Dinner Help

[nicolewi]

We have another family coming over tomorrow for dinner. They have really picky eaters, so I am making this "easy" baked chicken parmesan thing. I will keep the breaded chicken, pasta, sauce and cheese separate so kids can just have plain chicken or whatever. I'm also having salad, Italian bread, some fruit, and some kind of dessert.

1. How do I keep the pasta warm? Usually I just drain & serve it to my family right from the pot b/c I know you aren't supposed to rinse before using sauces. In this case, should I rinse? Do I toss it with olive oil or butter? I would like to put out a big bowl for people to serve themselves. 

2. What dessert should I make/buy? They might bring some brownies, but aren't sure. 

[momin2013]

1. FTR, when I make chicken parm I assemble and bake it, and then just take the sauce and cheese off DS' piece when I cut it up for him.

For the pasta, I wouldn't make it too far in advance; basically cook it when it's close to time to eat. Then I'd transfer most of it to the serving plate/bowl and add sauce to it, then for the remaining pasta I'd stir in a bit of butter and put that out in a separate bowl.

2. I think I'd do chocolate chip cookies for the dessert.

[cabbagecabbage]

I would not rinse but I’d toss it with a little butter or olive oil, put it in a dish and cover it with foil. I’d make the pasta as close to serving time as possible and undercook it 1-2 minutes so it doesn’t steam into paste. Otherwise I’d have a large pot of water near a boil and crank it when they arrive and make angel hair in 5 minutes.

Cupcakes, ice cream sandwiches. I’d keep dessert simple and buy it.

[nicolewi]

Yep, I opte to not rinse but tossed with a little butter (would have used olive oil, but used butter for the kids). Worked out great! They all did the "build your own" chicken parm.

I made chocolate chip bars, using this recipe. I've used it before for my son's birthday. Just made it in a 11x15 pan and used chocolate chips and Easter M&Ms instead of the mix-ins he suggests.
emerils.com/121208/giant-chocolate-chip-cookie-cake