MIDSUMMER MENU: Food for friends

Good Housekeeping's triple-tested recipes are just perfect for summer get-togethers

These recipes create fresh tastes created by using in-season ingredients in simple ways. Just click on the recipe names below for step-by-step instructions, and check out the Good Housekeeping time plan below to help get the meal on the table without a hitch...

 

 

MENU FOR 6

Simple Summer Lasagne

Baked Salmon with Jersey Royals & Watercress Mayonnaise

Crunchy Fennel Salad

Pastel meringues

Fragrant Strawberry Salad

 

 

 

THE GET-AHEAD TIME PLAN

On a beautiful summer's evening you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Much of this menu can be prepared in advance, and the main course cooks in one dish while you and your guests sit down to enjoy the starter.

 

UP TO A WEEK BEFORE

Make the meringues. Store in an airtight container.

 

THE DAY BEFORE

Make the dressing for the fennel salad and store in a cool place.

 

ON THE DAY - TO SERVE DINNER AT 8PM

■ Get started at 3pm... Prepare asparagus and broad beans. Roast Jersey Royals to the end of step 1. Cool, top with proscuitto wrapped fish and tomatoes, cover and chill. Make lasagne sauce, leaving out the herbs. Prepare veg for the salad. Cover and chill. Make strawberry salad and chill.

■ 7.30pm: Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6.

Take fish out of fridge and make

watercress mayonnaise.

■ 7.45pm: Put pasta water on to boil. Reheat sauce, cook pasta, then reheat asparagus and broad beans.

■ 8pm: Put fish and potatoes on to cook. Serve starter.

■ Between courses... Dress salad, whip cream and assemble the meringues.

■ 8.20-8.25pm: Serve main course.

■ And finally... enjoy the pudding.

 

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