Every few years Kevan gets together with his old Churcher’s College school friends. For some reason or other it tends to be at our house! I guess we are the geographic centre of gravity. And anyway I love the chance to cook for myself for a change.

With a few extra family members we were 20 people this time. We have been so lucky with the weather on previous occasions, but this year the party was a bit later in the year, to coincide with a visit by the Australian branch of the Old Churcherians, and sadly we weren’t blessed with sunshine. But everyone spent most the afternoon eating so they didn’t really notice! At least it didn’t rain, and we managed to keep the dining room doors open all afternoon.

Here’s what I served:

Canapés

Lamb kofte with jalapeño mayo dip

Duck & vegetarian spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce
Fish cakes with sweet chilli sauce

Chicken meat balls with tamarind dip

Croustades with quails eggs in Mary Rose dressing

Dates with goats cheese, pistachio & pomegranates

Plate food

Smoked mackerel salad with heritage beetroot,
fennel & croutons

Camargue red rice salad with almond flakes

Barbecued pulled lamb with Asian-style green sauce

Persian sausage rolls

Carrot & parsnip fritters

Grilled peppers with anchovy, garlic & caper berries

Pudding

Summer pudding

Macarons
Brownies with white & dark chocolate nibs