I am making dinner for four couples-- one in their late-40's, one in their mid-50's, one in their late-60's, and one in their early-80's. I'm planning to serve 2 appetizers, a main course, salad, side, and dessert. This is in 3 weeks, so I have plenty of time to plan. Does anyone have any suggestions about what to serve to such a diverse group? I only seem to entertain guests around my own age (late 40's). There are no food restrictions or allergies to plan around, only that since I don't eat red meat I don't want to cook it. So fish, poultry, pasta, etc. would be fine.

Assistance, please? Thanks!

This is so easy that you'll be surprised at how amazing it tastes:

1 1/2 pounds of chicken (I used boneless breasts)
1 1/2 cups of buttermilk
1 1/2 T. of Chinese Five-Spice Powder (McCormick or look online to make your own)
2-3 cloves of minced garlic
1 1/2 T. each of chopped fresh Italian Parsley and cilantro (If you don't like cilantro so just use the parsley and increase it to 3 T)

NOTES: If you make 2 lbs. of chicken, add some more of the Chinese Five-Spice Powder. Add the spice to the buttermilk. Marinate the chicken in the spicy buttermilk for at least a few hours (I marinated it for a whole day). Top with the fresh herbs and bake at 350 for an hour or until the chicken is done. I baked the chicken in enough marinade to cover all the meat and a little extra.

Serve it with brown or wild rice, mashed potatoes or barley and a veggie or two.

OMG, this is incredible.

For dessert, you could buy something or make something. I'll look around at recipes if you tell me you favorite flavors.

Suz

Wow, how did you know that I have a small jar of Penzey's 5-Spice Powder that I haven't found a use for yet?! This definitely goes to the top of the list-- THANKS!
I have a recipe for a flourless chocolate cake which I plan to make for dessert since there are a lot of chocoholics in the group-- but I appreciate your offer.

The recipe sounds great, thanks skupe!