Help me think of a starter!

[JoyceBarnaby]

I am doing a 'Come Dine With Me' thing this weekend (just friends - no cameras!!) and so far, I have the main course and the pudding sorted. I'll be doing minted lamb burgers (served with salad and wedges) and a strawberry tart (homemade sweet pastry and creme patissiere with fresh strawberries and a fresh strawberry sauce on the side).

I've chosen these dishes because I think they will be enjoyed by the people there and because I can cook them, but they seem to have a summery gastro pub kind of feel so I'm looking for a suitable starter and possibly canapes, too. So, does anyone have any ideas?!

[JoyceBarnaby]

Mmm, anyone? Please?

[crikeybadger]

How about halloumi, watermelon and mint salad?

Disclaimer: I've never made it, but it sounds nice and summery and the reviews are good.

[TheOriginalFAB]

Prawn pate. I make it every Boxing Day and it is delicious.

If you want the recipe it is a Mary Berry one and I am happy to type it out for you if you can't findit via google, but it will have to be tomorrow as I am off to bed in a minute.

[JoyceBarnaby]

Thanks - that looks lovely. I definitely like the idea of a salad, but I do know that one guest doesn't like halloumi! As a group, they're not fussy, but it's just one of those things.

I've noted that salad for future use, though! Ta!

[JoyceBarnaby]

Ah, prawn pate sounds good. I'll try google now - thanks!

[JoyceBarnaby]

Can't find it at the mo - so if you get a chance tomorrow, that would be fab. Thank you very much! I might still make a salad, but the prawn pate is very tempting so I'd love to see the recipe.

[casawasa]

I do a similar salad with Feta, watermelon, olives and mint. I think its a bbc good food recipe. Their website is very useful

[casawasa]

or this www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2426/salmon-and-crisp-prosciutto-salad

V tasty and not difficult - have made it but do extra dressing

[tortilla]

I have a nice salad recipe, very summery.

Whizz up 25g mint and 25g pistachios in blender. Add 75ml oil and juice of 1/2 lemon, plus salt and pepper. This can be done well in advance.

Boil 400g runner beans (cut in smallish diagonal pieces) for 3-4 mins. Drain and put in bowl with dressing, 100g crumbled feta and 100g baby spinach leaves. Mix and serve (taste as might need a bit extra lemon juice).

[tortilla]

should have said, it needs extra virgin olive oil

[TheOriginalFAB]

Prawn Pate.

250g cooked, peeled prawns.
125g/4oz butter, softened.
125g/4oz low-fat soft cheese.
3 tbsp lemon juice.
black pepper.
lemon twists and parsley sprigs to garnish.


Puree the prawns, butter, soft cheese and lemon juice in a food processor
until almost smooth. Add pepper to taszte and a little more lemon juice if needed.

Divide the prawn mixture between 8 small ramekins, or one large bowl, and level the surface. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Serve chilled, garnished with lemon twists and parsley sprigs.

You could swap the prawns for 2 x 125g cans of sardines in oil, which you would need to drain, and has the bones removed.

[JoyceBarnaby]

Brilliant - thanks a lot for that!

Thanks for all ideas.