Description

Airy, smooth, with subtle tones of richness – tantalising and utterly satisfying.

Don’t waste any time in the kitchen! Be the hostess with the mostest, including time. This recipe doesn’t just WOW your guests, but it also allows you time to socialise rather than be stuck, slaving over spectacular dishes that you hardly get to see anyone enjoy.

Cooking is for fun. Watching the reactions of those around you consume your creations amid good quality banter, lots of laughter and good times is one of the most gratifying things I’ll ever do. But the point is to be there for those wonderful moments – not in the kitchen.

The best tip I’ve got for you is this, plan ahead. If you’re going for a 2 or 3 course meal, with entrees, mains and desserts – then here’s a quick guide:

1. Choose a light starter that can be prepared ahead and requires little or no cooking time when it comes time to serving.
   a) Perhaps a homemade dukkah, olive oil and a fresh homemade loaf of savoury bread – all can be prepared ahead and served on the table as people arrive.
   b) A classic soup – make ahead during the day and bring back to the heat before serving.
   c) Our Grecian take on cabbage rolls!
2. Comprise a main of either self-serving or dishes that involve little to and fro – if you’re going all out, a Chateaubriand style roast will serve many and you can do the gravy from the juices, serve with options such as potato gratin, saute greens & root vegetable medleys.
   a) Don’t incorporate too many steps.
   b) Don’t under-compensate oven space and the number of pots/pans you’ll need.
   c) Depending on the cuisine you’re making, something simple like a mild curry can be made to be pretty stunning AND can be done in one pot! Just add rice and a yeast free Naan and you’re set.
   d) Allow plenty of time. In the beginning, I would spend the entire day from wake to sleep in the kitchen. All I achieved was a very big mess and little enjoyment of my own food. Plan ahead and give yourself extra time – this will also ensure you’re not doing the dash to change/remove a grotty apron when guests are already arriving!
3. Wherever possible, plan a dessert that can be made the day before or the morning of – at the latest. A killer dish doesn’t need 457 steps and 8 hours in the kitchen. Our chocolate mousse can be made the evening before or the morning of, or our sticky date puddings (which no one can tell are GF, DF or SF hehe) are a super fast alternative for the cooler seasons and can be prepped ahead for minimal time in the kitchen.

At the end of the day, you can cater to any intolerance AND deliver an absolutely divine meal AND enjoy time with your family, friends and guests. Why am I sharing this? Because I’ve been through all of the above… I’ve learnt (many times) from my mistakes, and I’ve personally served a double version of this recipe to 8 guests that raved about this chocolatey mousse.

Serve with fresh raspberries or fruit of choice.

Enjoy xxx