<p>
Why don’t they?</p>
<p>Isn’t it because it’s not a typical part of their diet?</p>
<p>Though it’s easier, it’s probably better not to make one big entree like a lasagna or a stew. With people coming from different countries, they may or may not like certain foods in certain combinations. It would be better to do something like chicken and rice (or meat/potato), a veggie, rolls etc. That way they can pick and choose and eat what they like and not have just one “mixed” dish with many ingredients in a combo that they may not enjoy. I would avoid pork if you don’t know with certainty that none of your guests are from religions/cultures that don’t consumer pork. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with apple/pumpkin pies, holiday cookies, brownies etc; I’d definitely have pies because that’s something that students often don’t buy for themselves since they can be large.</p>
<p>Asia countries don’t have a lot of cows therefore a lot of Asian developped the lactose intolerant. I know when I served homemade cheese cake to older Asian guesses, they quickly tossed in the trash when I was not looking.</p>
<p>I recently was at a reception where two types of lasagna was served. One was vegetarian and the other traditional meat lasagna. The vegetarian one was a big hit, even with meat eaters! have a big bowl of salad, maybe some grilled vegetables, potato or pasta salad and you should be covered. </p>
<p>My S likes to bring his friends over (though not so many at a time) and they are great ice-cream eaters. They also like to have chips and salsa, popcorn, potato chips. Remember to have lots of soft drinks.</p>
<p>I did not see any Asian countries mentioned in the OP. The guys from Lebanon and Brazil that I used to work with were serious carnivors and would eat anything, but that’s just my anecdotal observation.</p>
<p>We have lots of foreign students over for dinners and parties. I’m a fan of variety where people can pick and choose what they are comfortable with, enjoying most, can work around their dietary needs or restrictions (e.g. make your own tacos/wraps/burritos; make your own pizzas; fixin’s you add to something like baked potatoes; salads; pastas with choice of sauces; variety of burgers such as hamburger, turkey burger, veggie burger, and variety of fixings). </p>
<p>Check on restrictions of course but also keep in mind no one wants to be a bother and everyone wants to be polite. What would they most likely enjoy? Probably varies a lot for each so choice is always nice. </p>
<p>Sure everyone enjoys venturing into new food arenas while on vacation; quite another thing living it everyday. After 3 months of American dorm food and/or student eating out, I wouldn’t necessarily assume they are looking forward to more American food, however home-cooked (even though of course yours would be much much better quality!).</p>
<p>Heck, to be real Amurican, grill something…can you still use your grill in Dec?</p>
<p>No burgers, fries, pasta or mashed potatoes.</p>
<p>This is the stuff that they eat everyday on campus.</p>
<p>I think most guys would like a hearty beef stew, roast chicken, stir fried vegetables, rice…</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>My thoughts exactly. And since you never know who has big appetites and who has small, crock pot comes to mind. You can serve as much or as little as the guest wants. Plus, it’s easy for them to come back for seconds after “trying” just a wee bit. </p>
<p>Chili
Jambalya
Soup and sandwiches</p>
<p>I would definitely go American - and with a variety of dishes so that people can pick and choose to meet their dietary preferences. I think I would roast a couple of chickens, a veggie lasagna, a big fresh salad with an assortment of dressings (dress your own), green beans, broccoli, and corn on the cob (all but the last fresh), and a pot of rice. For dessert, a pie (pumpkin or apple being the most american), and a plate of assorted christmas cookies. </p>
<p>Seems like a lot of food as I type this - but then again 8 hungry college students can dispose of a lot of food!!!</p>
<p>If you are having kids from the middle east I would second the no pork issue. I would also avoid mixing milk and meat (Muslims have the same prohibition as do Jews who keep kosher). Eggplant (parmesean perhaps) is very universal in the middle east. And yes, I know that is the Italian take on eggplant Yes, chicken and rice is a wonderful choice.</p>
<p>I might make veggie burgers- ( or portabello mushroom burgers) & fish tacos, green salad, fries or onion rings, potato salad & ice cream.</p>
<p>I don’t have full information yet, but my nephew (who is bringing the crew) thinks some of them have to have halal meat. I am desperately looking for information, have learned so far that chicken is included (so I can’t serve ordinary chicken) and that meat cannot be combined with dairy. I have not found a nearby source yet. I may end up with vegetarian food yet.</p>
<p>Anyone know how to get halal meat quickly? I checked Freshdirect, and they don’t seem to carry it. I’m wondering whether supermarkets do.</p>
<p>Post #6 made me cry.</p>
<p>Chicken would probably the safest. Many religions/cultures do not eat pork or seafood. Some do not eat beef. The lasagna and chicken idea sounds like you would have all bases covered.</p>
<p>Is there a Jewish synagogue or a Muslim mosque anywhere nearby or in the phone book? They would probably be happy to tell you where to find the appropriately prepared meat.</p>
<p>I’ve checked online, and there are no halat meat markets within 10 miles. There a few restaurants (including a Kentucky Fried Chicken?/!!) that serve halal food. There are quite a few places who will ship it, but I don’t have time for that.</p>
<p>I found post #6 very moving, too.</p>
<p>I already knew that pork would be a bad choice. I’d been thinking of chicken and a lasagna, or vegetarian entree, would cover the bases. Now I’m thinking that lasagne is out, since the Muslims won’t want to eat cheese. I hope I can figure out how to get some halal meat.</p>
<p>Yikes! My quick check of the internet (I searched for “halal meats is fish OK”) says fish should be OK. If that is true, then I’d go with a cedar-plank baked salmon, dilled potatoes and a variety of salads.
[Halal</a> Foodways](<a href=“http://www.unichef.com/halalfood.htm]Halal”>http://www.unichef.com/halalfood.htm)</p>
<p>Somehow I highly doubt that colleges put this much thought into dietary considerations of individual students.</p>
<p>ooh I wanna go with Bunsens menu.</p>
<p>NYMomof2,
Many times, kosher meat is deemed to be interchangeable with halal meat. They have many of the same standards. But, that decision is left up to the individual Muslim. If you can find out from your nephew whether kosher meat might acceptable to the individual students, I can help you with where to find it. Of course, since kosher butchers are closed on Saturday, you would have to do this on Sunday morning. (They open by 8 a.m.)</p>
<p>Yes! Fish! Perfect!</p>
<p>I have a great recipe for grilled salmon over parmesan cheese grits. Maybe that, with salad, rolls. I will have to find out whether cheese is OK.</p>
<p>I was wondering what these students do at their small college in the south! And on their 12-hour highway trip here. If they have to make do with french fries, etc., much of the time, I am even more determined to come up with something good and substantial that they can eat.</p>
<p>Thank you for the lifeline, BunsenBurner.</p>