Need some help with my dinner party tonight!

[Amandella]

I am serving pears with feta cheese and mint with rocket salad as a starter. We had this combination at a friend's house a week ago and it was really delicious and sooo simple. However, number 1 question - I have no idea how they did it but the pears were cut into the thinnest slices ever in exactly the shape of the pair.... any idea how this could have been done and also, how long before pears go brown as I don't want to cut them too early and leave in fridge and then open it to find yukky brown pear slices!

Secondly, I'm doing Eton mess - any ideas on how to make this a bit different?? I wondered about adding chopped chocolate to it but do you think this is too much??

Thanks you oh wise ones!

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Chocolate sounds a little too heavy. You could brush on some lemon juice (it won't negatively affect the flavor) on the pears so they won't turn.

Hmmm...It is still Saturday here, but I think it's Sunday where you are so I think I missed it. How did it go?

Well, the pear starter was really yummy and I did brush with lemon and it was fine. the pudding was too much IMO - I didn't like it much but my guests said they enjoyed it - I think it was too heavy dreambaby as you say... Will think of something else next time!!

Pears probably done on a mandolin (just as reference for next time)