One-hour dinner party menu

The ultimate fuss-free dinner party menu is ready in a flash. This delicious, seasonal four-course meal goes from kitchen to table in under an hour.

Appetizer
Roasted asparagus and creamy tahini dip For a healthy starter we've paired these spring stalks with a drizzle of lemon and a smooth tahini dip.

Main
Glazed cornish hens with roasted apricots These golden birds, surrounded by tender roasted fruit, are a simple and elegant main course.

Side
Risotto-style pea and mint orzo This spring dish takes only15 minutes to make. Chop mint and stir in just before serving.

Dessert
Cake toast with honeyed strawberries Great for dessert or even for brunch, this rich pound cake gets warm and crisp like French toast. A scoop of ice cream, yogurt or whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch.

Prep plan

6:00 Preheat oven. Prep hens.

6:10 Roast hens. Make honeyed strawberries. Slice pound cake.

6:25 Make orzo. Prep asparagus. Brush apricot jam on hens. Return to oven.

6:50 Remove hens from oven. Roast asparagus. Make tahini dip.

6:55 Remove asparagus from the oven.

Dessert time! Toast cake in the oven for 10 minutes.

Related:
One-hour backyard party menu
Coastal clambake menu
A vegetarian barbecue menu