Rosie Mackean’s retro British dinner party menu (with time plan)

Rosie’s retro dinner party menu

Leeks vinaigrette
Serving leeks in big juicy pieces, dressed with a thick vinaigrette, chopped egg and lovely spring herbs, makes a gorgeous starter. It can be made ahead and is best at room temperature, so it’s just perfect for a lunch or dinner party.

Sour cherry ham, egg and proper oven chips
If I’m in a pub and I see ham, egg and chips on the menu, I can’t look past it – so why wouldn’t I make it at home? Boil the ham the day before, then throw it in the oven to finish it off the next day. Easy.

Clotted cream cheesecake with roast strawberries
This is my way of taking scones with jam and cream and turning it on its head. Clotted cream adds a complexity and silkiness to cheesecakes that regular cream just can’t compete with.

How to prepare ahead

I believe you should be doing minimal cooking while your friends are in your home. Restaurant chefs prep or cook nearly everything before service to make things easier, and so should you. Here’s a plan so you can prep ahead and have a good time on the day.

Next: See Rosie’s easy spring feast menu, including a smart asparagus starter and brûléed rice pudding with bananas.