A lovely guest in my cookery school recently bemoaned the fact that in all her life she had learned only three good recipes. This meant that every time she had a gathering in her house, she couldn’t change her recipes, so she had to keep changing her friends.
Entertaining for groups can be a bit stressful, but there are key points to bear in mind: know your guests; engage others; know your recipes; and keep it simple.
I’m not quite sure whether it’s our Irish roots or our Italian connections that make entertaining so enjoyable for us as a family. It’s the best way to mark occasions among family and friends, in a relaxed homely environment.
I really believe that the most memorable days are the ones spent with family and friends in the intimacy of your own home, and through the cookery school at Bally- knocken I see more and more people opting to celebrate special events with parties at home.
For some of us, it's a major step outside our comfort zone, but with the proper planning, it's a rewarding opportunity to bring people together under one roof. Know your guests Think of the different personality types and look for the common denominator; that's what will guide your planning. You may then decide to set it up as either formal, with table service, or informal, with a buffet. That will determine whether you decide to offer a mix of hot and cold foods, so much of the food can be prepared in advance.
Remember, when planning the menu for these events, there always tend to be three generations present with various tastes and needs. Cooking for the generations needn’t mean having three different menus. In fact, I am delighted to have found that children’s tastebuds have become more sophisticated and there is a move towards children eating the same as adults but, to be on the safe side, include a homemade pizza for the few fussy eaters.
It’s also important to bear in mind the dietary requirements of guests, especially gluten-free, vegetarian, pescetarian and the likes. And again, rather than preparing special meals for the dietary requirement, incorporate these dishes into the main offering.
Engage other people Do accept help – and even ask for help – and allocate jobs to a handful of close family members. They will enjoy the community spirit and be glad to help out. There's bound to be a dessert queen or a bread king in your family. And children love to help out, so they can set the tables, fold napkins and help with some of the cooking, depending on their age. Know your recipes Whatever you decide to cook, it's important that you have tried the recipes in advance.
This will not only give you confidence in the finished meal but also give you a full understanding of the time and workload involved in preparing the dishes.
Think a good mix of tasty treats to suit all ages, from kids on the move to grandparents: try an antipasti platter for starters that can be prepared in advance and will be appreciated by all ages. Then for mains I am suggesting a very mild north Indian curry, as the flavours of north Indian cuisine are subtle and sweet and acceptable to most palates.
Most households have their own version of korma, which is a great crowd-pleaser, but I am opting for a prawn curry (and of course prawns can be replaced with diced chicken breast). You can dress it up by using raitas, fruity pickles and chutneys on the table, which will really impress, and for a filler, a plate of piled up naan bread and salad with mango dressing are always winners.
Desserts are always anticipated and it is easy to impress with my DIY dessert bar, and add your own signature desserts.
Catherine Fulvio is a TV chef, food writer and proprietor of Ballyknocken Cookery School in Glenealy, Co Wicklow. Forthcoming courses include Fabulous Mains and Desserts, Weekend Chef and Family Kitchen; see ballyknocken.com, tel. 0404-44627 For more of Catherine Fulvio’s recipes for family gatherings, see irishtimes.com
