Cheat's party food

Time plan for party at 7.30pm

The day before:

Make the yoghurt mixture for the prawns (step 1). Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.

Make the mascarpone mixture for the dates (step 1). Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.

Marinate the chicken drumettes (step 1).

Make the mince tarts. Cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

The morning of:

Prepare the fondue pie (step 1 & 2). Don't bake it. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.

Make the cucumber mixture for the prawns (step 2). Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.

Make the shallot curls for the chicken (step 3). Store in the water in the fridge.

Midday:

Macerate the fig for the blini (step 1)

Cook the pappadum for the prawns. Store in an airtight container at room temperature (alternatively, buy pappadums chips, for an even "cheatier" trick!)

Prepare the sausage rolls (steps 1 & 2). Double or triple the recipe if desired. Place on a tray. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.

1 hour before guests arrive:

Cook the chicken (step 2)

Finish the dates (step 2). Place on a platter. Cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

15 minutes before guests arrive

Assemble the blini (step 2).

Assemble the prawns (step 3).

When guests arrive:

Cook the fondue pie (Step 3)

30 minutes before serving the sausage rolls.

Cook the sausage rolls (step 3).