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Casual Buffet Dinner Menu

Broccolini with lemon and shaved Parmesan

Mini Bacon and Potato Frittatas

The Italian version of omelets, frittatas make tasty appetizers. These flavorful mini frittatas feature crumbled bacon, sweet onion, chopped potatoes, chives, and fresh Parmesan cheese.  Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of fresh chives.

Mini Bacon and Potato Frittatas Photo by: Jeff Kauck

Ingredients

  • 2 cups finely chopped peeled baking potato (about 12 ounces)
  • 5 bacon slices (uncooked)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives, divided
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 7 large egg whites, lightly beaten
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Cooking spray
  • 6 tablespoons fat-free sour cream

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°.

Place potato in a medium saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; cook 4 minutes or until almost tender. Drain.

Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings in pan. Crumble bacon; set aside. Add potato, onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and thyme to drippings in pan; cook 8 minutes or until potato is lightly brown over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; cool.

Combine the potato mixture, bacon, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons chives, cheese, pepper, egg whites, and eggs, stirring well with a whisk. Coat 36 mini muffin cups with cooking spray. Spoon about 1 tablespoon egg mixture into each muffin cup. Bake at 375° for 16 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool 5 minutes on a wire rack. Remove frittatas from muffin cups. Top each with 1/2 teaspoon sour cream and 1/2 teaspoon chives.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2006

Roasted Beet, Fennel, and Walnut Salad

Roast the beets, toast the walnuts, and prepare the dressing three days in advance. Slice the fennel and endive and toss the salad just before serving.

Roasted Beet, Fennel, and Walnut Salad Photo by: Jeff Kauck

Ingredients

  • Salad:
  • 6 beets
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 2 (1 1/4-pound) fennel bulbs with stalks
  • 2 cups sliced Belgian endive (about 2 small heads)
  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
  • 1 (6-ounce) package fresh spinach (about 8 cups)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange rind
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 2 teaspoons extravirgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°.

To prepare salad, leave root and 1 inch of stem on beets; scrub with a vegetable brush. Peel and cut beets into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Place beets on a jelly-roll pan. Drizzle with canola oil; toss well to coat. Bake at 400° for 45 minutes or until beets are tender, stirring every 20 minutes.

Trim the tough outer leaves from fennel; mince feathery fronds to measure 2 tablespoons. Remove and discard stalks. Cut fennel bulbs in half lengthwise; discard cores. Cut the bulbs into 1/4-inch slices. Combine fennel slices, endive, and next 4 ingredients (through pepper) in a large bowl; toss gently.

To prepare dressing, combine vinegar and remaining ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Drizzle dressing mixture over fennel mixture. Add beets to bowl; toss to combine. Sprinkle with chopped fennel fronds. Serve immediately.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2006

Barbecue-Rubbed Pork Loin with Raisin-Mustard Chutney

Prepare the chutney a day or two in advance, but roast the pork just before serving. Serve with focaccia and roasted Broccolini.

Barbecue-Rubbed Pork Loin with Raisin-Mustard Chutney Photo by: Jeff Kauck

Ingredients

  • Chutney:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/3 cup apple jelly
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pork:
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 (3 3/4-pound) boneless pork loin, trimmed
  • Cooking spray

Preparation

To prepare chutney, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, and garlic; sauté 4 minutes. Stir in juice and next 6 ingredients (through 1/2 teaspoon cumin); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in jelly, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spoon into a bowl; cover and chill.

Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare pork, combine sugar and next 8 ingredients (through red pepper); rub over pork. Place pork on a rack coated with cooking spray; place rack in pan. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 160° (slightly pink). Let stand 20 minutes. Cut into thin slices. Serve with chutney.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2006

Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Tarragon Mayonnaise

Prepare the mayonnaise a day ahead, and refrigerate. Garnish the platter with fresh tarragon sprigs and lady apples.

Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Tarragon Mayonnaise Photo by: Jeff Kauck

Ingredients

  • Turkey:
  • 1 (6-pound) whole bone-in turkey breast
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • Mayonnaise:
  • 1 cup light mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon tarragon vinegar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare turkey, trim excess fat. Starting at neck cavity, loosen skin from breast by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat.

Combine 2 tablespoons tarragon and next 6 ingredients (through garlic), stirring well. Rub tarragon mixture under loosened skin and over breast meat. Place turkey, breast side up, on a wire rack coated with cooking spray. Place rack in a roasting pan. Pour 1 1/2 cups water into pan. Bake at 350° for 1 hour. Baste turkey with pan juices. Bake an additional 30 minutes or until a thermometer registers 165°. Remove turkey from oven. Loosely cover with foil; let stand 20 minutes. Remove skin from turkey; discard. Thinly slice turkey.

To prepare mayonnaise, combine mayonnaise and the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Serve with turkey.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2006

Asiago and Balsamic Caramelized Onion Focaccia

This bread complements poultry and pork.

Asiago and Balsamic Caramelized Onion Focaccia Photo by: Jeff Kauck

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extravirgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons honey, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (100° to 110°)
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (about 17 ounces), divided
  • Cooking spray
  • 3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated fresh Asiago cheese

Preparation

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, 1 tablespoon honey, and thyme; cook 5 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cool completely.

Dissolve yeast and remaining 1 tablespoon honey in 1 1/4 cups warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add onion mixture, remaining 2 tablespoons oil, remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 3 1/2 cups flour to yeast mixture; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes). Add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands.

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Gently press dough into a 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 25 minutes or until almost doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 400°.

Sprinkle dough with cheese. Bake at 400° for 18 minutes or until browned. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on rack.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2006

Citrus-Drizzled Cranberry-Oatmeal Cookies

Sweetened dried cranberries lend color and sweet-tartness to these oatmeal cookies. Make them up to three days ahead, and store in an airtight container.

Citrus-Drizzled Cranberry-Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

  • Cookies:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (about 9 ounces)
  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
  • Cooking spray
  • Glaze:
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange rind

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare cookies, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, quick-cooking oats, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg in a bowl. Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add vanilla and eggs; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture and cranberries; beat at low speed until combined. Shape dough into 55 (1-inch) balls. Place the balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until almost firm. Let stand on the baking sheets 2 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheets; cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar and remaining ingredients in a bowl, stirring with a whisk. Spoon mixture into a small zip-top plastic bag. Snip a small hole in 1 corner of bag; drizzle glaze over cooled cookies.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2006

Peppermint Stick Hot Chocolate

For an adults-only party, consider spiking this drink with mint liqueur, such as peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe.

Peppermint Stick Hot Chocolate Photo by: Jeff Kauck

Ingredients

  • 8 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 12 candy canes
  • 3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
  • Whole grated nutmeg (optional)

Preparation

Combine milk, brown sugar, cocoa, vanilla, nutmeg, and semisweet chocolate in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook 25 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth, stirring occasionally. Serve with candy canes and marshmallows. Garnish with whole grated nutmeg, if desired.

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2006

Formal Menu Top Casual Buffet Dinner Menu

Mini Bacon and Potato Frittatas

Roasted Beet, Fennel, and Walnut Salad

Barbecue-Rubbed Pork Loin with Raisin-Mustard Chutney

Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Tarragon Mayonnaise

Asiago and Balsamic Caramelized Onion Focaccia

Citrus-Drizzled Cranberry-Oatmeal Cookies

Peppermint Stick Hot Chocolate

Cooking Light

Formal Menu Bottom

Shopping List for Casual Buffet Dinner Menu

Welcome one and all with a reception that can be casual or refined. (Serves 12)

Broccolini with lemon and shaved Parmesan

Shopping List:

Baking

  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (about 9 ounces)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dairy

  • 8 cups 2% reduced-fat milk

Meat

  • 5 bacon slices (uncooked)
  • 1 (6-pound) whole bone-in turkey breast

Other

  • Salad:
  • Chutney:
  • 1 cup apple juice
  • Turkey:
  • Cookies:
  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats

Produce

  • 2 cups finely chopped peeled baking potato (about 12 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives, divided
  • 6 beets
  • 2 (1 1/4-pound) fennel bulbs with stalks
  • 2 cups sliced Belgian endive (about 2 small heads)
  • 1 (6-ounce) package fresh spinach (about 8 cups)
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
  • 1 cup chopped onion

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/3 cup apple jelly
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extravirgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons honey, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Recipe List

Mini Bacon and Potato Frittatas

Roasted Beet, Fennel, and Walnut Salad

Barbecue-Rubbed Pork Loin with Raisin-Mustard Chutney

Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Tarragon Mayonnaise

Asiago and Balsamic Caramelized Onion Focaccia

Citrus-Drizzled Cranberry-Oatmeal Cookies

Peppermint Stick Hot Chocolate

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Casual Buffet Dinner Menu
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