Friends For Lunch - Bit Of A Panic

[joggerjayne]

So I've invited a few friends for lunch.

They keep having me over, and then I go to see the BF for the weekend, and don't have them back. So I owe a few people. And ... I've asked them over tomorrow.

Now I'm having a bit of a panic.

So, of course, rather than get on with prepping, I'm seeing what's happening on AB.

Much more constructive.

It's not too late to order a take away for everyone, or just take them all to the pub.

[funnygirl]

Wassa matter Jayne?? Can't cook??? Lol.

[Psybbo]

Pub's the best idea, then back for chees and port. Hope it goes well x

[joggerjayne]

The cheese is sorted. I went to La Fromagerie this week. It's all out on the cheese board, warming up, and going squishy.

Funny ... it's not my first choice way to spend a day.

[Jumbo747]

How many people? Do you have major plans?? If not, I'd just do perhaps a smoked salmony starter with a big mushroom pasta-bake and veg for main and whatever you fancy for pudding! eg choice of hot apple and sultana crumble, bakewell tart (make it this afternoon) or fresh fruit salad :) enjoy!

[joggerjayne]

Golly. I wasn't really planning on a starter. Or a pudding.

I've just bought some pork, and some beef.

How many? Including me? 16

[joggerjayne]

Jumbo ... "make" a Bakewell tart ?

Are you serious ???

[Zhukov]

Aye..have a BBQ,..j/jayne.. ;0)

[joggerjayne]

That would be easier, Zhu.

But out on my balcony's a bit fresh at the mo.

[EcclesCake]

Why not pick up some charcuterie, sun dried tomatoes and olives etc along with some good bread. Starter sorted.

Pick up some belly pork which can be slow roasted and is very forgiving. Roast some new potatoes with garlic and rosemary. Steamed broccoli with toasted almonds sprinkled over. And a big bowl of pesto for everyone to help themselves to.

Pud....pick up the high end tiramsu in waitrose....NOT their bog standard one.

Cheese to be served before or after pud whichever is your preference.

[NoMercy]

Tesco do the most amazing Finest lamb meatballs in a moroccan chickpea and spicy sauce. Buy a load of those and bung in a sauce pan or oven dish. Serve with cous cous cous( you'll only have to boil the kettle for that).

Serve with last week's WOTW.

Cheese for afters. X

[joggerjayne]

Thanks, Eccles.

I might have a look for a pud.

I was going to go to Tesco to look for a wine that NoMercy has recommended, but Waitrose is not far away.

[ummmm]

Do they serve starters and puds? If not, don't bother.

[joggerjayne]

I was just going to do chips and dips instead of a starter ... pretzels, nachos, that sort of thing.

[EcclesCake]

Just seen that there will be 16 of you.

My modified suggestion is to stick with the charcuterie etc, but serve the cheeses along side and pick up lots of preserved artichokes, aubergine etc. Have some fresh salads, e.g. rocket with parmesan, avocado.

Lots of good olive oil, balsamic vinegar and beautiful warm bread.

Oh, and lots and lots of wine........

[EcclesCake]

As the weather is looking grim, perhaps do the rosemary & garlic new potatoes and have the pesto to dip them in.....yum!

The Naked Earth charcuterie in Waitrose is v good.

[ummmm]

If you plan on having lots and lots of wine...don't bother with the faff, no one will care :-)

[EcclesCake]

What are the cuts of beef and pork you bought? Tagliata might be a possibility.

[joggerjayne]

What cuts??

Crikey, Eccles ... I don't know.

They were "that one there" and "that one there".

[jno]

are you timing this so it'll be over before the 6N starts?

[joggerjayne]

What time is that?