A menu suitable for sports-watching, a casual birthday, or a fun entertaining idea. An Afternoon Fiesta Margaritas Bar NutsGuacamole and Tortilla ChipsPulled Pork Sliders Build-Your-Own ChilliCornbreadRice Red Velvet Cupcakes Margaritas, I mean real margaritas, are amazing. Once you get over the first sip they begin to go down very easily. Made of fresh lime andContinue reading “An Afternoon Fiesta”
Tag Archives: party
An Afternoon of Festive Nibbles
All my favourites, rolled into one relaxing and Christmassy afternoon. Dispense with the dinner party this time of year and go in for something much simpler, but by no means less enjoyable. An Afternoon of Festive Nibbles Sugar & Spiced NutsCauliflower and Truffle SoupSliced BaguetteHard cheese (Gruyère, Aged cheddar or Comté)ProsciuttoSausage Rolls One thing allContinue reading “An Afternoon of Festive Nibbles”
Cheese Straw Twists
These are an elegant and crowd-pleasing nibble, and just as suitable with a cold beer as with a glass of champagne. Make more than you think you’ll need – these are seriously addictive. Makes approx. 32 twists Ingredients 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry Cheddar cheese Parmesan cheese Pinch of cayenne pepper Salt 1 eggContinue reading “Cheese Straw Twists”
Spiced Cheddar Cheesecake
A showstopper, make-ahead appetizer, and addictive in the extreme. This would also make a really nice cheese course in lieu of dessert. To make this, you will require a 5-inch diameter springform tin, easily procured online. Make sure your cream cheese is very soft before starting, otherwise you won’t get a light, fluffy cheesecake. ThisContinue reading “Spiced Cheddar Cheesecake”
A Very English Garden Party
Summer is finally here, and restrictions in the UK are slowly but surely lifting for social gatherings. To celebrate, how about a traditional English garden party? You’re invited! Come join the party in my garden… The Set-Up For me, a garden party needs a string or two of bunting, a couple of lawn games, andContinue reading “A Very English Garden Party”
I’ve just finished planning a party.
I’ve just finished planning a party. All completely academic, you understand, but exciting nonetheless. I have identified 12 of my favourite people, mentally rented tables, chairs and lanterns and set up the antipasti grazing table (prosciutto, salami, olives, sliced manchego and chunked parmesan, slices of ripe melon, brined artichokes, crusty bread and really good oliveContinue reading “I’ve just finished planning a party.”
Mini Chicken, Bacon, Leek & Chestnut Pies
These pies just say Christmas! Big enough to be generous, but small enough for a party snack, if I saw a plate of these beauties any time over the festive period, I would instantly know I was welcome. If homemade shortcrust pastry isn’t your thing, you can buy pre-made shortcrust pastry in most grocery stores.Continue reading “Mini Chicken, Bacon, Leek & Chestnut Pies”
Chicken Tikka Marsala Triangles
Not to be confused with Chicken Tikka Masala. Chicken Tikka Masala given a festive – and inauthentic – twist with Christmassy flavours: booze, dried fruit and nuts. Very festive, indeed. Folded into a crisp phyllo shell, it’s the perfect party appetizer. Makes about 40 pieces Ingredients 2 tbsp butter 1 tbsp olive oil 1.5 cupsContinue reading “Chicken Tikka Marsala Triangles”
Fig, Goat’s Cheese and Prosciutto Bundles with a Rosemary, Honey & Brandy Glaze
Accurately described as a TASTE EXPLOSION. Make these and pretend you’re the guy from Love Actually who hopelessly uses “Taste Explosion?” as a pick-up line. If you’re unsuccessful, at least you’ll have more of these for yourself. Makes 18 pieces Ingredients 9 Dried figs Goat’s cheese 6 Slices prosciutto Rosemary Honey Brandy (port or sherryContinue reading “Fig, Goat’s Cheese and Prosciutto Bundles with a Rosemary, Honey & Brandy Glaze”
Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Yorkshire Pudding
If you really want to impress people but expend as little effort as possible, this appetizer is just the thing. Use my make-ahead tips below and you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can pull together this showstopper of an appetizer. If you can’t get smoked mackerel, smoked trout works beautifully. Feeds 4 – 6Continue reading “Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Yorkshire Pudding”