Italian Dinner Reception

So you want to treat your guests to a sit-down dinner. How do you fill a crowd without breaking the bank? Pasta! This simple Italian dinner will delight your guests with the flavor of the old country.

This menu includes:

• Salad
• Bread (garlic toast or rolls)
• Spaghetti or lasagna

To craft your Italian dinner, begin with a bagged salad of your choice. You may choose to use just one type of salad dressing or offer two or three options to your guests. Don't go overboard--you don't have to offer every flavor on the dressing aisle. Italian, ranch, and vinaigrette will suffice. Optionally, top with crutons and shredded Parmesan or feta cheese.

Next, choose your bread. Bagged rolls from your local bakery or grocer are a simple option as they do not need to be heated. If you prefer garlic bread, you may purchase fresh or frozen garlic sticks or toast that need only be heated. To reduce costs, you may want to make garlic bread yourself using this simple recipe.

Garlic Toast

Ingredients: 

• Thickly sliced bread
• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Spread bread with room-temperature butter and sprinkle on garlic powder. For cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until the edges brown and cheese has begun to melt. May be served warm or at room temperature.

Next, choose your pasta. Frozen family size lasagnas are a good option if you'd like to conserve prep time. Keep in mind, though, that these often need to cook for upwards of 2 hours. Spaghetti, on the other hand, is very inexpensive and goes a long way. Top it with warm spaghetti sauce and, optionally, with meatballs and shredded cheese. For a five-star appearance, garnish with a spring of parsley.

If you're feeling more adventurous than your average canned spaghetti sauce, try this traditional family recipe that's just too good to covet as a family secret. It is quick and easy--throw your ingredients in the crock pot the night before or morning of, and its reception-ready!

The Family Sauce

Ingredients: 

• 2 32-oz cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 heaping tablespoons garlic
• 1 apple, chopped or pureed
• 1/2 cup Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in large crock pot and stir. Cook on low overnight or at least 6 hours. If time is limited, cook on high for 2 hours. Serves 20-25. 

This Italian dinner can easily be served buffet-style, or plates may be prepared and brought to your guests. Remember, preparing plates can help you remain within budget (and not run out of food!) by limiting portion sizes and hasty guests returning for seconds.