Though my personal style in the kitchen is to pick recipes that are “daring” and “out there,” there are many occasions that call for going the crowd-pleaser route.

 

Specifically, when I send food to a family after a new baby arrives or when I have guests with lots of kids. I just want the kids to eat and be happy. Not all of my guests are on board with my habit of putting lemon zest and/or fresh herbs in everything. 

In those instances, I usually stick to the flavor profiles that I know are well received across the board. I like to share the wealth—so here is my personal code to cracking the crowd-pleaser code: In the dessert sphere it’s chocolate, peanut butter (check with your guests about allergies, of course), coffee, or any combination of the three. In the savory sphere, garlic is a popular choice and—among Ashkenazi folk—sweet and sour anything. Yes, I mean anything. Sautéed onions in a dish are an easy winner, too. 

 

My best advice is this: Figure out your crowd’s favorites and work menus around that.

There is an easier way, of course; rely on us to deliver crowd-pleasers each and every time, like the collection below!

 

Shabbat Shalom!

Chanie

 

Fruit Soup Smoothie by Chaia Frishman

Start your meal off with this easy and delicious fruit smoothie that is light and refreshing.

 

Sweet and Sour Meatballs from the Dining In Cookbook

The perfect combination of sweet and sour, these meatballs are tender yet firm, holding their shape beautifully. This recipe will become a staple on your table because they’re that good!

 

Drumsticks with Crispy Cornflake Coating by Temi Philip

Children love eating with their hands; adults wish they wouldn’t. Wrap the bottom of these flavorful drumsticks in foil, and everyone wins.

 

Garlic Smashed Potatoes by Michal Frischman

These are a crowd-pleasing side-dish that everyone loves! They’re full of flavor, crispy on the outside, and smooth on the inside – a real winner!

 

Everything but the Bagel Spiced Green Beans by Elizabeth Kurtz

Crisp sautéed green beans with fresh garlic and this fragrant spice blend are a winning combination and will make your kitchen smell amazing. Beware these usually get eaten up from the pan before there is a chance to serve them!

 

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies by Faigy Grossman

The texture and combination of flavors in these chocolate peanut butter cups are out of this world!

 

Mocha-Glazed Tunnel of Fudge by Rivky Kleiman

Dense, moist, and so flavorful. Use good quality cocoa and chocolate for this cake and it will yield a perfect result every time.