Hosting A Party? These Are The Recipes Our Team Swears By
We love our food here at The Handbook. When we’re not out and trying and reviewing the hottest new openings to know, you can often find us hosting people over at our places. One non-negotiable, though, is that the food (and drinks) have to be good. Here are the fail-safe recipes our team turns to when hosting, from refreshing cocktails and dips to warming mains and indulgent desserts.
To start
Mini tart shells
I fill mini tart shells with ricotta and spinach, or roasted tomato and herbs, then top with figs or little edible flowers for something fancy. They come together in minutes, look beautiful, and guests always think I’ve done so much more work than I have.
Kitty, Social Media Manager & Content Creator
Rosemary Honey Whipped Feta
This recipe has been a winner for me since I started making it over 5 years ago. It’s insanely simple/perfectly balanced, and addictive. Every time I try other whipped feta dips, I’m instantly disappointed because nothing compares. It comes together in minutes with minimal ingredients.
Caitlin, Senior Campaign Success Manager
liat aharon/dupe
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is my hosting lifesaver. It looks like I’ve put in loads of effort, yet it’s mostly cupboard ingredients. I plonk the large skillet in the middle of the table, rip up some crusty bread and everyone digs in. It’s warm, colourful, easy to scale up and always gets a “recipe please” before the night’s over.
Tamara, Contributing Beauty Editor
Pani puri
Pani puri is probably my favourite Indian party snack. They are basically little bombs of flavour that leave you feeling 10 times happier than you were before you ate them. You can just buy readymade puris and make the pani (water) yourself – or follow this recipe if you’re keen to do it all.
Andrea, Contributing Food, Culture & Lifestyle Editor
Hugo spritz
Aldi has this amazing Hugo Spritz in a bottle, which is surprisingly good (and cheap). To spruce it up, I use my best green gradient Collins glasses from Columbia Road and add fresh mint from my garden, lemon, cucumber and of course ice.
Imogen, Graphic Designer
Hearty mains
Salmon en croûte
My go-to is salmon en croûte, so easy to make but looks like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day. It’s rich but not too heavy, and perfect for winter dinner parties. Recipe here.
Elle, Senior Venue Partnerships Manager
elizabeth silva/dupe
Beef bourguignon
While this dish might not look that special, the hearty flavour it delivers more than makes up for it. Team with roast potatoes and red wine, the perfect one-pot dish for winter hosting.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Sweet treats
Pistachio chocolate chip cookies
My current go-to recipe is these pistachio chocolate chunk cookies. The dough also freezes so they’re a great one to make in advance and chuck in the oven for any last min hosting – Especially over the festive season and for anyone who’s not a mince pie fan!
Harriet, Head Of Partnerships
Sejal G/Dupe
Brownies
I have been baking these brownies since I was 13 or something, but I’ve always made them without the cherries and chestnuts. They’re the most velvety brownies you’ll ever try.
