How to Cook for Friends and Enjoy Their Company

🔪Braising meat is a great option for cooking for a group as it can be cooked in advance and holds well.

🥗Preparing a green vegetable salad with blanched vegetables is a refreshing and easy side dish.

🥔Smashed potatoes are a simple and delicious side dish that can be prepared in advance and finished in the oven.

🍤Try making prawn escabeche, a sweet and sour dish popular in Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines.

🍷If you prefer not to use alcohol in cooking, you can use verjus as a non-alcoholic substitute.

Can I prepare the meal in advance?

—Yes, many of the dishes mentioned can be prepared in advance and finished when your friends arrive.

What other side dishes can I serve?

—You can serve roasted vegetables, a grain salad, or a creamy pasta dish as side dishes.

How do I keep the meat from drying out?

—Braising the meat ensures it stays moist and tender. You can also marinate it or cook it in a sauce.

Are these recipes suitable for dietary restrictions?

—Yes, you can easily modify the recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions. For example, you can use gluten-free ingredients or substitute tofu for meat.

How do I make the meal more festive?

—You can add festive decorations to the table, play music, or serve special cocktails to create a festive atmosphere.

00:00Introduction to the challenge of cooking for friends and still enjoying their company.

03:00Demonstration of braising meat and its benefits for cooking in advance.

09:00Preparation of a green vegetable salad with blanched vegetables.

15:00Explanation of how to make smashed potatoes, a simple and delicious side dish.

21:00Introduction to prawn escabeche and its popularity in different countries.

26:00Alternative option for non-alcoholic substitute in cooking.

30:00Answering common questions about meal preparation, side dishes, meat moisture, dietary restrictions, and creating a festive atmosphere.

35:00Conclusion and final tips for cooking for friends and enjoying their company.