A One-Hour Spring Dinner Party Menu

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.

(Photo: Angus Fergusson)

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

(Photo: Angus Fergusson)

Side
Risotto-style pea and mint orzo
This spring dish takes only 15 minutes to make. Chop mint and stir in just before serving.

(Photo: Angus Fergusson)

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.

(Photo: Angus Fergusson)

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.