vegetarian – try tofu and veggie kebabs instead of the meat.
vegan – as per the vegetarian suggestion above plus replace the ice cream in the dessert with coconut ice cream (without the lime).
the lazy cook / short on time? – use a commercial dukkah or just serve bread with olive oil for dipping and a big bowl of olives as a starter. Use commercial hummus and pre-cooked brown rice from the supermarket. Forget about fiddling around with the ice cream and just serve cookies and ice cream in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves.
healthier – This is pretty healthy as is. Possibly serving raw veg to dip into the oil and dukkah and a salad of sliced oranges with roast almonds instead of the ice cream.
menu step-by-step planning guide + timing
menu total active time: 2.5 hours
step 1. any time up to 5 days before
Make the dukkah (15 minutes or 30 minutes if you need to roast and peel the nuts) – This can be made on the day if that suits you better.
step 2. 1 1/2 hours before guests arrive
Make the hummus (10 minutes)
Make the gingerbread ice cream (15 minutes)
Put plates somewhere to warm (1 minute)
Soak skewers for the kebabs (1 minute)
step 3. 1 hour before guests arrive
Prepare the kebabs and thread onto skewers (10 minutes)
Make the tabbouleh (10 minutes)
Serve dukkah with bread and olive oil (5 minutes)
Set the table (10 minutes)
Change into your party outfit (20 minutes)
step 4. when guests arrive
Appoint someone to look after drinks (especially yours!) (1 minute)
Offer the dukkah, bread and olive oil (1 minute)
step 5. about 30 minutes after guests arrive
Cook the kebabs and serve on warm plates (10 minutes)
Move tabbouleh and hummus to the table (1 minute)
Get your guests to the table and dig in!
step 6. when you’re ready
Delegate someone to clear the table (5 minutes)
Make tea or coffee (10 minutes)
If you feel like it stack the dishwasher and put a load on – or delegate this step too. (10 minutes)
Serve ice cream (5 minutes)
step 7. when the guests leave
Finish cleaning up + congratulate yourself!
menu problem solving guide
Note: for problems with individual recipes see the problem solving guide for each recipe.
guests running late
No problems, just wait until they arrive to cook the kebabs as per the plan – everything else can wait for them.
kebabs not cooked – make sure you test one before serving. If somehow quality control messes up, just take everyone’s plate back and cook the kebabs until really done.
guests early
Get them to fix themselves a drink while you finish whatever you were doing then return to the plan. You’re the host so it’s up to you to set the pace for the evening.
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