We’ve been entertaining tonight and I am pretty pleased with the response to my efforts.

This meal took Herculean effort. EVERYTHING was home made.

Appetisers: onion bhajis and cashew pakoras (both home made) – Gail the cashew pakoras idea was knicked from the restaurant we went to!
Main Course: split pea and veg curry (home made), mattar paneer (home made, not just the dish but the paneer itself), rice and home made naan bread
Dessert – meringue (home made) with home made red wine ice cream and home made gooseberry and ginger sorbet.

Kitchen – devastated!

Left to right – mixing bowls from bhajis and paneer, ice cream maker, pans, assorted detritus from meal, bread machine open from naan making, cookery book with recipe for paneer and red wine ice cream balanced on toaster.

We have had a brilliant night with our good friends. We've shared all our dreams and other news. DM's take on the meal – my best yet….that’s some praise!

Tomorrow morning we wash up, tonight we go to bed replete and happy!

remember this clean, pristine kitchen - see it and weep!

Gulp - see, I am RUBBISH - it's my buddy's birthday and have I sent a card - nope - shite!