Why not put your culinary mettle to the test?  If you live in San Francisco or Chicago, Parties That Cook will come to your home (or another venue of your choosing) and facilitate and Iron Chef-style competition for you and your friends.  They provide the ingredients, set up the equipment, and lay out the rules of engagement.  When the timer starts, you get to work.  Once the judges have declared a winner, you all sit down and break bread together – that is if you are still talking.