Conversation:

...for the less formal sort of dinner party (ie not your boss or stuffy in-laws), remember these people are your friends! They already like you! You don't *have* to cook fancy things (although you can if you want to).

Make sure the food won't keep you in the kitchen all night instead of chatting with your guests - after all they have come to see you and will not be sending food back to the kitchen if it isn't perfect.

Above all, relax and have fun - it isn't meant to be an ordeal.

k

PS Haagen Daaz for dessert is always welcome..

You're oh so right. I can't imagine 'holding' a dinner party with people who would dare to disapprove of anything I've cooked/arranged. Even if the food is abysmal, surely the point is that it's an excuse for everyone to get together and have a good old booze up.

Foodwise, I reckon the pudding's the most important bit because most people don't bother with it in everyday meals. If I want to butter my granddad up, a stonking steamed pudding with custard always does the trick!

Or utilise my technique - drink, cook, chat and recruit kitchen helpers all at the same time

There is nothing like a bit of pudding. Except of course, more pudding!!!!!!!!

With xmas coming up try this simple 1 minute dish. Pop a bowl full of xmas pud covered with thin black cherry yogurt (low fat works best) into a microwave and heat, the yogurt soaks up into the pud... yummy!!!