PIL coming for the weekend need inspiration (FIL is a chef!!!)

[LauraNorder]

Title says it all really! PIL coming this weekend. They arrive Saturday lunch and are staying for 24 hours. I will do soup and bread for lunch and a Sunday roast the next day but what can I cook Saturday evening? 3 course dinner, simple but nice. FIL is a chef and can be a bit critical .

Did your FIL come to stay about six months ago, I remember a similar thread!

What about a goat cheese, pear & walnut starter ? Plonk a disk of goats cheese on a bed of rocket, cut 2 ripe pears into small chunks, mix with some chopped walnuts - do up a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, salt & pepper. Add in the pears and walnuts and drizzle over the goats cheese.

What lamb for main ? Chefs love lamb. If you're not comfortable doing a leg of lamb then why not buy the gorgeous little loin lamb chops (serve 2-3 per person if they are small). Serve with some creamy mash and roasted veg and nice gravy. You could cheat and buy the nice packet gravy from Swartz!

A pavlova for dessert is always nice. If you don't want to make the meringue yourself you could buy one in M&S and fill with vanilla cream (mix together half creme fraiche, half whipped cream, a few drops of vanilla essence & two teaspoons of icing sugar). Top with strawberries or a mixture of berries.

Uncle in law is also a chef. He loves anything that's not actually really awful that he didn't have to cook!

I'd something simple but using really good quality (preferrably local and in season) ingredients.

Lamb is a really good suggestion, but you might want to do that for Sunday lunch.

TBH I'd order a takeaway or persuade them to take you out!

You'll be tied to the kitchen all weekend with all that cooking.

BecauseImworthit they don't "do" takeaways & yes I will probably be tied to the kitchen all weekend but hey ho!

I think I'd be making them do takeaways, Laura!