A crowd-pleasing buffet

So often when family and friends gather for a meal, it is a challenge to serve foods that all your guests will enjoy. This menu has something for everyone, which makes it a surefire crowd-pleaser.The full-flavoured vegetarian pasta dish is a lot more interesting and easier to make than old standbys such as lasagna. And this hearty main course is balanced with lighter appetizers, a colourful salad and a decadent dessert.

Menu
Antipasto Platter with Crusty Baguettes
An enticing array of Italian appetizers piques the appetite and stimulates conversation as guests help themselves. When you're short of time, you'll find a good antipasto selection at most supermarkets and in Italian-food shops; add home-made varieties as desired.

If your guest list includes vegetarians, it might be wise to serve this on two smaller plates, one that features meat and seafood and one with meat-free components. Choose two or three kinds of olives, marinated artichoke hearts, pickled mushrooms, pickled eggplant, roasted red-pepper strips, marinated vegetables and marinated seafood. If desired, add Italian cheese, salami and thinly sliced prosciutto to wrap around fresh fig quarters or melon slices. Garnish with large leaves of fresh basil and clusters of small tomatoes. Set out sliced crusty baguettes and individual plates.

Two-Cheese Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables
Green and Red Salad
Winter Fruit-Salad Bowl with Marsala
Ginger Brownies