There's a latkes good food going on here, people.
Smoked Salmon Dip with Bagel Chips
Green Salad with Citrus Dressing
Braised Brisket with Carrots, Garlic and Parsnips
Dinner Party Timeline*
Two Days Before:
- Green Salad with Citrus Dressing: Make the dressing and store the citrus segments in the refrigerator.
- Noodle Kugel: Start preparing the kugel by completed step two of the recipe and refrigerate.
One Day Before:
- Smoked Salmon Dip: Complete step one.
- Set your table and figure out anything else you might need (candles, flowers, etc.)
Day of Your Party:
- Smoked Salmon Dip: Stir in the remaining salmon.
- Braised Brisket: Start preparing. While the brisket is in the oven (step three), start to prepare the potato latkes.
- Potato Latkes: While the brisket is in the oven, start preparing the latkes. From here you can work on the latkes and brisket in tandem.
- Noodle Kugel: Complete steps one, three and four.
- Complete the final steps of each item based on the time you want your guests to eat. If possible, try to have things still cooking during cocktails/appetizers/the first course so it's as fresh as possible.
Day of Your Party - Right Before Guests Arrive:
- Smoked Salmon Dip: Transfer the dip to a serving platter and top with fresh parsley. Lay out bagel chips.
- Green Salad with Citrus Dressing: Plate each salad with all ingredients and have the dressing ready to go. Dress each salad right as your guests sit down.
- Brooklyn Beauty Cocktail: Have a few cocktails ready about 15 minutes before your guests arrive.
- Roasted Apples: Put the apples in the oven about 30 minutes before dessert.
- My goal is to be ready with a cocktail to greet my guests at least 30 minutes before they arrive. This doesn't always happen but good music, cocktails and an appetizer can usually keep your guests entertained while you finish your makeup.
*Some items are best served immediately so keep that in mind. It's easiest to to figure out what time you plan on serving your meal and then working backwards.
