Ina Garten's Mostly Make-Ahead Fall Dinner Party Menu Is Loaded With Classics
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Whether we’re stressed about work, the holidays, or world events, there’s one thing that always makes us feel better: getting together with friends and loved ones to share a good meal. Ina Garten recently shared on Instagram that “at times of extraordinary stress, it’s even more important to reach out to friends and invite them to dinner,” and we totally agree. But she also says, “Who wants to spend the whole day cooking?” That’s why her fall dinner party menu is almost totally make-ahead. That means you can do most of the cooking and prep before company arrives, leaving you with more time to actually spend with your loved ones.
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So, what’s on the menu? Garten’s designed a meal featuring a signature cocktail (whiskey sours), a soup course, and entree and side, and dessert. But since everything is made ahead of time for the most part, you don’t need to feel stressed out about providing a multi-course meal for your loved ones.
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The starter is Garten’s butternut squash and apple soup. This silky, curry-spiced soup is made with sweet squash and apples, and is pureed either through a food mill, in a food processor, or with an immersion blender. The soup can be made up to three days ahead of time.
For the entree, Garten calls for a rack of lamb, which can be assembled ahead of time, and orzo with roasted vegetables as the side. It can be made a few hours before serving, then left at room temperature, which will help the flavors to meld.
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Last but not least, there’s dessert. Garten’s easy cranberry and apple cake is a simple baking project that you can make in the morning, then serve after dinner. It’s also great the next morning, served with a pot of hot, strong coffee. Think of it as your reward for throwing a relaxing, nourishing dinner party for your friends and family.
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