Early spring dinner party ideas for seasonal eating
The trees are in bud and the evenings are getting lighter. Philippa Davis suggests some menus for seasonal eating to celebrate the end of winter.
March is often cold but the sun shines for longer and spring is on its way. So what should you be serving your guests?
Pre-dinner drinks
Delicious
A rhubarb daiquiri is a gorgeous way to start the evening.
Starters
Partridge, bacon and scallop chowder
Try this recipe for partridge, bacon and scallop chowder. March is often cold and this is a good way to use up those birds in the freezer.
Partridge, due to its flavour and size, can be used in a huge variety of starters.
Alternatively cook partridge in a terrine with my recipe for partridge, black pudding and sloe gin terrine.
Pigeon and cranberry terrine to make ahead
If you’re keen to get started with cooking for a dinner party then this make-ahead pigeon and cranberry terrine fits the bill. Plus which there is a lot of pigeon shooting happening in March.
Hot smoked trout and watercress tart
Looking for something fishy to start off with? Then I suggest my hot smoked trout and watercress tart.
Moving on to main courses
Duck ragu pie with rosemary and rioja
Stalkers pie
Rabbit and carrot stew
Sweet things
Rhubarb, ginger and fennel strudel
You can’t go wrong with a rhubarb pud at this time of year so here’s a recipe for rhubarb, ginger and fennel strudel.
Chocolate steamed duff
And finally, a pudding with chocolate. Chocolate steamed duff.
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