I need an easy peasy starter but not a salad

[ggirl]

to go with fish main course

Soup
Brushetta
Roast veg and flatbreads

Asparagus wrapped in parma ham

Pea Cappuccino

Disclaimer- I have never made this, but it looks nice

1 Small leek
30g butter
500ml chicken stock
200g peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
300g fresh or frozen green peas
Salt & pepper
100ml cream

Wash the white part only of the leek and chop roughly- saute gently in butter for 7 minutes or until soft but not brown.
Add potatoes and chicken stock ? simmer, with lid for 10 minutes or until potato is cooked.
Add the green peas and season ? simmer covered until the peas are soft.
Puree and press through sieve into a clean saucepan.
Bring to simmer and adjust seasoning. Add stock or water until the soup is the right consistency, but not too thin.
Whip the cream very lightly.
Pour soup into heated glasses or any attractive cup, top with cream and sprinkle with chives or herbs.

Beetroot and orange slices arranged nicely
Bread and homemade dips
Baked asparagus with grated parmesan

Mushrooms stuffed with boursin cheese and baked in oven

mezze style bits bought from deli or supermarket

pate and toast

soup prepared in advance thenyou only need to heat up

thanks ladies
all marvellous ideas

pea cappuccino looks amazing but don't know if I am capable of pulling it off

have done soup and bruschetta for these friends before

can I use shop bought pate??

You know your friends - would they mind shop bought? You could jazz it up by serving with toast made from posh bread, frilly salad leaves, a nice onion marmalade and drizzling with a balsamic reduction - all available from the shops. It would be a bit Come Dine With Me though.

nah they wouldn't care

thanks willdo that

Chicken liver pate is really easy to make if you want to be able to wave a hand loftily and say 'oh yes, I made it myself'. I'd be quite happy with a nice shop bought one myself.

Second home made chicken liver pate - v easy and cheap but impressive.

Third the homemade pate. If you put a thin layer of clarified butter on top you can make it a few days in advance too.