Dinner with friends, chicken paella and berry meringue smash

Tonight we had a couple of very good friends and their baby over for dinner. It was great to talk about motherhood, parenting and general baby topics, and know that you are not boring the pants off of your guests. It is extremely funny how much one can talk about poop at the dinner table and not be disgusted and put off of their meal, ah the joys of being a parent.

Unfortunately I did not get the chance to take any photos of our dinner, but suffice to say it was quite delicious. We had a chicken paella and simple garden salad for dinner, and then a berry and meringue dessert. Here are the recipes for anyone that is interested.

Chicken Paella (from Super Food Ideas - May 2007)

Serves 6

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp turmeric

6 chicken thighs on bones

2 tbsp olive oil

2 large chorizo sausages, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, crushed

4 cups chicken stock

2 cups arborio rice

400g can diced tomatoes

1 cup frozen peas

1. Combine paprika and 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a bowl. Coat the pieces of chicken in the spices and set aside.
   
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chorizo, onion and garlic. Cook for 4 minutes or until chorizo is light golden. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Add remaining oil to the pan. Cook chicken on one side for 4 minutes or until golden. Turn over and cook for a further 3 minutes. Add 1 cup of stock to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for 8 minutes. Remove the lid. Boil gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until almost all liquid has evaporated.
4. Combine 2 cups of remaining stock and remaining turmeric in a jug. Add rice, tomatoes and stock mixture to pan. Stir to combine. Return to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until almost all liquid is absorbed.
5. Add peas, chorizo mixture and remaining stock. Simmer for 5 minutes or until stock is just absorbed. Season with salt and pepper.

Berry Meringue Smash

Serves 4

300ml thickened cream

100g meringue

500g frozen mixed berries, thawed

100g white chocolate, chopped

1. Whip cream until soft peaks form.
2. Crumble meringue with fingers into the cream and stir to combine.
3. Gently mash the berries with a fork.
4. Add the berries and white chocolate, and stir to combine.
5. Enjoy!