Saturday 15 June - Pink Pralines

I've had a pack of Pink Pralines lurking at the back of my cupboard since we came back from France last year, so I decided the time has come to use them up.

I tasted one out of the packet, and it was not unlike trying to eat a pebble - rock hard .

In order to be able to melt them a lot of bashing with a hammer took place, then they were placed in a pan of cream and slowly melted.

Once melted they were boiled until the mixture reached 100 degrees, and then this was cooled before filling some tart cases that we had blind baked.

First course was some bargain smoked salmon we'd picked up made into a pate with some cream cheese, dill and lemon juice - and this was served with some soda bread.

Main course was a sort of Osso Bucco but made with cubes of veal rather than the traditional slices cooked in white wine and tomatoes.

This was topped with a gremolate mix of parsley, garlic and lemon rind and served with a saffron risotto.

We rounded off the meal with a cheese board purchased from Chichester market