"Nexis" > wrote in message news:<kRIcd.4313$SW3.2870@fed1read01>...
> >
> Appetizers: Various veggies, dip, pate, crackers, olives, and an assortment
> of cheeses.
>
> Soup: Roasted Pumpkin Soup
>
> Dinner: Chicken Saltimbocca. Now, here's where you come in....what side
> dishes would you make? I don't want anything too heavy, but I'd like it to
> compliment the chicken. For anyone who doesn't know, the chicken dish has
> sage, prosciutto, provolone, shallots...just to give you an idea of the
> flavors.

A simple pasta aglio e olio (garlic and olive oil) is good with this.
Toss a little copped fresh parsley in when ready. You could also do a
risotto, but with everything else, that may be a bit labor intensive.
If you have the time, a mushroom risotto would be good. I'd suggest
chanterelles for the shrooms. Other starchy options include polenta or
roasted potatoes.

For veggies, consider asparagus, broccoli, or spinach. Spinach can be
quickly "stir fried" in garlicky olive oil and is delicious. I mean
quickly, so it shouldn't be mushy at all. Asparagus (white is somewhat
festive if a bit spendy) is good with perhaps a fried egg on top, or
with a simple sauce. A dish or broccoli orichette (pasta) is fairly
simple and looks good. The later combines a starch and veggie, so may
be the simple way out, and can be dressed up in endless variations. I
thought a baked zucchini dish would work with the chicken, but you are
already using a squash in the soup.

If you want to get fancy for the celebration, a polenta ring filled
with creamed spinach and pearl onions makes a good presentation on the
table. Go easy with the creamed part so it doesn't overpower the
chicken. The polenta ring can also be filled with a mushroom dish, but
they tend to be soupy, and you have that already.

Another idea is cauliflower with black olives, cherry or grape
tomatoes, and sugar snap peas. Dress or lightly marinade in a mild
vinaigrette. The mix of colors makes a good presentation, and it is
both healthy and tasty. Finding good tomatoes may be difficult this
late however. Fresh (mild) herbs like parsley add to the presentation.

Ok, I've rambled enough,
Dean G.

The true man wants two things: danger and play. For that reason he
wants woman, as the most dangerous plaything. -- Friedrich Nietzsche