This was a lovely evening, which we did as a tribute to Hairy Biker Dave, who’d sadly died recently. We talked about lots of things, including funeral plans as well as food. It was more cheerful than it sounds, honest! We missed Debrah who was in Peru.

Starters

Jane – Cheesy balls/gougeres

The recipe made far less than described. I made both sorts – hot, and cold stuffed with mascarpone, we think that the hot ones were probably the ones we liked the best. And the leftovers froze really well – I carried on eating them for weeks!

https://www.hairybikers.com/recipes/view/posh-cheese-balls

Tracey – duck tikka

Duck with lots of spices, garlic, ginger, marinated overnight and then done on skewers under the grill. 5 minutes each side though the recipe said three – possibly needed fewer. Really spicy and tasty, good with the lime.

Best of British book, online.

Mains

Karen – Healthy shepherds pie

This used the standard beef mince, onions etc. Then the top was made with mashed potatoes with creme fraiche and leeks. Took a long time to cook, but it was worth it!. Internet

Janet – Gorgeous fish stew with garlic croutons

Hairy dieters book one. Cod because Paul couldn’t get any hake. Potatoes took a long time to cook, so the liquid evaporated a bit, needed a bit more liquid adding. Garlic croutons very garlicky, with a bit of extra Parmesan. Prawns, and then the cod added a couple of minutes before eating. A big success.

https://www.oohlaloire.com/fish-stew/

Sides

Julie – quinoa salad with asparagus watercress and spinach, mint and avocado.

Dressing – orange, soy, oil, chilli. From Hairy Dieters book. Very easy. Orange made it lovely and light.

Sue – Roast Squash salad

Roasted squash with thyme, salt and pepper in the air fryer. Baby leaves and toasted pumpkin seeds. From the Christmas section on the HB’s website. Lovely dressing!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/roast_squash_salad_78271

Puddings

Justine – Sicilian lemon tart

Another recipe from the website, with a corresponding picture of lemons….Jus made the pastry (with great demonstration of the sounds) and not blind baked. Thought it would be slightly soggy bottom, but not at all, absolutely delicious. 6 eggs! This led to a discussion of whose lemon tarts is the best, Sue really likedDelia’s

This pudding was dish of the night!