A very British dinner
As a new and aspiring Londoner, British food gets a bad rep in other countries for not having good cuisine. I’m here to share that after 7 months of living here, that’s simply not true. Between Sunday roasts, fish and chips, afternoon tea and meat pies, I’m not sure where the disconnect is. Another standout from British fare is Beef Wellington.
My mom made a Beef Wellington a few years ago for her birthday dinner, which is on New Year’s Eve. It was so delicious and perfectly done, it was also my first time having it. I loved how fancy and decadent it felt for a dinner at home, which are often my favorite kind.
Now that we’re here, it felt like time to try making this dish myself, only this time as individual Beef Wellingtons as the main act amid a very British dinner.
The menu:
Goat cheese stuffed, bacon wrapped dates: This is a rec from my mom and I was surprised how much I liked it. Salty, sweet, chewy, sticky all in one, but really nice to start with and can also be baked before people arrive since they don’t need to be served warm.
Veggies and green goddess dip: This is becoming a trend for me. I love offsetting a rich dinner with fresh veggies — it’s also an easy starter to have ready right when people arrive.
Individual Beef Wellingtons: I loved this recipe from NYT. It was really straightforward and very tasty. Also, you have to fully make them in advance which is perfect for entertaining, all you have to do is egg wash and bake when it’s time. My fave part about individual ones is the pastry to meat ratio, all the decadence here.
Strawberry Eton Mess: All I can say is, wow. This dessert is so lovely and also easy. While it looks like just strawberries and whipped cream, there’s crushed bits of meringue cookies in the whipped cream, and the strawberries are partially puréed. It’s divine.
