ARE you prepping for your dinner party?
Rising supermarket prices have made it up to 91 per cent more expensive to host for a group compared to dining out and splitting the bill, according to research by TheFork.
But these tips will help you to stay within budget.
COCKTAIL CONTROL: Instead of trying to cater to everyone’s drink preferences, and spending a fortune on wine, spirits and mixers, pick one cocktail for the menu.
Whip up one big-batch tipple, such as Aperol spritz using Aldi Aperini, £6.79, and ask guests to bring a bottle if they fancy something else.
NAB A NIBBLE: Ditch pricey canapes for bargain freezer and store-cupboard items.
Iceland sell frozen canape platter packs such as 38 tempura rolls or a 1.2kg Indian platter of snacks, both £6, and at Lidl it’s summer picnic week, so pick up a fancy jar of olives for £1.69.
Arrange in pretty bowls around the table for guests to help themselves.
PULSE POWER: When it comes to cooking the main dish, bulk it out.
Lentils and pasta are great options, and lentils can be substituted for expensive meat in certain recipes.
A cheap and tasty dish to make is lentil bolognese or chickpea curry — the ingredients are low cost, but they will both keep bellies full.
GET BREAD-Y: Side dishes can also help bulk out a main dinner dish.
Everyone loves garlic bread, but instead of buying garlic baguettes, make your own showstopper of a giant focaccia, which will bring the wow factor.
You need: 500g strong white bread flour, £1.30, a packet of Fast action yeast, £1.50, and 2tsp salt, olive oil from the cupboard and a few cloves of garlic, 89p, all Tesco.
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, then make a well and add 2tsp of olive oil and mix it together.
Get a jug and fill with 400ml of water, adding a little at a time while bringing the dough together with your hands before leaving to prove.
When baked, cut into small squares or fingers to make it go further and arrange on small plates around the table.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
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