Dinner for 4

Friends are coming from out of state tonight, and I'm going to cook all of us dinner (4 people total).

Can anyone throw some ideas out there for me?

I want to make something somewhat exciting and that requires effort, but they don't like anything "unusual" (like a simple addition such as bacon or prosciutto to a pasta sauce would not be something they would enjoy lol)

They like meat, but I don't want to make fish...because I don't really know what types of fish they like.

I'd like to avoid standard party food...baked ziti, chicken parm, meatballs...I LOVE that stuff, but since they live far away, I feel like we really only ever see each other for big parties...therefore, whenever we are together we are eating traditional party food, so I want to mix up our gatherings lol!

Re: Dinner for 4

Not sure if you have a crockpot, but I made a pot roast with potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots and it was a huge hit for my dinner party.

Re: Dinner for 4

Beef crusted in honey mustard and pistachios

tacos or fajitas with all the toppings

Sirloin Steaks with side dishes like mashed potatoes, salad, etc.

Burgers

Beef and Vegetable Stirfry

Chicken pot-pies

Re: Dinner for 4

stuffed portabella mushroom caps with sides?

Re: Dinner for 4

crock pot ribs with some sweet potato fries & corn on the cob?


Grilled terriaki chicken with fresh mozz & balsamic vinegar served with rice and a salad.

Re: Dinner for 4

You can make chicken cordon blue -
take thin cutlets - pound if needed, place 1 slice ham, 1 slice swiss on top.

Fold in 1/3, brush w/ grey poupon mustard, fold in 2nd 1/3. brush with more mustard and roll in bread crumbs. bake seam side down.

You can also do some plain cutlets if you aren't sure they'd like it.

The mustard acts as the eggwash/glue, gives a little flavor but doesn't SCREAM MUSTARD.

Re: Dinner for 4

Thanks so much for all these great ideas! I'm going to do something in the Crockpot, since I won't know the exact time they are arriving. Gotta love NY traffic!