Come and help me plan a dinner for 7! What would you cook?

[SparklyFooted]

Previously for this crew I've done:

multiple curries and trimmings
slow cooked lamb and dauphies
beef bourgingnon
coq au vin

So anyone got any suggestions for cook ahead but special food?

maybe Italian?

BUT, I have one gluten free guest so want to avoid pasta. I'd prefer for gluten free guest to be able to eat everything (or most) of the stuff we're having rather than have a completely different meal for them.

What would you cook?

[MrsWinnibago]

Duck.

[EarthWindAnd9]

Chicken basque?

[calzone]

Gorgonzola souffle with poached pears

Pan fried lamb fillet with red wine jus
Sauteed potatoes
Broccoli

Chocolate pots

[Allalonenow]

Bellini cocktails

Parma ham with figs or melon

Risotto with summer vegetables

Rack of lamb with aubergine Parmigiana

Peaches in sweet white wine or affogato

Magnifico!!

[SparklyFooted]

oooh niiiice!

I'd like to spend as much time with guests as possible (I'm like them ) so anything requiring last minute cooking is out.

Also

I've never had fresh figs - do you eat the skin or just chew off the inside bit?

[ohbladee]

Eat the skin. Could do a fig, ricotta and beetroot salad with rocket and balsamic glaze.

Lamb olive and caramelised onion tagine is delish www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/lamb-olive-and-caramelised-onion-tagine-recipe.html

With truffle mash?

Heston's exploding chocolate torte thing www.channel4.com/programmes/how-to-cook-like-heston/articles/all/exploding-chocolate-gateau-recipe Don't bother with flocking, just use a pastry brush to put melted choc round the sides on the base

All easy to make in advance and then warm through/serve

[ohbladee]

(I wouldn't do a risotto as you'll be stirring constantly)

[ohbladee]

You could gluten free biscuits of course. Waitrose have GF shortbread.

[FamiliesShareGerms]

I'd do that lamb on potatoes that Tom Kerridge did on Saturday Kitchen today

Or posh fish pie (eg with scallops, as well as other mixed fish)

[sharond101]

Jamie Oliver's sausage cassoulet from money saving meals. It's delicious with good quality sausages and can be made in advance.