With the pandemic still upon us, many families are modifying traditional dining routines and staying home. While a normal year calls for plenty of nights out, away from the kitchen, this year, you may be faced with planning an entire meal. For some, this is exciting. For others, planning a family meal can be quite stressful. As the best restaurant in Nashua, NH, our family at Bentley’s Roast Beef has served both small and large, and we’re here to help.

Planning a dinner doesn’t have to be stressful. By following the steps below and preparing, you’ll have your family in awe of your culinary skills in no time (even if you think you have none, we got you)!

Start with the protein

One of the first steps in planning a meal is choosing your protein. For instance, roast beef is our favorite go-to, but for some, seafood may be a more viable option. Either way, this is your starting point. Once you’ve decided this, you can move on to the side dishes.

Considering which sides to serve

Your side dishes should complement your protein. For the sake of this article (and our love of roast beef), our focus from here on out is based around a roast beef dinner. So, to begin with the sides, you need to think of what pairs well. Steak and potatoes are a classic pairing. However, family dinners may sometimes for something a bit more fancy. Below are a few ideas to consider serving alongside your roast beef:

• Roasted herbed red potatoes
• Parmesan potato gratin or creamy au gratin potatoes
• Jalapeno creamed spinach tossed with roasted cauliflower
  • click here for the recipe provided by BHG
• Balsamic mushrooms in gravy
• Maple glazed carrots
• Caramelized onions and green beans
• Garlic rosemary stuffing
• Freshly baked rolls

While these options may seem overwhelming to those less experienced in the kitchen, remember you can always simplify! Here, we are trying to get your culinary juices flowing with creative (and not too hard, we promise) ideas and recipes.

If you’re new to the world of cooking, below is a simplified yet delicious, modified menu:

• Creamy buttered mashed potatoes
• Steamed broccoli and cauliflower tossed in parmesan
• Sauteed glazed carrots
• Beef gravy
• Freshly baked rolls – there are ample choices in the frozen section of your food store as well as your local bakery.

Don’t forget about dessert

For some, it’s about the appetizers. For others, the main course is the highlight of the meal. But then there are those in the sweet tooth category. You know, those who would skip over everything else to head straight for the dessert table. Well, you don’t want to forget about this group, we promise! As with any meal, certain sweets complement beef better than others. Here is a look:

• Chocolate (cake, mousse, ice cream)
• Strawberries dipped in chocolate
• Fruit salad (whipped cream optional)
• Tart and pies

Now that you have some basics to go off, we wish you the best in the kitchen! However, if you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed about the idea of cooking, it may be time to visit the best restaurant in Nashua, NH – Bentley’s Roast Beef! From locally sourced seafood to grass-fed beef, you can have confidence that your family will be eating only the freshest, best food around!

Visit us today and experience the best roast beef in New Hampshire for yourself!