Can you believe that we're almost at the end of 2015 already?

Time flies when you're having fun and we expect they'll be plenty of fun over the Christmas holidays. If you're starting to wonder what to do on Christmas day or New Years eve for example, then how about a dinner party with your own personal chef? Here is one of our many sample menus;

Canape
Oysters with champagne sauce

Amuse Bouche

Minted Pea soup and crispy pancetta served in espresso cups

Starter
Hot foie gras with confi peach and marsala sauce

Main Course
Crispy duck with caramlised orange sauce, beetroot puree, chesnuts & confi of shallots

Dessert
Chocolate mango & coconut marquise

Here is the recipe for our minted pea soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 cups chicken stock
1/3 cup mint leaves
1kg frozen green peas

Method
Add stock and bring to the boil. Add mint and peas. Cover and return to the boil. Cook for 3 minutes or until peas are tender but still bright green. Remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly.

Blend soup, in batches, until smooth. Return soup to saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

For the crispy pancetta

Preheat grill on high. Place the pancetta on a baking tray and cook under grill for 2-3 minutes each side or until crisp. Set aside to cool slightly. Break into pieces.

BON APPETIT

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2070887/All-I-want-Christmas--Is-From-writing-cards-wrapping-presents--specialists-care-EVERYTHING.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/how-to-cheat-at-christmas-lunch-8413476.html