Main-Dishes...Made Marvelous!

Main-dishes are like the centerpiece of a meal... You set it in the middle of the table, everyone takes a deep breath, and either comments on how wonderful it looks and how good it smells, or as my kids sometimes do, ask what it is and before I finish setting it down they turn up their noses and insist they can't possibly eat it!

You're having a big party in three weeks...How do you know what to fix as your main-dish? A lot has to do with the kind of party you're throwing. And what time of year it is.

If it's a theme party, a lot of the time, the theme will dictate the food. For instance, if you're having a beach party, you'll more than likely be serving seafood.

After you've narrowed down whether you're having italian, mexican, steaks on the grill, or a picnic, then you can ask yourself a few questions to help you decide.

• Have I ever cooked this type of food? If not, you might want to practice well in advance!

• What have I fixed that my family and friends say they really like?

• Are the ingredients available; that is, are they in season?

• Can I prepare this ahead of time? Can I make it ahead and freeze it?

• Do I have enough room and the right dishes to serve this food?

After asking yourself these questions, you'll probably have a pretty good handle on what you want to fix. If you're still unsure, here are some of our favorite recipes that you're more than welcome to use.

Seafood Kebabs with Lemon Sauce

Grilled Tequilla Lime Chicken

Chili