her apt, sponsored the soup, and the hsicken (thighs, whcih is a cheaper cut). Another friend gave the cakes.
IIRC, I bought the paper goods, made several kinds of rolls, and a cabbage knish. We had something pickeld with the knish, can't remember what, and two kinds of kugel - a lukshen with a topping and a tri colored veggie kugel.
My friend had in it her apt, sponsored the soup, and the hsicken (thighs, whcih is a cheaper cut). Another friend gave the cakes.
QUOTE(Red Hare @ Dec 3 2007, 07:22 PM)
A friend and I split it three ways - could you have an invited guest make the dessert, or some such?
No, they're all traveling.
who is coming? you hve a minyan, right ?
Whew. That's done and over with. Would anybody like to wash my floors and make some stew and take the baby for a day or two?
QUOTE(Bluelaptop @ Jan 4 2008, 10:26 AM)
Whew. That's done and over with. Would anybody like to wash my floors and make some stew and take the baby for a day or two?
Oh man, I missed it
so I didn't get to make any suggestions - what was the final menu?
QUOTE(Bluelaptop @ Jan 4 2008, 10:26 AM)
Whew. That's done and over with. Would anybody like to wash my floors and make some stew and take the baby for a day or two?
Oh man, I missed it
so I didn't get to make any suggestions - what was the final menu?
QUOTE(FYI @ Jan 4 2008, 11:48 AM)
Oh man, I missed it
so I didn't get to make any suggestions - what was the final menu?
so I didn't get to make any suggestions - what was the final menu?
Homemade challah rolls
Cauliflower soup (very rustic)
Baked cornish hens+ baby potatoes, cabbage bourekas, stewed carrot salad, stewed pepper salad, iceberg lettuce+sundried tomatoes salad.
Schnitzel for kids.
Fruit salad, mandelbroit, some store bought cake.
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