Help! DH's boss is coming for dinner - Ahhhhh!

[maraw]

OK, so my husband was talking about our/my raw food way of eating at his office the other day, and his boss's boss kind of perked up and showed a real interest in it. So now he and his family are coming over for a raw dinner this coming Saturday. Oh, and my dh also invited his immediate supervisor and his wife to come along.

I have a week to plan, clean, prepare, and all that - but I find myself at somewhat of a loss on what to make for the meal. I mean, it's not like I have trouble making the meal, but I can't decide what make! I have my own favorites, but I want to make a really good impression with this occassion. It could really make a difference at my husband's company - they often have meetings with food like donuts and kolaches, bbq and potato salad, etc. Wouldn't it be great if this opened their eyes and they started intoducing more raw food at these meetings? Think of how productive they would be if they all weren't bogged down with heavy, fatty cooked food sitting in their stomaches robbing their brains of blood and digestive energy?

I immediately though of my friends here - what is the most impressive looking and tasting raw meal you've had so far? What would you chose to feed your husband's boss and his boss?

Thanks everyone!

[karenisraw]

I would make raw lasagne because it is rich and gooey, raw bruschetta, a yummy salad, and something with avocado, and then dessert. I am going to figure out how to make raw baklava. I started to make a cobbler crust and it tasted just like baklava.

crushed walnuts and almonds
cinnamon
honey
sesame seeds
top with "whipped cream"

k :)

[rawstrawberry]

You could do a italian night theme:

pizza, lasagna, garlic bread, zughetti

or a Asian (sushi, seaweed salad) or Thai (pad thai, mango salad etc.)

I know you will blow them away!

Raw Strawberry

[Dragggon]

Alissas Pesto mushrooms are a must if you want to blow someones pants off with taste

the rawviolies with the maranara are great
salaid of course "make it Pretty " helps a lot
corn chips and salsa
Icream sandwichs and or rawkinlocks cinamon rollssss mmmmmmmmm

and lots of fresh friut and juice

Make it look fancy the eye appeal does a lot and dont tell them what is in it till after they eat it and tell you what they think just ask if any one is allergic to nuts tomss ect would hate for some one to swell up from you masterpiece.

OOOOOOO and not we all gave you ideas you know we will expect pictures of your feast.

[maraw]

I must admit, I was thinking more along the Italian lines, but now that you mention it, Thai sounds really good. Alissa's Pad Thai is really wonderful and I could do a fruit salad with mango, lime and coconut. I need something green too - maybe a marinated spinach dish.

I was also thinking of making a couple of desserts - any suggestions?

[maraw]

Alissas Pesto mushrooms are a must if you want to blow someones pants off with taste

the rawviolies with the maranara are great
salaid of course "make it Pretty " helps a lot
corn chips and salsa
Icream sandwichs and or rawkinlocks cinamon rollssss mmmmmmmmm

and lots of fresh friut and juice.

The raw ravioli are my one of favorites - and friends, both SAD and raw, have always loved them. The only problem is, I have recently discovered that I can't eat the turnips raw anymore. It kills my stomach - didn't use to, but, there it is.

I love your suggestion about the pesto mushrooms - although I seriously DO NOT want anyone taking their pants off at table! What would the children think? :p

I also like the idea of having lots of fresh juice available.

Oh, what about appetizers? I am kind of fond of my herbed cheese spread. Maybe I'll do that with some crackers and have fresh fruit.

You know how camera-happy I can be Dragggon. I will definitely take pictures. ;)

[rawpriestess]

I agree with Dragggon


when we want to show how great raw can be we make the rawviolies, but you could use anything instead of turnip, zucchinit or yam, or anything you like,
with marinara sauce,

pesto stuffed mushrooms, we also stuff small tomatoes, and dehydrate, super yummy too.

ice cream is the best dessert with toppings, or date nut torte or my chocolate mousse, mmmmmmmmmmm
for salad, I usually make a spincach salad with pine nuts, red pepper and a honey mustard dressing, the colors are really nice in this.

for appetizer, I use honey nuts or spiced nuts and corn chips with salsa, or onion bread with herbed cheese spread.

I also make meatballs to go with the lasagna, out of Alissa's meatloaf recipe, if you add fennel, it tastes like sausage. mmmmmmmmmmmmm

anyway, that is what we have done, and we always get rave reviews, or we make enchiladas, with cashew sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, tortilla soup, tostadas, and chocolate mousse (gotta' get that in some how)
anyway these are our favorite raw-curious foods to serve.

[karenisraw]

Maraw,

Is it just me or have you lost weight? Didn't you used to have another picture on RFT?

I just looked at you Raw Table website. I really really like it.

k
:)

[maraw]

Maraw,

Is it just me or have you lost weight? Didn't you used to have another picture on RFT?

I just looked at you Raw Table website. I really really like it.

k
:)

Thanks Karen - it's not just you. I have lost weight and had quite a bit of my hair cut off. I had skin cancer on my scalp surgically removed last fall and I had to buzz all my hair. It is just starting to grow back evenly now, but everyone says I look better with this extreme short cut. I think I'll keep it. When I first went raw last Spring, I weighed 192 - this morning I weighed 155. I still have about 10 pounds to go, but I'm close enough to be content. Thanks for noticing! I just thought it was time for a new avatar. If I'm getting sick of looking at it, I know everyone else must be too. :rolleyes:

I've had a lot of fun putting the web site together - thanks. It seems to be reaching a grateful audience, so I feel that the purpose has been well served.

And RP, I'm definitely going to make the ice creams sandwiches for the kids - there will be six children here all together that evening - not including us big kids! Thanks for all the suggestions - I'm getting hungry just reading your post.

[raeannasun]

raw cheesecake if you go with the italian theme.........
something presented in a young coconut if you go with a thai theme! :)
I can just picture an exotic drink in the young coconuts with a little umbrella and straw sticking out! that would be sure to impress them!

The raw cheesecake has always been a favorite of my non-raw friends!

[maraw]

I LOVE the idea of serving something in the coconut shell. Great idea! I'm all about pretty food and attractive presentation. I was just thinking about a really nice center piece with ginger and hybiscus. I can just see the table - lots of pretty colors and pretty foods. Man! Have I got a lot to do! Not to mention all the crayon marks all over the walls of the kitchen. Now I wish we had spent the past few weekends painting the kitchen like we were suppose to. Oh well. Now, back to the food....

Thanks Rae-. Btw, how's your mom doing? Haven't seen here in a bit.

[tvillemom]

MARAW, I thought I was looking at the "wrong" person. I had to think back when I first saw your new avatar, and realize it was YOU. You have really changed since the first picture. I like both pictures, the first, I seemed to connect with your great smile, but the second seems to show a change in you, for the better....you look great. One day I'll put up an avatar of myself....anyway, I know this was NOT the purpose of the thread. Sorry to side track.
I've never had cheesecake or the thai dishes (those are on my "to do" list) I like pesto mushrooms, and the rawviolis would work with zucchini....I LOVE Alissa's crepes....and what about your amazing chocolate pie?? Just my 2 cents. I must say this, DH OWES YOU BIG!!! All that work, you should get a SPA DAY, or something ;)
Wendi

[shakti17]

hi maraw, it sounds like you are going to have such a great party! be sure to take pictures for us :)

i find that cooked people always love the date nut torte, and make your yummy ice cream recipe!

shakti

[maraw]

...I must say this, DH OWES YOU BIG!!! All that work, you should get a SPA DAY, or something ;)
Wendi

I would normally agree with you because I just love the whole spa thing - however, I am going on a lovely 6-day visit of beautiful Portmouth New Hampshire in a little over 2 weeks. So I think for now, I am working with a negative dept issue here. :rolleyes:

On a side note, I am getting the feeling that my new avatar is too different from the old one. Yours is not the first comment I've received. I have changed the way I look and feel, quite a bit in the last year. I just don't have a recently taken big happy smile picture of myself right now. I like a smiling photograph too. I agree that it makes a much nicer connection - I tend to be a happy person, so it is more atuned to my personality anyway. But for now, let's let the "drama queen" come out and play for a bit. "Happy-go-lucky" will be back soon enough. Thanks for the help and comments.

Anna

[tvillemom]

Anna, YOU CRACK ME UP! Yes, we all have a little "drama queen" in us..... ;)
Let us know what you decide about the dinner...I can't wait to see pictures...I wish I could come!
Wendi

[Spectatrix]

Sounds like you already have some great recipe ideas, but I'd suggest that you ask about food allergies before you get too far along in your planning, if you haven't done so already.

[ChaiLife]

Anna,
I love your cranberry slaw. That was a big hit with a CROWD of SAD eaters when I made it. What about that yummy apple cobbler that you make?

Be sure to let us know what you decide to make and if you create any new recipes along the way. :)
No pressure right?! LOL You have a LOT going on right now. Good thing you are eating raw or you might not have the energy to keep up!

[BrookeDuck]

I wish I could come to the dinner! All the ideas sound so amazing and so yummy!

This is inspiring me, I might just have a handful of friends over for an entirely raw themed-dinner myself. YUM!


.

[maraw]

Ok my little raw-food-dinner-neurotics-anonymous support group, this is what I have in mind so far:

Dinner:
-Zucchini Pad Thai with Mint, Cilantro, Sprouts, Crushed Peppers and Wild Raw Peanuts
-Wilted Spinach, Mushroom and SD Tomato Medley
-Mango, Tomato, Cucumber, Lime and Lettuce Salad - Served in Coconut Shells
-Coconut, Banana and Squash Chips/Crackers

Dessert:
-Apple and Lemon Cream Tarts (yes Kelly, the same ones :) )
-Ginger Macaroons
-Pistachio Halvah
-Fresh Pineapple and Bananas tossed in honey and cinnamon

I'm still working on appetizers, and I need to test the chips today and see that recipe will work - it's still in my head.

How does that sound?

[gatorgrrl]

I can only say one thing--Can I come too? LOL

[rawpriestess]

maraw, it sounds marvelous, simply marvelous,

I know you make fantastic looking and tasting foods, I wish I could be at the next Alissa class so I could meet you, but I won't be able to get away until Sept, which is after our heavy fair/festival season, then starts up again in October, YIKES!

but if you want any ideas, not that you need any, Julianos, has tons of fantastic pics of his super colorful foods, yummy.

[maraw]

...Julianos, has tons of fantastic pics of his super colorful foods, yummy.

You know RP, I had that book up until about 3 weeks ago. I auctioned it for Carmel's husband. I always enjoyed looking at the pictures - lots of edible flowers and sprouts - very pretty. I got a couple of recipes from it, but it was never one of my favorites. I really use Alissa's and The Complete Book of Raw Food the most. Otherwise, I just make it up as I go. Thanks for the suggetion though. It reminded me to pick up some edible flowers for decorating.

See, you guys are just full of inspiration!

[Bobbie]

Wow, I don't like Thai food, but I'm sure to people who do, your menu will be delicious!!! It all sounds very colourful, it's going to look very pretty. Especially with the coconut shells. Wow, they'll think they've been transported to an exotic island.

While I was reading this thread, before I go to your final decision, I'd planned my Italian dinner party, so here it is, if anyone else is looking for ideas:

Appetisers:
Alissa's Ravioli
Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms
Marinated peppers and mushrooms with olives

Entree:
Spaghetti Ragu (Spagetti, with mushrooms and pine nuts mixed into ragu sauce)
Lasagne (http://www.welikeitraw.com/rawfood/2005/08/vegetable_lasag.html)
Italian Pesto Almond Torta (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/03/29/FDRAWRECIPES.DTL)

with a cake for dessert:
Strawberry Raw Cake**
Pecan Banana Ice Cream
Chocolate Pudding or Mousse

**In a food processor finely grind together equal amounts of walnuts and dates (organic fresh medjool or organic dried - non organic taste completely different so don't use)
Place one layer of this on a plate. Top with a layer of sliced strawberries, banana and papaya. Add another layer of walnut/date. Add another layer of strawberry, banana, papaya. Add another layer of walnut/date.

Put cashew nuts (or other white nut), water, lemon juice, and a few fresh dates in a blender, and blend to a thick cream. Pour over the "cake".
Decorate with flowers or fruit.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f93/BobbiMac/cake1.jpg

[maraw]

That cake is gorgeous - and the lasagna too - WOW! Thanks for sharing Bobbie!

[raeannasun]

For appetizers, why not do a hummus dip? Or just a plate of fresh veggies/olives/etc. Your party sounds really fun! Can't wait to see the pictures!!!

[Lady Green Jeans]

maraw,

I make Alissa'a indian spinach dip which I add at the outset very finely processed macadamias for creaminess. It is one of my favorites. I pipe or spoon it on cucumber circles, but could probably be put into Belgium endive leaves or cherry tomatoes. Not a Thai dish, though.

[maraw]

Stand Down everyone --- False Alarm ---

My husband just called and told me there has been some kind of site-wide problem that he is dealing with. He said it's not a good time for a social dinner invitation so we'll have to do it when I get back from New Hampshire.

That's fine with me really - gives me time to paint my kitchen and come up with more ideas for dinner.

Thanks everyone! Oh, btw, I made the chips this afternoon - they should be ready later tonight. Hopefully they turned out well.

[rawpriestess]

ARGH!!!, I was getting psych'd for you.

PAINT your KITCHEN? WoW maraw, you go all out for company, well, I guess it IS your hubby's boss, so that's okay. LOL

well, now you have plenty of time to hone your skills in Alissa's class AND to come up with even more tasty recipees, or to perfect these, paint your kitchen, repave the driveway, rewire the house, and and and. LOL

I'm sure they will be very impressed with your culinary skills AND the food.

[heabrook]

off-topic...

many people use this abbreviation "dh"

What does it mean? thanks.

[maraw]

off-topic...

many people use this abbreviation "dh"

What does it mean? thanks.

Dear/Darling Husband, and sometimes you might see DC for Dear/Darling Child or Children.

RP - you are so funny. You must think I am some kind of maniac! We have been meaning to paint the kitchen for ever a year. Remember that we have 4 very young children in the house and the kitchen walls have taken more crayon, marker, and dent abuse than any room in the house. I started painting the "cooking" part of the kitchen last summer and I really like the color. The breakfast room part still has yet to be painted and needs it desparately. Now that you mentioned it though, there is some rewiring that needs doing... :rolleyes:

I was getting psyched too. I was a little let down, but you are right. Now I have all this time to get ready, so it's a blessing really. The chips are turning out very nicely they just need a few more hours of dehydrating. And I would like to try some of these recipes out on my dh before I serve them to guests. I tend to like everything, so I'm not a good judge.

Thanks for the ideas everyone. And please don't feel like we can't continue planning. I would rather spend some time now planning than be in a panic when the time comes to really get busy.

[heabrook]

Thanks maraw.

Good luck with your dinner party, when you do have it.

I have tried several of your recipes (from your web site) and love them!

The herbed cheese spread is so good. I'm sure it would be a big hit if you also made several appetizers including spreads and dips for everyone to try.

[karenisraw]

ARGH!!!, I was getting psych'd for you.


Funny.

k :)

[gatorgrrl]

whens the party?

[Sharon in Colorado]

I immediately though of my friends here - what is the most impressive looking and tasting raw meal you've had so far? What would you chose to feed your husband's boss and his boss?

Thanks everyone!


When I read this I immediately thought of Bewitched and how Darren often invited his boss and wife home for dinner - and Samantha having to "prepare" herself. However this time you don't have to worry about creepy mother-in-laws, just the food.

I think one of the best things I've done was a multi-course meal for Thanksgiving. I started off with an fruit appetizer, then a soup and then a salad, then the dinner (which was partially cooked) but you can do this all raw and with all the courses it would be very satisfying.

Example:

Starter: Crudites and flax crackers with guacamole or other dip

Appetizer: sliced melon with dried cherries, or some kind of citrus-y salad

Soup: A fruit soup like strawberry soup with cashew creme swirls or a cold tomato soup with basil or gazpacho with flax crackers

Salad: a beautiful green salad or corn salad

Main course: Could be taquitos, make several different fillings for little lettuce cups like guac, salsa, seasoned sunflower seed filling, sour creme, onions, cilantro, etc.

Or could be zuchinni noodles with a little olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated portabellos, pine nuts, crushed garlic, etc.

Dessert: Fresh fruit with a dipping sauce, and your wonderful pudding of course.

Whatever you do, try to stick with something fresh over something too mixed up, spiced and dehydrated. Often that doesn't work well with folks, especially if they are going to be comparing it with their cooked counterparts.

[maraw]

I made this tonight and my dh just loved it. It would make a really great appetizer. These are the "chips" I started making yesterday. They curled up nicely, so I treated them more like "tacos". Nice and fruity and tropical. I think they would go well with the whole Thai theme.

[VibraTechJulie]

What a beautiful dish! I'm sure it even tastes better than it looks :p

Raw Blessings,
Julie

[tvillemom]

Is the chip recipe Alissa's? That looks so yummy. I'd like to make that, if there is a recipe?
Wendi

[maraw]

Is the chip recipe Alissa's? That looks so yummy. I'd like to make that, if there is a recipe?
Wendi

It is not one of Alissa's, but you can find it here:
http://www.therawtable.com/recipecoll/tacos.htm

[maraw]

OK, we're back in high alert mode. They are coming tomorrow night. All of them, kids and all.

So, in my panic state I came up with this. Any suggestions anyone?

Appetizers:
- Skewered grape tomatoes, pineapple and mushrooms marinated in nama shoyu.
- Lilac and Yellow Peppers stuffed with Alissa's cheddar cheese sauce, served with sweet kale chips

Entree:
- Green Salad w/tomatoes and savory seasoned pecans
- Beet Ravioi stuffed with my herbed cheese filling
- Nut Meat Balls
- Zucchini Spaghetti
(I thought I would pour a little of the marinara on the plate first and then place a little spaghetti in the center, then put three of the ravioli around it, then put three meatballs around those. I can top the spaghetti with a fresh basil leaf.

Dessert:
- Lemon and Blackberry Tarts (decorated with kiwi and mint)

I'm not in love with the skewered veggie idea. I may switch it and offer a hummus like raeanna suggested. Any other ideas? I know it sound like a lot, but I want them to try many different things. They are coming over to learn and to taste. I don't want to just serve one thing and hope they like it, you know? The pecans are just about finished dehydrating and I am going to make the herbed cheese, lemon cream, and meatballs today. It should all turn out OK.

Again, I am very open to suggestions. Anybody?

Thanks.

[maraw]

And by the way RP, my husband is painting the kitchen tonight... ;)

[JEN]

We should have had a raw painting party, would have been fun and yummy. Your tacos look wonderful! Ive made several recipes from your site and they are sooooooooo good!

[Cinnamon]

Your menu sounds just wonderful! The variety will be fun for everyone and please let us know how it goes. Have a great time!

[Rawkinlocs]

I agree with Cinnamon...sounds great to me! Only thing is...if it were me, I'd maybe marinate only the mushrooms in nama shoyu and maybe leave the tomato and pineapple as/is or do the tomatoes in a little olive oil and sea salt.

Also, are the tarts "kid friendly" or would you say they're more of a "grown up dessert"? I was gonna suggest making your fabulous chocolate pudding in little fancy dishes and maybe make a little crust to go in the bottom or something like that for the kiddos and have the tarts for the adults IF the tarts don't normally go over well with little ones.

[rawpriestess]

Maraw!!

as long as the color of your kitchen is pretty!!
LOL

well, sounds like you are doin' great, your food always looks soooo yummy, and I too, love your website and your recipes, so I'm sure the boss will too.

too bad we can't all come and help make stuff, then hide in the closet and watch their reaction, take pics please of your creations, like you don't have enough to do already.

have fun too!!

[maraw]

You know Rawkin, I forgot to mention it - but I am making the chocolate pudding for the kids. The lemon and blackberry, although just heavenly, is a little sophisticated in taste for kids. I agree with you.

I also like the idea of only marinating the mushrooms. I have a really nice marinated mushrooms recipe that I haven't made in a while. It's one of my favorites.

I would really love to take pictures of the plates all made up, but that might be a little too awkward: "excuse me, boss-men and wives, I have these virtual-friends online that want to see all this food...you don't mind if I just take a few pictures do you?" It might fly, but somehow, I think not. I will take pictures if I see a moment though. I think it will all be very colorful anyway.

And RP, I wish you could all come hide in the closet - I'd be hiding in there with you! :p

What about an ice cream option. I have a honey/mango that's pretty good. Maybe I'm doing too much. We'll see. I did decide to forego the meatballs.

Other ideas? Times running out.

Thanks guys!

[Rawkinlocs]

Anna, I would say not to try and do TOO much...your menu sounds great as it is. If anything else, maybe a nice fruit bowl/tray with some delicious fruit and let that be that!

Hope you have a fabulous time and even if you just ask them to take a picture or two "for the memory of the moment" and not necessarily JUST for us picture-hungry virtual friends...that would probably be acceptable! :D Or maybe if you can sneak a few shots of the food in before they get there or before it's brought out to them? But we don't wanna PRESSURE ya or anything! ;) :p

[rawpriestess]

You are doing great, they are gonna love the food and you, and it's going to be perfect.


don't worry about making too much or too little, they are probably expecting a salad and some carrot sticks, so anything you serve will be a blissful surprise to them.

No worries on the pics, we would just drool all over our keyboards anyway.

Although if you do find the time................ LOL

[maraw]

So far, so good. The tart shells came out very nicely, the chocolate chewies and kale chips are just about done. But the ravioli! Whoa baby! I can't eat the raw turnips anymore, so I wanted to try something kind of different. I knew I was stepping out onto a limb - especially considering who is coming over for dinner tonight. So, I made my herbed cheese spread and added a little garlic to it. Then I am using beets as the pasta. I sliced the beets this morning so I could make sure I had enough and to make certain the tastes went well together. Wow. It's perfect. You guys have got to try this stuff. I am going to serve Alissa's marinara with it but make it a little less sweet because of the dates.

Oh, and I decided to add a few large chunks to the mushroom marinade. They tates really nice too. The pineapples and tomatoes will be a nice combo with that.

Next, I'm moving onto the lemon cream and chocolate pudding, and then I have to get the house ready!

All is going well so far. I must say, preparing this meal raw has been so much easier than doing something cooked. I can do so much more in advance and don't have to worry about keeping everything warm. Plus, it all just tastes SO good.

Everyone have a great weekend, and thanks again for all the kind words of encouragement and support.

Anna

[RawFoodieMom]

Anna, I wish you all the best with your dinner, sounds like things are shaping up nicely. And remember, as RP said, they are probably just expecting salad and veggie sticks, etc, so don't worry if it's not perfect, you're going to knock their socks off!!! :)

Debra

[RawFoodieMom]

maraw, how did the boss's dinner go?? :)

[maraw]

Thanks for asking. Everyone seemed to enjoyed it all and they had lots of questions. It was fun, but I think I was so nervous I couldn't taste a thing! One funny thing did happen early on - a friend had come over to help tidy the kitchen and she accidentally threw the blade to the spiral slicer in the garbage. When it came time to spiralized the zucchini I was at a loss. I had completely given up, when my sweet husband comes running it with in his hand - that's when he told me where he had found it. All in all, it went well. Another funny thing - my dh's boss showed up with 2 gallons of milk, a jar of jiffy peanut butter, some really nasty looking grape squeezy jelly stuff, and two enormous loaves of white bread. He said they normally brought wine for dinner's they were invited too, but considering how many children we have, they thought we would appreciate this more... my husband and I just laughted about it later and fed the bread to the fish and turtles in a near-by pond. The other we are giving to a local women's shelter for lack of a better option. Funny huh?

So anyway, here are a few pictures I was able to snap quickly before everyone arrived...

Thanks for your encouragement and support everyone! I appreciate it more than words can express. You guys are really great! Thank you.

Anna

[Rawkinlocs]

Everything looks SOOO good! I'm so glad it went well for you! So odd that they brought milk, bread, jelly, and peanut butter!

[wyjoz]

WOW! can we all come to your dinner? question? did they make any comments on any of the foods? I know it had to be as it looks it ! Joz

[madmel]

The food looks amazing! Just amazing!

[RawFoodieMom]

maraw, WOW, all the food looks gorgeous, I just want to dig in! I know you had second thoughts about the skewers, but they look awesome too! :)