Cooking for friends

It took all day to cook for friends coming to eat. Thankfully my knee pain is so much better - a few months ago I couldn’t stand for any length of time. Some of the sauces took ages but for the depth of different flavours it was worth the effort. I thought I had over-catered but no.

Carol had messaged she wanted/needed a cocktail so we started with one made with gin, Cointreau and passion fruit liqueur topped up with cava.

Starter was melon with almonds, cranberries chilli and coriander

The main course was mostly from
Fresh India -
Courgette Kofta in a ginger and Tomato Sauce
Hill Station Salad
Gujarati Dal with peanuts and star anise
Cauliflower Korma with blackened raisins
Potato and Chickpea Chaat with tamarind chutney
Spiced Basmati Rice
Cucumber Raita with walnuts, mint and rose petals.

Pudding was Blackcurrant Cheesecake

It was good to treat Carol and Phil, who has severe back pain and is waiting to hear what’s to be done as it could be the bowel cancer is back, and Linda who has a very complex autoimmune disease and her partner Colin who has Parkinson’s. They had a good night, arriving at 6.30 and leaving after 11. They all said they really enjoyed both the conversation and the food - I don’t mind the effort for friends who enjoy good food.