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I’m not a confident cook. Please help me plan a dinner party for 6

31 replies

Wellhellothere101 · 17/05/2019 14:38

We’re hosting friends next Friday-good pals and I’m really looking forward to it but I’m stressing about what to make. One of them is a real foodie so I kind of feel the pressure! I don’t love shellfish and my DH doesn’t love fish so they are off limits.
I’ve made them Rachel Allen’s beef bourguignon and Nigella’s carbonnade a la flammonde and both went down really well but as the weather is turning more summery I probably want to avoid heavy beef dishes. Would a curry work? Please help me MN with you easy, fail safe recipes or ideas.
Anything I can prep ahead would be good as it’s school sports day next Friday so I’ll be busy with that during the day. Thanks

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flugelhorn81 · 17/05/2019 14:43

A curry is always good, and gets better if you leave it overnight.

Other suggestions:

  • a roast is quite easy, you could do a chicken and some roasted new potatoes?
  • chicken pie is good and easy, especially if you buy the pastry.
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LauraMipsum · 17/05/2019 14:44

Can't go wrong with Thai green curry and posh rice.

With something involving lychees for dessert. There's a Thai creme caramel recipe here which can be made in advance: www.thespruceeats.com/thai-style-creme-caramel-3217339

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Wellhellothere101 · 17/05/2019 14:50

Thanks both. Oooh a nice Thai curry could be good. Do you think I could make one on Thursday then reheat Friday?

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margotsdevil · 17/05/2019 14:53

Nigel Slater's Moroccan chicken with lemons. It's a casserole type dish which is absolutely delicious. We serve with saffron rice and salad.

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redwoodmazza · 17/05/2019 15:07

I hate curry - or any kind of spice TBH. Not even cinnamon or cloves!!!
Wish I did though...

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Wellhellothere101 · 17/05/2019 15:26

@margotsdevil sounds delicious. I'll check that out. Good point @redwoodmazza but I think my friends like curry so sure it'll be fine.

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LauraMipsum · 17/05/2019 16:18

I think Thai curry is even nicer the next day, although if you're using courgettes or mushrooms then I'd add those the day you plan to serve it or they can go a bit soggy.

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Pipandmum · 17/05/2019 16:30

Curry is kinda marmite. It’s not so hot you can’t make the other dishes. If you’re not confident you might want to stick with something you know. Or practice a new dish. I love Waitrose’s recipe for Hungarian goulash - though treble the paprika and serve with rice not pasta. It’s very very easy and one of those dishes that you can cook well ahead so you’re not fussing last minute. A great starter if you can get very fresh crabmeat (essential it’s fresh) is to mix the crabmeat with a bit of mayo (just a bit) and spoon it in to individual endive leaves and then sprinkle with paprika. Can some one bring the dessert? If not I think store bought is fine.

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RockingMyFiftiesNot · 17/05/2019 17:25

Lamb tagine? Will taste better the day after

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Wellhellothere101 · 17/05/2019 17:52

@Pipandmum'll thank you so much for taking the time to respond but I kind of want to avoid beef and shellfish. Smile I'll check out the ghoulash for the winter though. I agree curry is a Marmite dish. Plus I'm worried my guests will be tired and stuffed after a curry (as I usually am). Oh jeez I have no idea now...

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MustardScreams · 17/05/2019 17:56

Curry is boring, especially if they are foodies.

How about really slow roasted shoulder of lamb rubbed with a paste of preserved lemons, garlic, fresh coriander and olive oil. Under foil and in the oven at 170 for 5 hours or until you can put a butter knife in it with no resistance.

Serve with tomato, cucumber, red onion & olive salad, mint&yogurt dip, flatbreads, hummus etc etc. Perfect for warmer weather and much more interesting.

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Windyone · 17/05/2019 17:59

I’d go for roast chicken and gravy (add wine to the roasting tin 40 mins in for instant gravy) do 2 if necessary, do a lovely green salad and dressing and add some sort of grain salad - look at Ottolenghi sort of stuff. If I’m cheating I get the uncle Ben type packet wild rice sort of thing, there are some fancy ones, add lots of chopped herbs and scatter with pomegranate seeds.

It’s asparagus season so I’d do that for a starter. Lots of ideas online for asparagus starters.

BBC good food is your friend!

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redbedheadd · 17/05/2019 17:59

Thai curry idea sounds great! Can you do a few nice little sides, and maybe a delicious cocktail.... these can really elevate dinner!

And if you've had a curry, maybe light fruity dessert? What about just a take on Eton Mess but tropical fruit and passion fruit?

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DameSylvieKrin · 17/05/2019 18:01

Hummus crusted chicken, if you do fancy sides e.g. beluga lentil salad.
(It’s just chicken breast coated in hummus but it tastes a lot more elaborate; I use a Morrocan spice mix with it).
There are various recipes online if any take your fancy.

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LarryGreysonsDoor · 17/05/2019 18:03

Go to cook and buy stuff. Stick it in your own dishes.

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Windyone · 17/05/2019 18:03
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DameSylvieKrin · 17/05/2019 18:07

Oh or Kapama comes to mind: it’s a greek chicken dish with tomato and cinnamon. Easy to make, can be bubbling on the hob on its own forever, but the flavours are quite interesting and unusual.
goop.com/recipes/kapama-braised-cinnamon-chicken/

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sackrifice · 17/05/2019 18:07

Personally I wouldn't want a curry made by someone who isn't an expert or experienced at cooking curries.

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Herland · 17/05/2019 18:12

I make an amazing greek style lamb stew - it's basically lamb shoulder, red peppers, onion and tinned tomatoes with some rosemary and basil -cooked slowly for hours and hours. Then about 5 minutes before you serve add chopped feta cheese. Serve either with rice and salad or roast new pots and salad.

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fudgesmummy · 17/05/2019 18:12

Have you got a slow cooker?
I do the most delicious chicken in white wine in mine, I’ll post the recipe if your interested?
I serve it with rice and roasted vegetables

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Grumpbum123 · 17/05/2019 18:12

This is easy and amazing serve with flat breads and salads

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2837673/pulled-lamb-shoulder-with-sticky-pomegranate-glaze

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Tingface · 17/05/2019 18:15
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Chewbecca · 17/05/2019 18:19

slow cooked lamb leg, roasted veg and spuds of your choice - simple and delicious.

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Chewbecca · 17/05/2019 18:22

Also, here is a fab, easy chocolate pud

I’m not a confident cook. Please help me plan a dinner party for 6
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Accountant222 · 17/05/2019 18:25

Delia Smiths curried chicken salad, it's superb you can make it the day before, as it's served cold, jersey new potatoes and asparagus

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