Hmmm... I'm not sure I've ever eaten simnel cake. Off to google a recipe to find out more!
When ever we have relatives round I always do something quick and easy so they eat it quick and then bugger off.
So I'm no help :lol2:
Crisps and dips, you can get a great selection from local supermarket or toasted tea cakes with devon clotted cream and jam also with a pot of earl grey tea....
Reacher x
I was thinking of baking.
Hot cross buns or scones might be doable... like the clotted cream/jam combo!
:lickface:
Scones for sure.
Why not try a a bara brith, piss easy and everybody loves it.
baking.....well come on.....every one loves a moist muffin !!!
I love a good crumble and cuzzy me , but i have got to say i am with Ben on the scone's ....... plain , fruit or maybe a cheeky cheese and sage one :thumbup: ohhh all served with real butter too
You could bake some bread or rolls. Perhaps home made pizza, and maybe some chocolate brownies?
for the males, a can of beer and a escape route to another room where sport maybe on.
for the ladies, younger :-large selection of scones, hot-cross buns and tea type cakes on a fancy rake
Older :- hot fresh bread,with real butter. As above, bottle of strategically placed bottle of gin and tonic
Make sure the oven is warm to touch.
for the males, a can of beer and a escape route to another room where sport maybe on.
for the ladies, younger :-large selection of scones, hot-cross buns and tea type cakes on a fancy rake
Older :- hot fresh bread,with real butter. As above, bottle of strategically placed bottle of gin and tonic
Make sure the oven is warm to touch.
Iceland do a variety of party packs to suit all
Shortbread - butter, sugar and flour pressed together and bake until JUST golden brown. recipes are easy to find. Always goes down a treat.
Flapjacks. Try and find a recipe that includes Golden Syrup and avoid any dried fruit as it tends to go too chewy. They have thadvantage of keeping for ages in a tin.
Cheese straws. Piss easy and well impressive.
A pack of puff pastry (make sure it's thawed out). Roll out and sprinkle one half lightly with a good strong cheese (and parmesan if you like) and paprika (if you have it).
Fold neatly and roll again just to stick the 2 halves together. Sprinkle with a little more cheese (and black pepper?) and press that in with your hand. Cut narrow strips and lay them on a baking tray, putting 1 or 2 twists into each one as you go. Bake at about 180, GM 5 or 350 (whatever your oven offers) and take out when they are golden. Leave to cool on the tray for 5 mins then lift off onto a cold plate.
Try not to scoff the lot before your guests arrive.
Next time I host a tea party I think I will just invite foxy round in the morning.
And make sure that the table cloth is ironed nice and smooth too!
this is a genuine culinary cry for help!) 
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