1. I wanted to do pasta: Everyone loves pasta and I'm comfortable making it as I do it often. Also, it's an economical way to serve a large group.
2. I wanted easy appetizers, side dishes: In order to make sure the main-course got my full attention, I didn't spend much time on the other dishes. I went with bagged mixed greens for salad, fresh italian bread from the bakery, and quick and easy bruschetta crackers (recipe below).
3. The meal should be appealing to the eye: The first impression is a great way to make your guests enjoy your meal without even tasting it. I wanted a fun holiday themed table setting, as well as decorations around my apartment.
With all of these taken into account I landed on trying a new recipe (something I was advised not to do) - Three Cheese Rigatoni.
Three Cheese Rigatoni Recipe
- 3
- cups uncooked rigatoni pasta (9 oz)
- 2
- medium stalks celery, sliced (1 cup)
- 1
- small carrot, shredded (1/2 cup)
- 1
- container (8 oz) sour cream-and-chive dip
- 1
- cup shredded Colby cheese (4 oz)
- 1
- cup shredded brick or Monterey Jack cheese (4 oz)
- 1/4
- cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4
- cup milk
- 1
- tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1/4
- cup Progresso® Panko dry bread crumbs
- 1
- tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
- Heat oven to 375°F. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Return to saucepan.
- Stir remaining ingredients except bread crumbs and butter into pasta. In ungreased 2-quart casserole, spread pasta mixture. In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle around edge of casserole.
- Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Bruschetta Crackers Recipe
This side dish is so easy it doesn't even warrant a step-by-step recipe. All you need are your favorite crackers (I always use the Italian Town House Crackers), cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. For each cracker slice a tomtit and place on top along with a slice of cheese. To top it off, drizzle with a little olive oil. Finally, throw them in the oven and bake until cheese is melted. Be careful not to burn the crackers!
Other Tips
Along with decorating the table and my apartment I also got some easy and in-expensive party favors for all of my guests. It was a nice way to send them off and it is Christmas after all :)
This meal was fun and easy because I chose a recipe I was comfortable with and started early. I was never rushing to finish which made this day stress-free. I was ready for my guests when they arrived and wasn't stuck in the kitchen while they all got acquainted.
After my first attempt I am really eager to host another dinner and recommend you do it too. It's a nice way to gather friends together and isn't as hard as it looks. Happy Holidays!