As many of our regular blog readers know here at Myakka we love food and cooking. One of the great joys of cooking is sharing it with family and friends all sitting round the dining table enjoying good food and good conversation. So we thought we would share some delicious seasonal recipe ideas which are perfect for your next dinner party.
We have a great selection of tableware and dining furniture so your dining room can be ready for guests. We have some great table runners with matching place mats which look great on Sheesham wood tables. Along with rattan placemats and mango wood bowls (which are perfect for pre-dinner nibbles) we have a whole range of ideas for your home to make your dinner party the best. How about these simple and seasonal recipe ideas…
Starter
May is a season where there is a great selection of foods available, many chefs will tell you that things that are in season at the same time will often taste great together so how about trying this delicious Crab and asparagus tart.
Depending on whether you are feeling adventures you can either make a short crust pastry case or cheat and buy one, then cover with some lightly boiled asparagus and then cover with a mix of white and brown crab meat. In a bowl mix eggs, cream and salt and pour into pastry case. Sprinkle over some of your favourite local cheese and then arrange some asparagus, spoke fashion on top of the tart. Bake for about 35-40 minutes in a hot oven. Serve with a seasonal rocket, radish and spring onion salad.
Main Course
Roast lamb is always a favourite and with the addition of minted new potatoes it makes the perfect seasonal, summer roast. Simply stud your lamb joint with garlic, rosemary and thyme and then roast in the oven until it is cooked to your liking. Meanwhile cook new potatoes in boiling water with a sprig of mint, some garlic, thyme and chicken stock. Once cooked drain, and mix the potatoes with some freshly chopped mint, salt, pepper and some butter. Serve with some fresh French beans or freshly podded peas, delicious.
Dessert
For many their favourite part of dinner, the desert is what people will remember so why not treat your guests to a very seasonal Gooseberry and Elderflower Fool. Top and tail 450g of gooseberries and put into a pan with 150ml of elderflower cordial. Bring to the boil and then cook into the mixture is soft and pulpy, leave to cool. Make some custard with egg yolks, milk and sugar and let it cool.
Finally whip so cream and then combine the fruit, cream and custard by gently folding together. Serve in individual glass dishes and if you’re feeling creative, decorate with some fresh elderflowers on top.
Don’t forget to have a look at some of our great accessories for your dining room, we have a colourful selection of chair pads to make your dining experience extra comfortable as well as candle holders and lanterns to help create the perfect atmosphere. Take a look at our dining sets to find your perfect combination of table and chairs.
Once the table is laid and the dinner is cooled – the most important part of a dinner party is to enjoy, so take a seat, put your feet up and enjoy the food and conversation. The washing up can wait until the morning!
