Dinner Party (part two)

Big part of most dinner gatherings is alcohol. Of course we had some prosecco and some beer, but these little cocktails stole the show. After dinner we had White ladies consisting of gin, Cointreau, lemon and fluffy egg whites. It was rather sour, but nicely refreshing after dinner.

Then we had a go at Scottish mojito, also from gin, cucumber, mint, brown sugar and some lime.
It was lovely (first picture). The cucumber really comes through and compliments the gin beautifully.
We finished the evening with a desert. I made apple and plum crumble with some praline hazelnuts on top and fresh custard. It simple, easy to make but everyone enjoyed it.

I make the crumble topping extra buttery and here is how to make it:
180g plain flour
120g unsalted butter, cut into cubes
160g caster sugar

Put the flour and butter in a bowl and rub together with your fingers until it looks like bread crumbs. Add half of the sugar (80g) and mix. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 mins.
Preheat the oven to 180C.
You can use any fruit you like but I always like apples. Peel and core, then cut in small cubes so they can cook through. Add plums, quartered. Toss everything with lemon zest and juice, then add the remaining sugar. Place in an ovenproof dish of any size you like, you can even make few individual ones.
Scatter the toping over the fruit, squishing some of it into small chunks. This add lovely texture. Sprinkle with nuts, hazelnuts or almonds and bake for 40 mins or until golden
Serve with custard or ice cream.