The Peel patrons 'Come Dine With Me', Rosemary Chicken with Tomato Sauce.

Good day people.  The third evening of The Peel patrons 'Come Dine With Me' took place last night, hosted by Joolz and Diesel.  By all accounts, it was an evening of much conviviality and absurdity (I've seen the video Stu n Kez ).

Loosely following the 'Come Dine With Me' format it was decided that all the hosts serve 2 mains, followed by a savoury/sweet dessert of crisps, Pringles and chocolate.  Joolz's menu was a tried and tested Red Thai Curry, served with flatbread, and a slow cooked Chicken Casserole, with all the veg trimmings.  It was the first time she had used a slow cooker and she made the classic mistake of not altering the amount of liquid to add to a slow cooked dish, hence she ended up with 'Chicken Casserole Soup'.  She blagged it.

Joolz and Diesel started the evening on -5 points due to a coat hanger malfunction that saw the guest's coats sitting in a heap on the floor (Dougie must have left his wallet in his coat pocket) but they managed to pull it back with the Red Thai Curry and flatbreads, copious amount of alcohol and the entertainment provided by the Xbox Kinect...again, I've seen the video.  Watching middle aged people leaping around the room, concentration etched across their face and in various stages of perspiration and breathlessness and the full middle aged pouch wobbling uncontrollably under a shirt is always an amusing sight to behold.  Kez busted some hot Beyonce moves on the Dance Central and walked away with the championship trophy....in ya face Louis Spence.

The first evening was hosted by Janet and Kez and their menu consisted of Lasagne and Braising Steak, with all the trimmings followed by the savoury/sweet cheesy puff and chocolate dessert.  The guests were greeted by Kes dressed in a romper suit, an adult baby grow.  He insisted it wasn't an 'adult baby' fetish thing...the jury is still out.

The second evening was hosted by Leslie and Stu and their menu was a rib-sticking Lobby (a meat and potato hash) and a Chicken Curry, followed by the now familiar dessert.  Stu's game plan was simple..in theory. Get the guest's sh*t faced on Absinthe, fill their bellies and the points are in the bag. You'd think.  Unfortunately, half-way into the evening, whacked on Absinthe and various other alcoholic beverages, Stu was found sprawled, in the crucified position, on his bed and emitting the sounds of deep, drunken sleep that bellowed throughout the house.

The final evenings host's are Grace and Dougie.  A 5 course meal has been promised...of breakfast cereals (skimmed and full fat milk will be offered).

The results will be in this March.

Anyhows, the weeks menu has been written and shopped for.  Tonight's dinner is Rosemary Chicken with Tomato Sauce.

Rosemary Chicken with Tomato Sauce.

1 tbsp olive oil
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 rosemary sprig, leaves finely chopped
1 red onion, finely sliced
3 garlic cloves, sliced
2 anchovy fillets, chopped
400g can chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp capers, drained
75ml red wine (optional)

Heat half the oil in a non-stick pan, then brown the chicken all over. Add half the chopped rosemary, stir to coat, then set aside on a plate.

In the same pan, heat the rest of the oil, then gently cook the onion for about 5 mins until soft. Add the garlic, anchovies and remaining rosemary, then fry for a few mins more until fragrant. Pour in the tomatoes and capers with the wine, if using, or 75ml water if not. Bring to the boil, then return the chicken pieces to the pan. Cover, then cook for 20 mins until the chicken is cooked through. Season and serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.