Death at the Circus - Murder Mystery Dinner Party

Tuesday 26 February 2013
Many years ago, before kids, a Murder Mystery Party was the traditional event held each October to celebrate my birthday with four couples in attendance. Roll the clock on 10+ years and we decided to reinstate the tradition for Foodie Loon's Birthday. Unfortunately one of our original couples have since moved away so were were reduced in quantity but not quality to six. Roll up, Roll up for Death in the Ring at Slippery Sid's Circus.
Boy and Girl were in charge of the pre-dinner nibbles of popcorn and clown canapés and they did a great job with them. Ritz Crackers topped with cream cheese and faces made from black olives, cherry tomatoes and peppers. I had tried to get tomberries for the noses but alas couldn't find any. To accompany I created "Big Top Cocktails". Champagne, Chambord liqueur and a Clowns Nose (maraschino cherry)
Both my starter and desert came from an Amouse Bouche book that I was given at Christmas. I had bookmarked a couple of recipes that I wanted to try and this was a great chance to give them a go. Potage de Courage avec Biscuits au Saumon et Fromage. Butternut Squash soup served with Cheese and Salmon Biscuits. The biscuits were really good and the small portion of soup in a cup worked well as not too filling.
The main course was actually leftovers from Christmas. Fear not it had been in the freezer. A whole leg of lamb that my Dad had received from a fellow farmer had been bumped from the Festive Meal plan. The Persian Spiced Pulled Lamb recipe had been recommended to me by a couple of twitter friends and it didn't disappoint although I had my reservations about how it looked at the marinading stage.
The smell as it cooked for five hours was amazing. I served it with Garlic and Parsley Flatbreads, Humous, Cous Cous with Roasted Vegetables and Ratia. Absolutely loved it as did my fellow circus performers. Plenty of leftovers for the next day too.
Desert was Tarte a la Rhubarbe served with Rhubarb, Ginger and Vanilla ice cream. The first proper outing of my new Ice Cream maker after my disaster at Christmas when the old one failed to freeze. I do love Rhubarb in a desert and this was a perfect combination.
Following desert it was time for coffee, liqueurs and accusations. I'm blaming the fact that I spend some of the night in the kitchen and missed out on vital evidence for the fact that I had absolutely no idea who dun it. Turns out that Raisa Legova the Russian Trapeze Artist and Tractor Driver was the guilty party. I forgave her for committing the heinous crime in my big top as she brought me a gorgeous Russian Doll salt and pepper set.
A fantastic night full of fun, friendship and good food. Definitely won't leave it ten years until the next murder. 

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