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Food

AI Plans A 5-Course Meal For My Last Minute New Year Party

From Greek Salad and Caprese Skewers to Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites and No-bake items, curate your menu with these easy-to-achieve preparations!

| Team ELLE
new year

While most people already have their plans set for New Year's Eve, my friends and I belong to the indecisive lot. Following a series of multiple cancellations and confirmations, we've finally decided to keep it low-key and have a nice dinner at home. And I volunteered to keep the party in my house. While I'm excited to play host for the first time, I'm equally stressed about this plan being so last-minute. Drinks and party games are sorted, but what about the food? To help me decide on the menu for the night, I asked AI to help me curate a 5-course meal idea with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and was quite impressed with its suggestions. Each course is packed with flavour and perfect for a festive evening. 

If you're in the same boat as me, then you've come to the right spot. Here’s how to put together a delightful spread:

1. Appetizer Options

Veg:

Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Cucumber Bites: Top cucumber slices with hummus and a sprinkle of paprika or diced vegetables.

Non-Veg:

Butter Garlic Prawns: Sauté prawns in butter with minced garlic, a splash of lemon juice, and chopped parsley.

Cucumber & Smoked Salmon Rolls: Spread cream cheese on cucumber slices and place smoked salmon slices, roll them up and secure with toothpicks.

2. Small Bite Options

Veg:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with cream cheese, Parmesan, and herbs, then bake.

 

Veggie Tacos: Soft corn tortillas filled with seasoned sautéed vegetables, avocado, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese.

Non-Veg:

Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Wrap pitted dates with bacon, secure with toothpicks, and bake until crispy.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites: Toss cooked chicken chunks in a bowl and add garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, parmesan and a pinch of salt, and then deep fry it. 

3. Salad Options

Veg:

Watermelon and Feta Salad: Add watermelon, cucumber, onion, mint leaves, lime juice, salt and pepper to a large bowl and mix well. 

Greek Salad: Combine chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and feta with olive oil and oregano.

Non-Veg:

Caesar Salad: Mix romaine, croutons, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing.

Chicken Salad Cups: Fill lettuce cups with a quick mix of shredded chicken, mayo, and herbs.

 

4. Main Course Options

Paneer Butter Masala: Cook paneer cubes in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy with butter, cream, and aromatic spices like garam masala. Serve with roti or rice. 

Lemon Herb Chicken: Roast chicken breasts/thighs with lemon, garlic, and herb marinade.

5. Dessert Options

No-Bake Cheesecake Cups: Layer graham cracker crumbs, cheesecake filling, and fruit compote in glasses.

Chocolate Fondue: Melt dark chocolate with heavy cream and serve with dippers like strawberries and marshmallows.

Tips For Success

  1. Organising the Prep: Start with dishes that take the longest to cook, like the stuffed mushrooms and chicken. Prepare appetizers and dessert while these bake.
  2. Time Management: You can assemble the Caprese Skewers and cheesecake cups in advance to save time during the party.
  3. Presentation Matters: Arrange dishes on serving platters and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Thanks to this 5-course meal, I'm so much at ease! I cannot wait to cook for my friends and impress them with this spread while also enjoying the party. After all, what better way to bring in the new year than with good food and company? 

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