I do love snow but round here it doesn't stay lovely for long. On the other hand, I now have my yaktrax, don't I?
Yesterday was a lovely, easy day after three slightly manic days. SET online was good, as always, and Chris and I had so much to talk about, we didn't stop for a second. Next week we're going out for lunch - Hyde Hall if the weather is good, somewhere local if it's wet. That will be very pleasant.
Then the rest of the day was spent doing the usual homey stuff, knitting, reading, watching telly and generally relaxing and very nice it was too.
Today is more of the same, sort of.
Slimming World first and then I need to get a few things from Morrisons that I didn't put on the list for Wednesday.
I want to give downstairs a dust and sweep seeing as Dave and Anna are round later.
There's that bit of ironing which is going to be over-dry by now but there you go, that's what steam irons are for, isn't it?
And after boasting that I was sleeping longer now, I woke before five this morning, obviously (!) so I'm hoping I can catch myself a bit of a snooze this afternoon.
I've remembered to take the lasagne out of the freezer so it will gently thaw through the day, ready to reheat with extra cheese on top - yum. The rest is easy - garlic bread, h m coleslaw, mixed salad and a bought dessert because I'm not brilliant with desserts. I got some tiramisu from M&S and have some cream to pour over so that's all right.
And it will take no time at all to set the table, etc, so I'm feeling good and chilled about it.
What sort of thing do you provide when family or friends are over for a meal?
Have a lovely day. I hope the weather hasn't been too bad where you are. Stay safe, everyone. xx
Sounds good Joy, the dinner plans I mean, you don't want to be spending hours cooking on the day you've got guests coming over, you'll be too knackered to enjoy their company. I too tend to cook things in advance and freeze them, so it's just a case of doing some fresh veg or salads on the day - lasagne or fish pie are favourites. I also buy desserts, cheesecakes quite often, although sometimes make a trifle which always goes down well. Have a lovely time xx
ReplyDeleteA girl after my own heart. SImple, hearty, tasty and easily done in advance. I love it! xx
DeleteWhat I provide depends on how many are expected. If it's a cohort of 15 or more, it will be finger food. 6 to 8 can expect a roast or a casserole, homemade trifle and fresh fruit salad.
ReplyDeleteGood point. Yes, with a larger group, a buffet is better. xx
DeleteI’m making a steak and guiness pie for our daughter and her husband’s 49th birthdays on 13th March. The meat will be cooked in advance and then reheated on the day. The puff pastry will be cut in squares and served on the side. Maybe some yorkies too with lots of gravy. Mashed potatoes, crushed carrots and roasted parsnips. This will be followed by home made lemon cheesecake which they requested. I will make some chicken for myself. Catriona
ReplyDeleteOh, what an amazing feast. I love that. Cheesecake too. I can make the no-cook kind but I don't think I have ever tried a baked cheesecake. Anything lemon hits the target as far as I am concerned, mind you! xx
DeleteWhen we have Alan's family staying I tend to make up a big pot of vegetable curry or chilli and we serve it with lots of sides, including chicken for the meat eaters. Then the following day it's a massive cooked breakfast, with Alan cooking the meaty parts and me the veggie ones, our reasoning being that if we totally fill them up at breakfast time they won't need more than a slice of cake before we send them on their way early afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI love that thinking!! Very clever. xx
DeleteWe don't cook for people as often as we used to but curry, lasagne, salmon, roast all would be possibles - I used to like making a chicken breast stuffed with a buttery Stilton mix, wrapped in bacon simmered in red wine which then is reduced to a 'jus'
ReplyDeleteI would serve that with dauphinois or sauté potatoes.......but that's about as posh as I would go!
My favourite thing to make is dessert, all the usual cheesecake, trifle, brownies with homemade ice cream.......oh and mini puds eg a small selection gin and tonic jelly, posset, chocolate mousse.........those would be served with a side helping of homemade shortbread and some clotted creams.......do you wish you'd never asked 😉😂 X
Alison in Wales x
Not at all, it all sounds amazing, especially the desserts. They really are not my forte although I do a very nice crumble. However, I decided after a fairly big main course, a crumble would be too much. xx
DeleteHope you are all enjoying the lasagne this evening. When our son and family come to stay we tend to have food that's quick to prepare and cook as they want to cram in visiting other family, going to the local shopping village or other local places. These grandchildren are 5 9 and 11. I often make lasagne in advance, pop bolognese sauce in the slow cooker, they all like salmon, so oven cook that with chips in the air frier with a big salad. Puddings are yogurt, fruit, ice cream or fruit crumble. If our eldest granddaughter comes for a meal while they are here, she will make an exotic cheesecake or iced sponge!!!
ReplyDeleteThat all sounds so good and so family-friendly. Delicious! xx
DeleteYour evening meal sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteMy wee family, my son, daughter, and grandson and I, generally only get together around holidays. So our meals tend to be roast something with potatoes and dressing, gravy, and veg. Dessert is usually cookies or maybe a pie of some sort. Always far too much food.
I currently live with my son, but over the next year I'll be transitioning to living with my daughter for part of the year so our meals won't be special.
When Alex comes round, I tend to do a roast dinner because he and I both like that and it's better use of resources when it is for two rather than one. Good luck with your move - hopefully it will go smoothly. xx
DeleteLots of time I serve spaghetti and meat sauce with a salad and sometimes garlic bread. Dessert is either pudding or ice cream with various toppings. However when Kurt and Kris join us for the various holidays it will be a roast turkey or roast ham with all the trimmings.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Pasta based meals are very popular, aren't they'? Also easy and mostly the leftovers can be frozen!
DeleteAnd most people love a roast dinner!
xx
I love lasagna but it is so labour intensive I usually buy it ready made. Today I decided to make dinner (chicken scallopini) ahead of time so got it partially cooked in the afternoon then finished it off in the oven in the evening. It tasted great and was so less stressful than having to hustle to get it on the table at dinner time!
ReplyDeleteI'm a great believer in doing things by stages too. It removes the pressure and, as you say, it's there when you want it to be. I had to look up chicken scallopini and wow, it looks so delicious. Thanks for the idea. xx
DeleteSounds like you've got the right meal planned! I like lots of before-hand prep. Usually it's a buffet or, in the summer, a cookout. Maybe tacos if there are a lot of people as they are easy to do and most people like something in there - even the vegetarians!
ReplyDeleteIt worked a great and everything wend down really well. Looking forward to the leftovers today!
DeleteBuffets, etc, are nice because everyone can wander round and mingle - and they're easy! xx
Homemade lasagne is always delicious and we love it here. Another favourite is risotto or curry which D and I enjoy making together.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I love a curry! Delicious! xx
Delete