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Ideas for meals for the in-laws!


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Old 18-04-2008, 14:51
the_melon
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Hi,

Anyone got any good ideas for a dinner I can cook for the in-laws, they're coming over and I really want to make a good impression but have no idea what to make!

Thanks
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Old 18-04-2008, 14:53
Andy Murray
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Hi,

Anyone got any good ideas for a dinner I can cook for the in-laws, they're coming over and I really want to make a good impression but have no idea what to make!

Thanks
Roast Beef or Chicken, with Gravy never goes amiss.
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:12
the_melon
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Thanks, a roast is quite a safe bet!
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:13
indianwells
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Do the one dish that you know you're really good at. You know, the one you can do with your eyes shut and have had compliments about before. Everybody's got one!
That way, you're not putting any pressure on yourself and it'll all go smoothly. For Gods sake don't try something you've never cooked before, it's bound to go wrong. Relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy the meal!
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:18
Andy Murray
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Do the one dish that you know you're really good at. You know, the one you can do with your eyes shut and have had compliments about before. Everybody's got one!
Toast all round then?
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:19
dollylovesshoes
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[quote=indianwells;23077605]Do the one dish that you know you're really good at. You know, the one you can do with your eyes shut and have had compliments about before. Everybody's got one!
That way, you're not putting any pressure on yourself and it'll all go smoothly. For Gods sake don't try something you've never cooked before, it's bound to go wrong. Relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy the meal![/QUOTE]

Not too many though!
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:25
indianwells
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Toast all round then?
Well if that's what you're best at I wouldn't invite ANYONE over! Oooh, just had a thought! If you can only do toast you could always do a big selection of Crostini and Bruschetta, technically Italian toast.
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:27
indianwells
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Depends on the glass. I have one that holds a whole bottle!
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:29
Orangebathwater
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Rat poision!

If you like them then do something that you can prepare in advance a bit and just wack on.
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:29
dollylovesshoes
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Depends on the glass. I have one that holds a whole bottle!
So do I unfortunatly
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:32
dollylovesshoes
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A Good casserole is nice ! Veg on the side! Casserole cooked slowly in the oven. (Not too much washing up at the end) *Dolly hasn't got a dishwasher*
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:36
indianwells
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The woman in the shop called it something else, now what was it?
Oh yes........a vase.
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:39
the_melon
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Te he!

Well, I actually get on really well with them, so the poison won't be needed. Thanks anyway though

The toast idea is just cheeky! But the brushetta idea could be nice!
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:40
dollylovesshoes
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The woman in the shop called it something else, now what was it?
Oh yes........a vase.
PMSL My mate calls it a bucket!
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:44
stripeymouse
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Ham cooked in Cherry Coke, it's in Nigella Lawson - Feast.

It's delicious. Every time I cook it I get lots of compliments!

Let me know if you want to recipe
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:46
Nicks11
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Glasses = washing up, just use a long straw

I'd choose something you can make earlier and not have to faff about with when they are there.
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Old 18-04-2008, 15:52
dollylovesshoes
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Ham cooked in Cherry Coke, it's in Nigella Lawson - Feast.

It's delicious. Every time I cook it I get lots of compliments!

Let me know if you want to recipe
I've got her book which includes that recipe!! What size of ham did you buy? I keep looking at the recipe and thinking...Hmmm perhaps!!
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Old 18-04-2008, 16:29
stripeymouse
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I've got her book which includes that recipe!! What size of ham did you buy? I keep looking at the recipe and thinking...Hmmm perhaps!!
I think I got the same size as the book, around 2.5 kg. Tbh I just got into Tesco and whichever size gammon they have I buy

It's so good, you really should try it. The first time I made it, I done the creamed spinich to go with it like she recommends. I do not recommend that, I hated it, and I like spinich! I think it goes best with some really buttery mashed potatoes and some green veg. Mmmmm yummy.

I can also totally recommend the apple cheesecake with butterscotch sauce for dessert... I am getting peckish just thinking about it.

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Old 18-04-2008, 16:38
Erithacus
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I'd love the ham/cherry coke recipe.

When I want to impress, I usually make a 5 cheese lasagna (very decadent) with foccacia bread or garlic bread. I serve a salad on the side.
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Old 18-04-2008, 16:47
dollylovesshoes
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I'd love the ham/cherry coke recipe.

When I want to impress, I usually make a 5 cheese lasagna (very decadent) with foccacia bread or garlic bread. I serve a salad on the side.
Hmm I do the *old* country style.! my layers are Riccota,Mozzalla,parmesan but also with the bechemal sauce! Very rich but gorgeous!
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Old 18-04-2008, 16:48
dollylovesshoes
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I think I got the same size as the book, around 2.5 kg. Tbh I just got into Tesco and whichever size gammon they have I buy

It's so good, you really should try it. The first time I made it, I done the creamed spinich to go with it like she recommends. I do not recommend that, I hated it, and I like spinich! I think it goes best with some really buttery mashed potatoes and some green veg. Mmmmm yummy.

I can also totally recommend the apple cheesecake with butterscotch sauce for dessert... I am getting peckish just thinking about it.

Aww I think I'd fancy abit of the old pease pudding wiv that!!!!!
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Old 18-04-2008, 16:49
stripeymouse
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Well it's not exactly as it is in the book but this is how I make it...

Ingredients
2 kg - 2.5 kg gammon joint
1 Bottle Cherry Coke
1 Medium Onion
4 Generous Tablespoons Cherry Jam
1 Tsp Mustard Powder
1 Tsp Water

Now, this first part is optional, I generally do it as I do not like my gammon to be salty. Place the gammon in cold water and bring to the boil. Once boiled, take off the heat and drain out the water. Continue as follows. Like I said - totally optional - but it takes away the saltiness.

1. Chop the onion into quarters (no need to peel) and and place in a saucepan with the gammon. Pour over the cherry coke, until it is covering the gammon completely. If you do not have quite enough, just top up with water

2. Bring to the boil, then turn down to simmer for around 2.5 hours.

3. Just before your gammon will be ready you need to make the glaze. To do this place the cherry jam, mustard powder and water into a smaller saucepan and bring the to boil. Once boiled for 30 seconds or so remove from the heat and put to the side.

4. Get a roasting dish and coat with 3-4 layers of tin foil. Drain the gammon (Nigella says here than you can keep the Cherry Coke to boil cabbage in - that's up to you - I don't normally bother) and place the gammon into the roasting dish. Cut off any excess fat leaving just a thinish layer (couple of mm) and then score this into diamond style shapes. Nigella uses cloves here, in the corners of each of the diamonds - again - up to you - I do not as I hate cloves. Once scored, get a basting brush and rub the cherry glaze all over the ham.

5. Place in a hot oven (gas mark 7/8) for approx 15-20 minutes until the glaze has gone all sticky and brown.

6. Carve into thinish slices and serve!

Enjoy
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Old 18-04-2008, 16:50
stripeymouse
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Aww I think I'd fancy abit of the old pease pudding wiv that!!!!!
Yes that would be yummy with it. Better than creamed spinich. I served it for my family and everyone was praising the ham, and no one mentioned the spinich. You could just tell from the faces though

I'm sure others enjoy it, but my family didn't. Opps
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Old 18-04-2008, 16:52
Erithacus
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Thanks stripeymouse! That sounds delish!
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Old 18-04-2008, 16:53
stripeymouse
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Thanks stripeymouse! That sounds delish!
No worries, like I say it's not word for word Nigella. I've just made it so much that it's sort of my way of doing it.

I can't recommend it highly enough - everyone loves it - even my Mum who hates cherries!

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