A menu for 2 consecutive dinner parties

[Playmobilpeacock]

My DH, in all has wisdom, has invited some friends for dinner the day before we are hosting another couple.

I really don't want to cook twice so I thought I would cook on Thursday for dinner party 1 and then use (deliberate) leftovers for dinner party 2.

I was thinking of lemon tart for pudding and I guess soup or pate as a starter. Any other ideas? And what about a main course?

Thank you!

I love this recipe by Mary Berry www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/harissa_spiced_lamb_with_59491 for harissa spiced lamb with cannelini beans. As it says in the tips at the bottom, it actually improves if you make it up to two days ahead because the flavours continue to develop. I also know from experience that the lamb becomes more tender.

That looks good, thanks Ricekrispie.

I assume you'll make two tarts? Or will you be brining it out already plated? I think I'd be slightly taken aback as a guest to see a tart with slices already removed. Chocolate mousse would be a good choice too, as that also improves with keeping and you can put it in dishes/glasses and keep it in the fridge straight after making.

Good idea about the chocolate mousse, although I've just seen a recipe for Irish cream tiramisu that looks amazing.

I am going to dish up away from the guests. I get your point about the food being obviously leftovers.

Make individual tarts instead?

You could make easy ice-cream instead - double cream and sweetened condensed milk, no need for an ice cream maker - and serve it with homemade biscuits of some sort.

The problem with individual tarts is that I would have to make 8 and that's as much work as making 2 puddings.