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I would find that a lot of work, frying tortillas and fixing "yum fixings," and I'm not someone who would describe himself as "not a great cook."
You can buy pre-made taco shells. The "work" would be frying a bunch of hamburger. You could use taco seasoning packets. Then shred lettuce, put out sour cream, bottles of hot sauce, and black olives. Buy and thaw frozen guacamole. Use pre-shredded cheese in a couple of different varieties, like cheddar and jack.
That's not how I make tacos, but it can be done that way for very little work.
If I did tacos, I'd buy and heat a big can of Rosarita refried beans and heat those. I'd also put out a tray of nachos, easy version. Layer tortilla chips (Jaunita's brand if you can get them), dab on little globs of canned chili (recommend Denison's), top with a generous amout or grated cheddar or jack and bake until the cheese is melted.
There are a lot of things that normally take some time and effort that can be made easily with prepacked ingredients. I'll confess to using Thai curry seasonings instead of making it all myself. Cook some meat, add 3 Tablespoons of seasoning mix and a can of coconut milk and all I have to do is cook rice and we have a really good meal with not a heck of a lot of work. No one around here is complaining.
Chili from the crockpot...my preference is black bean/turkey. Chopped red onion, grated cheese for toppings.
Corn bread/muffins. Use a mix. Marie Callender's is moist/slightly sweet.
Coleslaw..buy the shredded stuff in the bag (2 colors cabbage, carrots), mix in a LITTLE light mayo, spoon of sugar, spoon of vinegar (white, rice, apple cider), salt/pepper, taste & adjust, let chill for 1 hr. before serving.
If you must have appetizers, chips & a good salsa.
If anyone wants dessert, have 2 different flavors of good ice cream, non-dairy if needed.
For drinks, beer or good quality lemonade.
Boom! You're done. The most important part of having people over for dinner is the people, not the food!
Do what you know. Make your Hungarian goulash. What traditionally goes with goulash? A cabbage slaw? Rice?
Are you wine drinkers? If so get a couple bottles of cabernet.
And pick up some good artisan style crusty bread. Warm the bread in a 200 degree oven & serve with butter. Or you could slice it and butter one side and stick under the broiler on cookie sheet while you're watching it...to just lightly toast it. For family meals, I just put the warm bread on the table on a wood cutting board with a knife & butter plate to serve yourself.
For dessert several pints of ice cream & toppings & canned whipped cream for make your own sundae dessert. Have some sugar cookies too. Have coffee available.
I really like this idea.
I could serve a plate of veggies, dips, cheese and salamis first.
Have the goulash with crusty bread and butter, and a cucumber salad.
Ice cream and toppings for dessert.
I worried that goulash was too unusual, but it's just stew, really.
I can cook a couple of things: Spaghetti and Meatballs (not even using jarred sauce!) and a real Hungarian goulash soup. I thought of the goulash, especially since it's winter. Then I thought maybe I should make something more ordinary.
If you do a good goulash, do not be bashful about rolling it out to star for your guests! I do a killer gumbo, and frequently used that as a base when having friends over. Always went over well, and since I knew how to do it, I could vary it a little.
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Originally Posted by LifeIsGood01
Buy a 5 quart slow cooker for $20 to $30 at Walmart. You can cook a roast or pork or a whole chicken, I make my chicken with potatoes and carrots in it. I remove the skin, and bake it as a snack. I use rosemary and thyme and some salt, pepper, Morton SeasonAll and a cup of water to make the chicken and make white rice to serve with it. It cooks in about 6 hours on high.
Crockpots are great for less experienced cooks - you can do so much - it is so easy - and it always comes out good.
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