Giusi wrote:
> I'm working on the menu for 20th December and would welcome some input.
> This is how far I've come:
>
> Raw veg with dips served with Jello shooters
> Chicken pot pie
> molded gelatin salad
> green salad with "stuff" in it and with real dressing
> biscuits
>
> Any suggestions for non-salad sides? (Not green bean casserole.) Not all
> American ingredients are available here in small city Italy.
>
> Also an iconic dessert that can be made ahead.
>
> Everything needs to be able to be made in quantity ahead of time and not
> need much last minute fiddling. It is to be good American food and not a
> joke. I will be serving American wines, which here means Gallo, but the
> higher end Gallo!

I always like rice with a pot pie. Perhaps a rice pilaf with some wild
rice (classic American food!) mixed in? Cooked in stock, perhaps some
mushrooms and green peas also added?
I've never actually made a molded gelatin salad and thankfully only see
them at church supper type events. Would a gelatin salad be a bit
redundant after the frat house style Jello shooters? Jello shooters are
great fun and at a party where getting a bit schnockered is a plus...but
is that your goal?
What about a good apple pie for dessert? Served with cheddar cheese.
Goomba (who may be missing the point of this meal?)