need ideas for Madrigal dinner (stop laughing)

We're doing our semi-annual Madrigal dinner, and I'm in charge of the menu. We're not really going for anything very authentic, frankly. I definitely want to do a fruited pork roast (with dried fruits) and could use some ideas for the sauce for the meat (maybe a cranberry/walnut glaze?)and some sides--I had in mind maybe some spinach or roasted asparagus or roasted green beans, and maybe some glazed carrots, although I'm afraid that's too much sweet on one plate--and I saw a recipe for a rice with orange peel sort of pilaf...but I don't want the plate to be too busy. Also, what about a starter? We've done salad with herbs in the past, which is actually semi-authentic, but we want something different. Any ideas?

[Mezzaluna]

Not to be pedantic, but there is food for the poor (eel pie, dark beer, heavy dark bread, wild-type greens, root vegetables) and for the rich (watered wine, whiter bread, joints of meat, lots of sweet spices). Are you recreating English, French, Italian or Germanic situations? Try typing your key words into Google.com, and good luck!

[shroomgirl]

sounds good, but really reminds me of winter foods.....

not too busy: roast pork with cranberry/walnut chutney/sauce

orange rice, some wild rice may add an interesting eliment

absolutely do the green veg,

salad spinach would be great with lite vine. and maybe some chevre...

appetizers, mushrooms always work for me.