I wonder how many excuses you
have heard or made, offering the reason for not being able to host someone to
supper or dinner. The classic one for me is ‘I can’t cook as well as you!’ My
retort is standard. ‘Make me Beans on Toast and I will be more than happy’
There is no finer institution
than social intercourse over a meal with a glass of wine especially on these
dank, wet and ghastly nights of gloom. Unless you are a ‘couch potato’ curl up
on the sofa to watch the relevant droll options on the TV.
Time is also another excuse
but often the reason is - can’t be bothered. I have emphasised many times that
planning is of utmost importance for any cooking adventure so that it does not
become a chore or boring. Eating is a necessity of life if you are to sustain
it, so get over it and enjoy it, rather than fighting it. The chore is when you
haven’t planned and everything is a last minute panic with lack of inspiration
or thought. The familiar and ever dependable take-away - delivery or the
infamous ‘ding ding’ dinner from the microwave.
Planning means shopping and
preparation in advance leaving nothing to the last minute panic when mistakes
are inevitable and stressful.
The joy of it all comes from
the recipient of your labours. For me there is nothing finer than something, no
matter how complex or simple that I have not had to shop, prepare and cook
myself. Washed down with palatable wine and amicable conversation.
So please do think about that
neighbour or friend who sits alone most nights with a plate of food and no
amicable conversation. One or two extra portions of your weekday supper or
weekend catering would not be too harmful to the budget and you too may be
treated to a night off by a return invitation
You do not have to prepare a
gastronomic extravagance to entertain. Good food can be simple and enjoyable
whether Beans on Toast – an Omelette or Banger and Mash. It is the camaraderie
and socialising that is important.
Crispy topped Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
Mix together 6ozs of cubed
Taleggio, 3 tblsp Pesto, 1 handful of chopped Fresh Basil,
3ozs of Cream Cheese.
Place in an oven proof dish 6
skinless Chicken Breasts. Spread the mixture over the Breasts. Top with about
2- 3 ozs of Fresh Breadcrumbs and a little Paprika.
Bake in a warmed oven (about
180C) for about 20mins.
Add about 3/4lb of Vine
Cherry Tomatoes and drizzle with Olive Oil and a little Balsamic Vinegar. Bake
for a further 10mins till Golden and Tomatoes wrinkled and serve.
Now that’s not rocket
science......
