How to Cook Dinner for 12

Last night was my son's third birthday and we had a whole bunch of people over for a bit of a party.

I started with several small plates meant to be shared, served with some bread for dipping.

I roasted some asparagus with garlic.


Before everyone arrived, I got the plates ready with all the components. So all I had to do was assemble the dishes when people arrive.


Baked goat cheese with tomato sauce. Though we have had this as a tapa here in Chicago, it is not Spanish, but yummy none the less. Basically just a large piece of goat cheese with tomato sauce baked until hot.


Burratta with roasted peppers.



Tuna with peppers.

Roasted asparagus with Parm.


While everyone was munching away, I got working on pizza. Its very hard to make pizza for that many people, as they come out every 10 - 15 minutes, so its very important to have everything in order before you begin.

Red and White.

Pesto and tomato with basil.

Potato and rosemary.



Caramelized onion.


Spicy red.