really nice but easy meal

[noddyholder]

I have 2 of my best friends coming this week with kids.I have sorted all the food etc for kids but would like to cook the 4 adults a really nice meal on the night they arrive after a v long drive.Something impressive but easy as I want to be able to chat whilst cooking as i haven't seen them in years.I know sopmeone will think of something before i do!

[WideWebWitch]

Little birds, like a poussin or a quail each? They only take 30/45 mins to roast. And salad and potatoes? Or fish, you could do them a trout each, put each one in its own foil pouch in the over with capers, lemon slices, thyme and olive oil/glug of wine and you're done. Half an hour roughly.

[WideWebWitch]

Nigella's slow roasted chicken?

[MancMum]

do you have any of the nigella books as there are a couple of things in those that are great -- you can do prep night before and so leave envening itslsef to spend with friends with minimum fuss..

there are a couple I love -- lamb casserole with pasta that has feta cheese and basil sprinkled over top as you serve...

slow roasted pork with spices...cooked over night...

both very comforting and delicious and very good with loads of wine and chat!!

[franch]

NH, this poussin recipe was my dinner party special for years - it's great because it includes veg & potatoes so you don't have to think about what to serve it with; it smells gorgeous when everyone arrives; you do most of the preparation the day before, with almost nothing to do when your guests are there; AND it looks and tastes spectacular!


ROASTED POUSSINS WITH PANCETTA & ARTICHOKES

Serves 6

2 lemons
10 large, fresh rosemary sprigs
120ml white wine vinegar
300ml fruity white wine
8 garlic cloves, crushed
90ml (6 level tbsp) chopped fresh oregano / 2 pinches dried
2 x 290g jars antipasto artichokes
3 poussins, each 450g
salt & ground black pepper
25ml (½ level tsp) cayenne pepper
450g new potatoes
225g pancetta / streaky bacon
350g peppery salad leaves

1. Grate rind from lemon, remove leaves from rosemary. Place in a large bowl with the vinegar, wine, garlic, oregano and 120ml oil from the artichokes. Stir well.
   
   
2. Using a fork, pierce poussin skins in 5?6 places. Season well with ground black pepper & cayenne. Place birds, breast-side down, in the bowl. Spoon marinade over. Cover & refrigerate overnight.
   
   
   
3. Halve/quarter the potatoes. Boil for 2 mins in salted water. Drain. Roughly chop the pancetta. Drain the artichokes.
   
   
4. Lift poussins from marinade. Place breast-side up in a large roasting tin. Scatter potatoes, pancetta & artichokes around them and pour over the marinade.
   
   
5. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for about 1hr 30mins, basting occasionally, or until golden.
   
   
6. Remove poussins and cut each in half lengthways. Keep warm. Toss salad leaves with about 75ml (5tbsp) warm cooking juices. Arrange leaves on warm plates then top with the potatoes, pancetta, artichokes & poussin halves. Serve immediately.

[ja9]

my old faithful is a mango dish - its absolutely de-lish..

mix half a jar of mango chutney with a lg tub of single cream. cook whole chicken breasts and baby mushrooms in it for about 1 hr. i serve it with baby boiled potatoes and a nice green veg. its dead easy.

[noddyholder]

this is great!Keep posting I am going to keep them all as I am trying to see more of my old friends that I lost touch with when I was ill so foresee many dinners ahead

[noddyholder]

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[Cod]

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[Cod]

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[noddyholder]

exactly i really don't want to look harassed as this friend is the hostest with the mostest and has 5 kids whereas I flap a bit and have only 1 ds

[Cod]

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[noddyholder]

the 70's thing is perfect!When we were younger the 2 of us loved a night out like that!We worked in a restaurant together and often ate that stuff!That is what I will do Now keep the ideas coming

[Cod]

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[Cod]

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[Cod]

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[suzywong]

not sure about the avocado in that one
weren't avocados in the seventies halved and filled with Hellmans only?

[Cod]

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[suzywong]

yes risotto is a good idea then you can stir in knowingly whilst you are chatting and look like you are really doing lots of hard preparation

gotta be Heinze tinned chocolate steamed pudding though for afters

[Cod]

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[noddyholder]

getting confused now I really want it to be delicious as I am not known or wasn't then for my cooking It all sounds yummy and will keep me in recipes for the rest of the year.Hope everyone realises I'm being post modern and ironic and not stuck in The Berni Inn timewarp!

[Cod]

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[Cod]

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