Inviting Friends for a Simple Supper — the Menopause Boost We All Need!

Inviting Friends for a Simple Supper — the Menopause Boost We All Need!

This January, why not scoop up your girlfriends for a laid-back, soul-soothing supper? Winter might be cold, but good food, warm company, and a night of honest laughter are absolute magic—especially when menopause has us craving connection more than ever. So let’s lean into comfort, camaraderie, and a gorgeous seasonal gratin that wraps you up like a culinary hug

Delicious Pumpkin and Celeriac Gratin

For our supper, we’ll be whipping up a simple yet delightful gratin featuring pumpkin, celeriac, gorgonzola cheese, and potatoes. This creamy dish is perfect for sharing and will surely impress your friends. Below are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and diced

• 1 medium celeriac, peeled and diced

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 150g gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

• 300ml cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh pesto drizzle

Utensils: Baking dish, knife, cutting board, saucepan, and mixing bowl.

Method to Create the Gratin

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a saucepan, combine the diced pumpkin, celeriac, and potatoes. Add enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Cook for around 10 minutes, until slightly tender.
3. Drain the vegetables and layer them in a baking dish, alternating between the three.
4. Gently pour the cream over the layered vegetables and sprinkle with gorgonzola cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

A Fresh Salad to Accompany

To complement our rich gratin, let’s whip up a simple salad. Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers, drizzling with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Dessert: Toffee Pudding Delight

No supper soirée would be complete without a sweet treat! For dessert, we’ll serve a scrumptious toffee pudding with an orange and date twist, topped with clotted cream. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 200g dates, chopped

• 75g butter

• 150g brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 150g self-raising flour

• Zest of 1 orange

• Pecans for topping

• Clotted cream for serving

Utensils: Mixing bowl, baking tray, and whisk.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, followed by the flour, dates, and orange zest.
3. Spread the mixture into a greased baking tray. Sprinkle with pecans for an added crunch.
4. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Serve warm with clotted cream.

Bonding Over Food

As you gather for your January supper, remember this night is all about real connection. We’ve all watched Dinner Date, Come Dine With Me, and every foodie show going—but now it’s your moment to grab those pots and pans, cook something a little different, and enjoy the fun of sharing new dishes together. And when you’re all sitting there sampling each other’s creations, really chat. Talk about life, laugh about the absurd bits, and open up about menopause—because sharing what you’re going through with your friends truly matters.

And yes, the mobile phone goes in the handbag! Facebook, socials, family—trust us, they can wait. Tonight is for food, friendship, and the kind of honest conversation that feels better than any therapy session.