I and my husband had arranged a course-mates get-together at home last Saturday. When calculated an estimate of visitors we could expect, we were nearly baffled as how to manage a 6-seater dining table for about 12-13 of them! Sit-down diners ask for more space and can also mean more fuss on the table. We were put up at the office quarters and living on the first floor meant space constraint. That was when we both agreed for a buffet dine-in!

Buffet did not just meant more fun and an interesting way to entertain more people, but it even gave me, the so-called cook at home, the liberty to mix and match the menu as well!

I tried Indian-style chops, though not really a continental dish had my guests reaching the bowl for more than a couple of servings. Next I tried a combination of minced meat with a few crispy vegetable fries – I remember someone saying that day, that it had subtle resemblance to a Greek dish! Mmh… I was nearly flattered! I gave my pulao a truly international twist - instead of using regional herbs to garnish, I opted for parsley, rosemary and even thyme leaves; although I doubted how it may come out, with God’s grace, that was one of the top rated pick for the party! Any party I host cannot be without a potato dish – simply because I love potatoes. This time I tried classic grilled potato recipe, which was the combo of baked potatoes and minced meat in butter and chives and with an excess of chili.

For the dessert I chose dark chocolate cake and to make it look presentable (my husband is very keen on that), we topped it with dollops of sweet whipped cream and mint leaves and cherries to give a finishing touch!

Even my husband tried a few variations with cocktails and chilled drinks, which his friends loved, for his surprise!

So do you have any such recipes to go for mix n’ match buffet?

Picture Courtesy: Acupuncture.org.au