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Anniversary Dinner: starter ideas ?


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Old 04-06-2009, 11:07
Minky_Bum
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I'm going to cook a 3 course meal on saturday to celebrate our anniversary - which is extra special this year as first with bambino (he won't be joining us though ).

We both love French food so I was planning on Beef bourguignon as a main and tarte tatin for pud (hubby's fave). I'm stuck, however, for a starter. I'm thinking that I should choose something very light as main and pud rather heavy but can't seem to come up with anything. Grateful for any ideas please - pref would like to stay with French as plan to serve with a nice bottle(s) of St Emilion

Many thanks .
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Old 04-06-2009, 11:15
indianwells
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Why bother with 3 courses? You'll be too full for any "excersise" afterwards!
If you really want 3 though I would just have a baby leaf salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. Or maybe asparagus wrapped in parma ham (or the French equivalent) with shavings of parmesan.
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Old 04-06-2009, 11:29
analogueagent
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Onion soup. Classic.
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Old 04-06-2009, 11:32
the_melon
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Onion soup. Classic.
I second that! French onion with gruyere croutons!
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Old 04-06-2009, 11:47
Minky_Bum
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Why bother with 3 courses? You'll be too full for any "excersise" afterwards!
If you really want 3 though I would just have a baby leaf salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. Or maybe asparagus wrapped in parma ham (or the French equivalent) with shavings of parmesan.
Good point I guess as it is a special occasion, I'd push the boat out.

Thanks all. Onion soup does sound good and if I can trust hubby not to gorge on bread with it (he is a carb freak) it may be ideal. I'm thinking it can't be too difficult to make
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Old 04-06-2009, 11:53
indianwells
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Good point I guess as it is a special occasion, I'd push the boat out.

Thanks all. Onion soup does sound good and if I can trust hubby not to gorge on bread with it (he is a carb freak) it may be ideal. I'm thinking it can't be too difficult to make
http://www.cookography.com/2008/the-...nion-soup-ever
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Old 04-06-2009, 11:59
Minky_Bum
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Old 04-06-2009, 12:09
the_melon
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That really does look like the best onion soup ever!

Have a lovely meal OP
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Old 04-06-2009, 12:19
PamelaL
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Onion soup isn't that light!! I'd go for oysters or some nice scallops.
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Old 04-06-2009, 12:52
Minky_Bum
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Onion soup isn't that light!! I'd go for oysters or some nice scallops.
Ooh scallops with salad would be light wouldn't it. Good choice. Thank you.
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Old 04-06-2009, 13:30
dollylovesshoes
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What about some nice garlic mushrooms? mix up some butter garlic and parsley,remove stalks from mushrooms (medium size mush) stuff mushrooms with the butter place mushrooms on a baking tray and bake it oven 200 c for about 15 to 20 mins! (Definatly better than snails ) but nice and garlicky with fresh french bread to mop up the butter.


This is a very old Delia recipe from the Evening Standard many yonks ago and Its lovely! I promise you.
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Old 04-06-2009, 13:46
DaisyBumbleroot
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Moules marinere!

You really only need a small bowl each and if you buy your mussels from a fish monger you can buy what you need rather than the whole bag from a supermarket
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Old 04-06-2009, 13:49
dollylovesshoes
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Moules marinere!

You really only need a small bowl each and if you buy your mussels from a fish monger you can buy what you need rather than the whole bag from a supermarket
Daisy there isn't an R in the month though.
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Old 04-06-2009, 14:05
hayley_kench
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Hi Minky! Im also cooking a 3 course meal for my partner this Saturday. Its his birthday. Yours sounds lovely. Unfortunately I dont know french food too well so cant suggest anything but just wanted to say good luck and hope it all goes to plan and he loves it.
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Old 04-06-2009, 14:09
grassmarket
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Only amendment I'd make is that after you put the soup under the grill to melt the cheese it should be served straight away if possible, with the cheese still hissing and bubbling. That's the French way.
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Old 04-06-2009, 14:09
DaisyBumbleroot
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Daisy there isn't an R in the month though.
Naughty Tescos were selling them yesterday though AND oysters!
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Old 04-06-2009, 14:15
whoever,hey
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Monkfish with a chilli dip/sauce is a pretty awesome starter. Did that for valentines last feb.
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Old 04-06-2009, 14:30
dollylovesshoes
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Naughty Tescos were selling them yesterday though AND oysters!
Good Grief! They'll be selling Asparagus all year round next! What is it coming to. *wipes brow*
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Old 04-06-2009, 14:35
NIKKID
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Moules marinere!

You really only need a small bowl each and if you buy your mussels from a fish monger you can buy what you need rather than the whole bag from a supermarket
Now you're talking!
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Old 04-06-2009, 16:25
Minky_Bum
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Moules sounds good too. I may ditch the main and pud and do a selection of starters . Thank you all.
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Old 05-06-2009, 14:15
Ignazio
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Onion soup isn't that light!! I'd go for oysters or some nice scallops.
Shellfish make me throw up.

It's the texture - I hate anything slippery.

(just as well there's no vomit smiley - I'd put the OP off her food.)

I've tried this recipe and it's lovely.

A bit fiddly though - and perhaps some would find it heavy.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/da...ee_86260.shtml
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