Question

What will you cook if you suddenly know that guests are coming over for dinner and you have just over a 2-hour head start?

Answer 1

If I had just over a 2-hour head start and needed to prepare a delicious and impressive dinner for guests, I would opt for a well-balanced menu with dishes that are relatively quick and easy to prepare. Here's a suggested three-course meal:

Appetizer: Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil

Ingredients:

• Baguette or Italian bread
• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Garlic cloves
• Balsamic glaze (optional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil over each slice and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until they turn golden and crisp.
4. While the bread is toasting, chop the tomatoes and basil and mix them in a bowl.
5. Rub the toasted bread with garlic cloves for added flavor.
6. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture onto the toasted bread slices.
7. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and balsamic glaze if desired.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Main Course: Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Linguine or any pasta of your choice
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt a few tablespoons of butter with olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
6. Stir in some chopped parsley and cooked pasta, tossing everything together until well coated.
7. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Dessert: No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• Chocolate graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling into the chocolate graham cracker crust.
6. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
7. Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder before serving.

This menu offers a refreshing bruschetta appetizer, a flavorful lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta for the main course, and a decadent no-bake chocolate cheesecake for dessert. Enjoy your dinner with your guests!