You’ve met at fast food restaurants and had a potluck dinner or two, but isn’t it about time you created a great meal for your pals?

The British recipes in this menu offer the right balance of ease (for the host who has to prepare the meal) and indulgence (for guests who will feel honoured by the special offerings made for them.)

Homemakers' food editor, Andrew Chase selected three recipes from Brian Turner's Favourite British Recipes (McArthur & Company, 2003) to make your British bash a royal success. Prawn cocktail adds a special element to your spread, starting your dinner party in style. As guests settle in for the main course, serve chicken with parsley sauce; a traditional dish that conveys homey comfort food at its best. For a grand finale, add just enough sweetness with a light but luscious sponge cake.

Recipes excerpted from Brian Turner's Favourite British Recipes by Brian Turner, copyright 2003 by McArthur & Company. Excerpted, with permission, by McArthur & Company. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.