Need an idea for a starter

[aliciaflorrick]

I'm having friends over for dinner tomorrow, I'm going to do Jamie Oliver's five hour lamb for the main course but I need some ideas for a starter.

I am not a great cook, I am not very artistic - the friend who is coming for dinner is the most amazing cook.

I need something simple but tasty to impress her.

Smoked mackerel pâté...

Shred the smoked mackerel making sure to get out all the bones.
Put in bowl with Philadelphia (or similar), lemon juice, horseradish sauce and black pepper.

Blend with a stock whizzer thing or put in a blender or give it a really good going over with a masher.

Make in advance if you like and refrigerate.

Use two dessert spoons to make into those dinky quenelles and serve with toast and a few leaves to garnish.

Yummy, easy, and will go great with lamb to follow.

Asparagus parcels with mozzarella and prosiutto - v easy and delish

here

or little goats cheese / caramalised onion puff pastry tarts

I love doing dips (v. easy and made well in advance) with carrots, breadsticks, crisps, cucumbers etc. It combines shop-bought things with easy to make but impressive dips.

So, what did you make?

I ended up making a goats cheese and leek tart for starter, lamb for main and a chocolate tart for dessert. For somebody who can't cook it turned out well, plus I dished out loads of wine so everyone was too busy drinking to pay attention to the food.

Many thanks for the suggestions.

Sounds delicious. I'd have been delighted if someone had cooked all that for me. Perhaps you can consider yourself to be able to cook now?!