Tickle your Tastebuds: Seven Course Tasting Menu

I am currently working on a special blog post which is taking me a little longer to prepare. In the meantime, after multiple requests, here is a glimpse of my seven course tasting menu which I cooked with success for a very special person’s birthday. I hope this post shows you that you don’t have to be a professional chef to cook your own tasting menu!

Menu

Rhubarb Bellini

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Prawn and Wasabi Crostini

 

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Beetroot Smoked Salmon with Walnuts

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French Onion Fillet of Beef

 

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Pears Poached in Red Wine and Thyme

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Key Lime Pie Lollipop

 

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Dark Chocolate Truffles

 

Unlike my other posts, these recipes are not my own. On this occasion, I used ideas from http://www.redonline.co.uk/food/recipes/romantic-meal and http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/french_onion_beef_tenderloin.html. Please visit the websites for the recipes to try yourself!

My top tips for a successful tasting menu:

Enjoying Key Lime Pie Lollipops!

-        Preparation is key! Decide on your menu early, checking that you have everything you need, including enough crockery.

-        Check with your guests for any allergies or dislikes before you plan your menu.

-        Choose a variety of fish, meat and vegetarian courses….or be creative and choose a theme that runs through the entire menu.

-        Aim for recipes which can be made in advance for some of the courses, so you can spend more time with your guests on the evening. There’s no point being in the kitchen all night! I made the lollipops and truffles the day before.

-        Choosing a cold starter enables you to compile it before your guests arrive, meaning more time to host and no worries about oven timings in conjunction with the main course. The same goes for most canapés and amuse-bouches.

-        Exchanging food for a cocktail for one course adds variety and makes the menu kinder on the stomach!

-        Smaller portion sizes ensure that every course is enjoyed.

-        Don’t underestimate the power of presentation to show off your hard work and make each course different. Use different coloured plates, rustic wooden boards or wrap up sweet treats in little parcels.

-        Choose drinks to complement your dishes. This may require a couple of different ones throughout the menu. Don’t forget those that are driving!

-        Give each course a name to make it personal to your evening and guests. A play on words or a quote can work well.

-        Place a copy of the menu rolled up into a scroll at each table place, so your guests can uncover what treats they have in store for the evening!

I hope this inspires you to have a go at your own tasting menu. Look out for my ‘Takeaway’ post next week!