Come dine with me
In the UK, there's a program called "come dine with me". The premise is that 5 strangers take it in turn to host a dinner party, and the 4 guests rate the food, hosting etc.
Well, me and some friends have decided to do a variation on that. We've got 4 or maybe 5 so far, and we all live (bar one) about 5 minutes walk from each other.
Here's the idea; We'll take it in turns to "host" the party around someones house, but we all know each other, so it's obviously not going to be a tea-party or some lies, it's all about the food.
The "host" (whoever's house it is) will do the main course, the person before in the rota does the starter, the person next in the rota does desert, and the other two supply wine I guess. I think we've pretty much agreed to cook "comfort food" rather than restaurant style food. One of us is a head chef of several years experience, and the other makes an absolutely cracking roast, with the best gravy I've had in my life. Another does know what he's doing, but he's more like me - an enthusiastic amateur.
Then we all rate out of 10 for each part.
I think I have the wine covered; I'm not great with pairings, but I know what I like, and it will def. be close enough.
For starters, I've just seen this http://www.flickr.com/photos/20952812... and I think that's pretty killer for such an easy starter. It could maybe use a dipping sauce of some kind, and I think the portions are very large; it could get a little much after a while. I'd probably offer [a total of] 10 spears on two skewers.
Suggestions for dipping sauce... well I guess hollandaise, but I'd have to make that on-site. Dijon mayonaisse would be easier, or perhaps a yoghurt based sauce to take away some saltiness? Some greens might go well too. *Just thought - a poached egg might go too?
For mains... Lasagne will probably be taken, but I do a pretty good lasagne. I don't know whether to leave my comfort zone. My best dishes are probably chili, steak (and similar cuts), homemade burgers. I can probably cook anything, but those are the things I like eating and have had time to perfect.
For desert, my best recipe is Nigel Slaters brownie recipe. I've taken a bunch out to the pub, and everyone goes absolutely nuts for them. The problem is that they're very rich, and might, *might* be too stodgy after the first two courses. Could do with a vanilla (pod) custard? Or cream?
Those are my thoughts. Any suggestions?
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Soop
Jun 11, 2009 07:55 AM
Just had another thought for desert; that chocolate torte featured on here a while back. Necessitates buying a pie dish - or borrowing one - but Oh yeah.
*edit* Sorry, it was Ganache http://www.chow.com/recipes/14104
