Simple Dinner Party Menus

November 18, 2008
Photo: Randy Mayor
Serve an easy, elegant dinner to company in 45 minutes or less with help from our best dinner party menus.
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Easy, Elegant Dinners

Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke
Easy, Elegant Dinners Recipe
You have enough to worry about when company is coming for dinner. Make the night less of a stress with our menus that are ready in 45 minutes or less.Thirty minutes and three ingredients (plus a little salt and pepper) are all you need for this flavorful main dish. Serve with steamed carrots and sautéed new potatoes for a fragrant meal for four.
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Filet Mignon with Fresh Herb and Garlic Rub

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr
Filet Mignon with Fresh Herb and Garlic Rub Recipe
Cook tender steaks in a hot skillet for about eight minutes. That's just enough time to steam a side of broccoli and cook a few roasted red potato wedges to serve with this menu for four.

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Southern Shrimp and Grits

Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke
Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Perfect anytime of day, this Low Country dish is the ideal offering for brunch or lunch guests. Start with peeled shrimp and you'll have this one-dish meal for six on the table in about 25 minutes.
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Mustard and Tarragon Braised Lamb

Lee Harrelson
Mustard and Tarragon Braised Lamb Recipe
Follow the game plan to get this menu for four on the table in about 30 minutes. Serve the lamb over mashed potatoes, to soak up the juices, and pair with a tangy spinach salad.

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Grilled Salmon with Apricot-Mustard Glaze

Randy Mayor
Grilled Salmon with Apricot-Mustard Glaze Recipe
In less than 40 minutes, this sophisticated salmon menu for four goes from the fridge to the dinner table. During the cooler months, use a grill pan to make this summer favorite a year-round staple.

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Pan-Grilled Chicken with Cranberry Salsa

Becky Luigart-Stayner
Pan-Grilled Chicken with Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Invite the couple from down the street to enjoy this fragrant dish, perfect for cool-weather nights. Serve the scaloppine-style chicken breasts over tart cranberry salsa and pair with steamed green beans to get this menu for four on the table in about 20 minutes.
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Pork Stuffed with Feta and Spinach

Lee Harrelson; Jan Gautro
Pork Stuffed with Feta and Spinach Recipe
Host a Mediterranean-inspired night for four with a menu from the Greek isles. Stuff chops with savory spinach, feta, and cream cheese then season with a bright sprinkle of lemon zest. Pair with herbed pita and yogurt for dipping.

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Orange-Ginger Glazed Cornish Hens

Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke
Orange-Ginger Glazed Cornish Hens Recipe
Wow your dinner guests with a shockingly easy dinner. Serve the menu for four with wild rice and roasted green beans. The hens cook in 25 minutes, so you can go from grocery bag to "dinner is served" in about 45 minutes.

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Seared Scallops with Lemon Orzo

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross
Seared Scallops with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Serve an easy but impressive scallop dinner in about 25 minutes. Sear the scallops while the orzo cooks to get the delectable menu for four on the table in no time.
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Duck with Olives and Couscous

Photo: Randy Mayor
Duck with Olives and Couscous Recipe
Impress your guests with a Moroccan-inspired meal of duck breasts simmered in a dynamic white wine sauce. Plate the menu for four over quick-cooking couscous and a side of your favorite steamed green vegetable.
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