One of my favourite cooking websites is the Pioneer Woman. She's got loads of fabulous recipes - if you look under her Holidays section, and then under Superbowl etc, there are loads of suggestions for buffets and potlucks.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/

Where the heck did that come from? I try and offer you advice and you insult me? You don't even know me.


I didn't say anything about them looking down on you if you didn't get the food "spot on." That's quite a leap on what I said. In any case, what's the point of trying to recreate the food of another country for people from that country if you are apparently not concerned about getting it right? I would either get it right or not do it at all. That has nothing to do with being "stuck up."

My advice was to save you the trouble and to make it more about about enjoying each other's company. Besides, you said you are all into "lots of yummy food" so as I said I would just make something that everyone enjoys. Better yet, why not ask them what they would like and make it even easier?

That's a fantastic website, I've just spent a while looking at that! Thank you. The loaded nachos look out of this world but very achievable to make. Might have to make it a 'The Americas' theme instead...

You are basically saying not to even bother trying (to make American food). I don't give up that easily. I'm not English but I make very nice English foods. It is possible to cook outside one's culture. And of course I'm concerned about getting it right, but I can only do my best. I do not serve up shit food, ever.

And I'm not going to ask the guests of honour what they want to eat at their surprise party!

Anyway I'll not bother arguing with you anymore, we'll just go round in circles.

I wasn't "arguing" with you. You asked for advice and I gave it to you. You could have graciously acknowledged that advice but instead you felt the need to insult me. Graciously acknowledging advice that you were seeking doesn't mean you have to go along with it.

So much for "easygoing." I'm sorry I even bothered.

I've never known Amuse Bouche be this. From my understanding it's a single, bite-sized item selected by the chef and given free of charge. When the waiter brings you something over before your starter and says "complements of the chef", that's your amuse bouche. In fact, the link you posted states this.

"tiny, bite-sized treats sent out by the chef to whet diners' appetites for the meal to follow. Unlike appetizers, diners don't get to choose their amuse-bouche from the menu. They're pleasantly surprised with whatever the chef prepares for them. "

I've never heard of a full meal of amuse bouche.

I can assure you I have had full amuse-bouche portioned meal.

I believe that you've had it but it's unusual and it's not traditionally what amuse bouche is so to define it as that is a little misleading.

Sorry about that but it wasn't my definition either. It was how it was sold to me and jolly good it was too.

Be sure to post pictures if you do!

I love some of the ideas on this thread might have to organise my own US supper!

Your idea Victoria is lovely I hope you have a wonderful time, Don't worry about PPhilster, probably just jealous he does not have an invite!

Why would she need to be worried about me? I'm not the one that was being unfriendly. Besides, I'm thousands of miles away in America eating the real thing. That's apparently what us "stuck up" people prefer to do.

Oh put a sock in it will you, it's beyond tedious

Make sure that if the donuts aren't those ring shaped sort that they are filled with apple sauce!

Thank you, I am really looking forward to it. Got lots of work to do but will be fun still.


I haven't come across those ones before. I am planning to get little ones and perhaps pretty them up with some red, white and blue icing and stars!

But what preceded it wasn't?

You know you don't have to read and respond to particular comments.

American donuts with "apple sauce?" I'm sure some people here make such donuts but it certainly is not a common thing. The common thing is jelly donuts, mostly berry based.

You sound like fun


This sounds lovely Victoria, I want an American themed party now Some of these suggestions are making me hungry, might have to find an excuse to do it for when my friend moves to America next month!

I am suitably impressed.

Apple and Cinammon doughnuts are not uncommon in America, are you actually an American or just a wannabe like the OP on this thread?

What on earth?

LOL. Victoria did you know you're a wannabe American now?

I couldn't be a wannabe American if I tried, my American accent is totally shite! I've been making my Aussie flatmate laugh lately with my pseudo-Aussie accent though, it has her in stitches!

No, I"m actually American. Why that bothers you so much that you feel the need to constantly question it and make snide remarks in multiple threads is too bizarre to even try to figure out.

It also doesn't make any sense for you to be calling the OP a "wannabe" American. The woman is simply trying to do something nice for her American friends.

Jelly donuts, as I said, are typically berry based. I also never even mentioned cinnamon. At least read a bit more carefully.

Just a stab...but it might be something to do with you constantly mentioning it that makes people constantly question it.