I'm looking for an entree to feed about 8 adults at a Four Elements themed dinner party.
February 23, 2010 9:41 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for an entree to feed about 8 adults at a Four Elements themed dinner party.
The theme is left open to pretty much any interpretation of the idea of the Four Elements (air, earth, fire, water). There are no dietary restrictions/allergies/aversions to take into account, but since it's a group, I don't want to interpret "fire" as "overly spicy".
I'd love a baked dish that somehow combines those four ideas, but I think focusing on a single one would work as well. My budget is flexible but I'm aiming for $30 USD or so. The dinner is tomorrow and I won't have a lot of time to cook, but I can do up to an hour of prep earlier in the day.
As far as my skill level, I don't cook much but I'm pretty confident in the kitchen.
The theme is left open to pretty much any interpretation of the idea of the Four Elements (air, earth, fire, water). There are no dietary restrictions/allergies/aversions to take into account, but since it's a group, I don't want to interpret "fire" as "overly spicy".
I'd love a baked dish that somehow combines those four ideas, but I think focusing on a single one would work as well. My budget is flexible but I'm aiming for $30 USD or so. The dinner is tomorrow and I won't have a lot of time to cook, but I can do up to an hour of prep earlier in the day.
As far as my skill level, I don't cook much but I'm pretty confident in the kitchen.
In episode five of season 4 of Top Chef, the contestants were given exactly this challenge, come up with dishes based on the five elements. Here's a recap of the episode, which will explain all the dishes they prepared, starting particularly around page 8. I have no idea how fancy you want your dishes to be, but what they did on the show may give you some inspirations.
posted by Ms. Saint at 10:03 AM on February 23, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Ms. Saint at 10:03 AM on February 23, 2010 [1 favorite]
Flying (air) fish (water) flambé (fire)... with potatoes (earth).
Now where you get flying fish, I haven't the foggiest. Maybe just flambé a salmon and have them blow out the flames.
posted by LordSludge at 10:03 AM on February 23, 2010
Now where you get flying fish, I haven't the foggiest. Maybe just flambé a salmon and have them blow out the flames.
posted by LordSludge at 10:03 AM on February 23, 2010
Air + water = duck. Maybe a hachis Parmentier made with minced duck. And then flambe the top.
posted by elsietheeel at 10:08 AM on February 23, 2010
posted by elsietheeel at 10:08 AM on February 23, 2010
What about baked Alaska? There's air in the meringue and fire in the baking and you might be able to get an element or two in by picking your ice cream well..(use Phish Food and get water via the chocolate fish and earth because it's brown?)
posted by eleanna at 10:14 AM on February 23, 2010
posted by eleanna at 10:14 AM on February 23, 2010
Maybe some variation on tea-smoked duck, which is first steamed then smoked? You can do it all with a wok.
On another note, salt seems like the friendliest earthy substance--maybe salt-roast something and then flambe?
I also think you could somehow tweak fondue to get all these elements in one dish...
This is a great question and I'm going off to Ms. Saint's link now.
posted by Mngo at 10:36 AM on February 23, 2010
On another note, salt seems like the friendliest earthy substance--maybe salt-roast something and then flambe?
I also think you could somehow tweak fondue to get all these elements in one dish...
This is a great question and I'm going off to Ms. Saint's link now.
posted by Mngo at 10:36 AM on February 23, 2010
A potato souffle would cover all the bases: with the potatoes representing earth, you've got water + fire = steam, which makes it puff up. Inside the souffle is a bunch of air, so you're good.
You didn't say whether you're bringing food to a potluck or whether you'll be in your own kitchen, but souffles have to be baked right before serving, which could be a problem. Some of the prep can be done in advance, though. Also they scare a lot of cooks (including me).
Maybe something with phyllo dough and a mashed potato stuffing, for the same concepts but better portability? (Plus you can buy frozen phyllo sheets.)
posted by Quietgal at 10:55 AM on February 23, 2010
You didn't say whether you're bringing food to a potluck or whether you'll be in your own kitchen, but souffles have to be baked right before serving, which could be a problem. Some of the prep can be done in advance, though. Also they scare a lot of cooks (including me).
Maybe something with phyllo dough and a mashed potato stuffing, for the same concepts but better portability? (Plus you can buy frozen phyllo sheets.)
posted by Quietgal at 10:55 AM on February 23, 2010
Duck and wild mushroom gumbo has duck (air), mushrooms (earth), and red and yellow bell pepper (fire). Maybe leave some red and yellow bell pepper as garnish.
posted by MS_gal at 11:49 AM on February 23, 2010
posted by MS_gal at 11:49 AM on February 23, 2010
Baked planked salmon. Water (fish) earth (wood plank). I modify this by baking in the oven, and making a paste of dry bbq spice, olive oil, and brown sugar. It's great. It's easy.
posted by raisingsand at 12:06 PM on February 23, 2010
posted by raisingsand at 12:06 PM on February 23, 2010
A spicy paella with chicken, lamb, shrimp (or whatever), and spiciness.
posted by cmoj at 12:13 PM on February 23, 2010
posted by cmoj at 12:13 PM on February 23, 2010
Does it have to encompass more than one of the elements?
I have a nice recipe that came to mind immediately for the earth element, but as it is foamy in nature, it would fulfil both earth and air. It is a mushroom soup "cappucino" with truffle foam.
I made it with a vegetarian onion and parsnip broth, and it was awesome.
posted by Sallyfur at 12:35 AM on February 24, 2010
I have a nice recipe that came to mind immediately for the earth element, but as it is foamy in nature, it would fulfil both earth and air. It is a mushroom soup "cappucino" with truffle foam.
I made it with a vegetarian onion and parsnip broth, and it was awesome.
posted by Sallyfur at 12:35 AM on February 24, 2010
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posted by valkyryn at 9:49 AM on February 23, 2010