Give me something easy but impressive to make when friends come over!

[NoelRocks]

We have another couple coming over for festive drinks and present sharing on the 19th. I want to cook something easy but impressive! Any ideas?!

how about fig and chilli pasta?

Give us a clue... anything you don't like?

I'll eat anything, but one of our friends doesn't like really fishy stuff or spicy stuff. I love Italian and Chinese food, but will try anything apart from offal!!

He might not eat the fig and chilli pasta, but I've printed that off to try another time - it sounds amazing!! Thanks!

Hmmm, so prawn linguine and anchovy spaghetti are out!.....

hmmm...are you in the mood for hearty, wintery food, or elegant?

Gordon Ramsay's stir fried beef with peppers and egg noodles is blummin gorgeous. You have to read the recipe properly, but once you get the steps it takes about 10 mins.

but maybe not fancy enough?

I think pies always look like more effort than they actually are are aren't dependent on timings like pasta would be. How about a chicken and leek one? You just put the pastry on top and could even buy ready roll if you were not keen on making it yoursself. Let me know if you'd like the recipe.

Mmm - both sound lovely. I will present DH with both ideas and he can decide! Please can I have the recipe, MrsBun? Thanks!!

BTW, LowLevel - is that your Christmas name? Love it! Better than mine!!

www.bbc.co.uk/food/get_cooking/recipes/050.shtml I don't usually add the apple and usually buy ready made pastry because I am rubbish at making it.

get Jamie Olivers Ministry of food book. There are loads of good recipes in there and his cheats pudding with pannetone and cream is worthy of a standing ovation yet takes 10 mins to construct