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Jorj Morgan

The Invisible Host’s Make-Ahead Dinner Menu

A sophisticated, high-end hosting menu featuring Chicken Milanese, Chili-Crusted Salmon, and a vegetable Ratatouille—all designed to be finished in the oven at a single temperature so the host can remain present with their guests.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course

Ingredients
  

Chicken Milanese
  • Chicken breasts
  • Prepared mustard for brushing
  • Bread crumbs
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
Lemon Vinaigrette
  • Shallots
  • Lemon juice
  • White balsamic vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
Chili-Crusted Salmon
  • 1 Whole salmon filet
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Brown sugar
  • Chili powder
  • Onion salt
  • Garlic salt
  • Ground cumin
  • Paprika
Make-Ahead Ratatouille
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Garlic
  • Zucchini
  • Yellow squash
  • Eggplant
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Fresh basil
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Method
 

Chicken Milanese
  1. Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap until thin and even.
  2. Brush each side of the chicken with mustard, then dredge thoroughly in bread crumbs.
  3. Sauté the chicken in a mixture of olive oil and butter until golden.
  4. Transfer to a baking sheet. (Note: This can be done 2 hours in advance).
  5. Finish in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
 Lemon Vinaigrette
  1. In a food processor or blender, combine shallots, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, and mustard.
  2. While blending, slowly pour in olive oil until emulsified.
  3. Season with salt and pepper. (Note: This can be made several days in advance).
Chili-Crusted Salmon
  1. Place the salmon filet on a baking sheet and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, onion salt, garlic salt, cumin, and paprika to create a spice rub.
  3. Sprinkle the rub evenly over the salmon. (Note: This can be prepared hours in advance).
  4. Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
Make-Ahead Ratatouille
  1. Sauté onions, bell peppers, garlic, zucchini, yellow squash, and eggplant until softened.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes and fresh basil.
  3. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and top with a generous layer of Parmigiano-Reggiano. (Note: This can be refrigerated for up to 2 days).
  4. Bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.