On The Hob

Come Dine with Me, How to throw the Perfect Dinner Party

The Channel 4 TV show Come Dine with Me and it’s Celebrity spin off have released a book for all of us aspiring for the perfect Dinner party.  Subtitled “How to throw the Perfect Dinner Party” this is much more than just a recipe book.

Planning the Party

The first 60 pages of the book focus on the planning of a dinner party, it may sound easy but the book makes you sit back and think what recipes complement each other, difficulty, timings and little hints such as keeping track of what you’ve cooked for who in case they come around again!

But planning a party isn’t just about food, this section of the book reminds you to think of drinks, how clean your house is, setting the table, and common cookery mistakes to avoid.  Even a few tips for being the perfect host or guest.

The Recipes

The final 130 pages show winning recipes from the series, split into starters, mains and desserts.  Plus the top ten winning recipes.  The recipes contain a clear list of ingredients and simple numbered instructions.  The only negative is that not all recipes have accompanying images of the dish and while they have clear cooking times there isn’t an overall preparation time, but I suppose everyone cooks at different speeds.

My favourite recipes

Some of my favourite recipes from the book are

Starters

• Latkes & grilled vegetables with goats cheese and a basil oil
• Chilled Melon with parma ham parmesan cheese and rocket
• Slow cooked chilli with nachos

Mains

• Vegetable Mossaka
• Jamaican Chicken
• Filet of Beef in wild mushroom sauce with potatoes dauphinoise & spinach

Desserts

• Spiced orange chocolate cheesecake
• Warm banana tarts served with ice cream & rum
• Hot chocolate fondant with a lemon pot & raspberry coulis.

To be honest I had trouble getting them down to just three favourites (especially the desserts).  If you’re planning a dinner party this is a great book to have to hand for fantastic recipes from the TV series and good tips to ensure your party is a success.
Now I just need to find more excuses for dinner parties!

This Easter tempt yourself and your family with Thornton’s luxury chocolate eggs.  Buying online couldn’t be easier and you can even have you’re loved one’s name iced onto the egg for just 50p.

Here are our favourite eggs.

Large Continental Egg (755g)

3 for 2 on a great range of Easter Chocolates

If you’re looking for delicious Easter treats then feast your eyes a great range of gifts all available to buy on 3 for 2. From eggs and models to chocolate collections, mix and match your gifts and you’ll get the cheapest free.  Click here to see the full range

Thermos Everyday 430 Travel Mug 0.45L

A Thermos Travel Mug is brilliant for those busy mornings.  Make yourself a Mug of Tea, Coffee or Chocolate and enjoy it on your way to work, on the train or on foot!

Keeps drinks hot for up to 2 hours, fits most car cup holders.

Stainless Steel vacuum insulation virtually eliminates temperature change by creating an airless vacuum space between two stainless steel walls. The result is an insulation layer that performs better than any other. A superior insulated container you can depend on to keep your beverages hotter, or colder.

Thermos is the leading manufacturer worldwide of insulated food and beverage containers, for over 100 years consumers have trusted Thermos brand products. Thermos leads the industry in new product development, its known for its expertise in insulation. Thermos products are produced in socially compliant factories and undergo rigorous quality inspections to ensure product meets or exceeds material and performance standards.

You could go out for dinner on Valentines day but you make it an even more special evening by cooking yourself.  Its never too early to start planning and with that in mind here are a few suggestions of kitchen cookware items to put the finishing touches to your meal.  Click on the images to find out more and buy.

Heart Shaped Chocolate Fondue Gift Set

Enjoy desert together by sharing a chocolate fondue.  Perfect for chocoholics!

Le Creuset Stoneware Heart Casserole with Lid

Le Creuset are well known for quality bakeware.  They have extended their range with these fun Heart shaped casserole dishes (shown above) and Ramekins (shown below) these would be perfect for serving your meal in.

Le Creuset Stoneware Heart Ramekin

Non-Stick Heart Cake Pans 10cm

Why don’t you bake a cake, these non stick heart cake pans will make cute mini heart shaped cakes.

A di Alessi "Big Love" Ice Cream Spoon

Finally for now, they say its the little touches that make the big difference.  Make any dessert special with these heart shaped ice cream spoons by Alessi.