Forever Nigella #4 and the Royal Wedding

I thought I wasn't really gonna be into this wedding event, but the fact that I've been watching (and enjoying) the TV coverage from the morning till now means that I'm actually kinda into it. I thought the ceremony was good and very British. All the hats the women were wearing are fascinating. I couldn't help but thinking, what would lady gaga wear if she was invited to the wedding...

Watching from the news I saw many places all around the country, hosting their own street party and I suppose the royal wedding is such a great excuse for people to get together for some food, drinks, royal romance and getting to know your neighbours.

I had my own party at home with some friends, and yes, I am well aware that having 10 people over at 10 am on a day I plan on doing absolutely nothing sounds completely outrageous. I don't do this all the time, but it's nice every now and then. Perhaps, next will be the Queen's diamond jubilee next year. That's what I call planning ahead.

Fitting nicely with this month's Forever Nigella challenge hosted by Sarah at Maison Cupcakes we had few selections of finger food all by none other, the one and only, the domestic goddess... Nigella Lawson. The great thing about all of the following recipes, they can be done ahead of time, meaning quite a lot to prep the night before, but nothing difficult and very little to do in the morning which is ideal.

Chips and dip are a must-have for me, especially for in front of the telly event. I have made this peanut butter hummus a couple of times and it's so delicious. It's like a thicker and creamier version of Thai or Indonesian peanut sauce. The peanut butter gives a slight sweetness, and works beautifully with the flavours of garlic and cumin. The hummus can be made the night before and then store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Chicken wings are a favourite amongst my friends. Nigella's salt and pepper wings are so delicious, they're gone within minutes out of the oven. The wings are marinated in a salty, lemony, garlicky paste with crushed pink peppercorns for overnight in the fridge. In the morning, roast for 40 minutes in a hot oven and they are done!

Pigs in blankets with mustard dipping sauce were also on offer. I assembled these little pigs the night before and in the morning glaze them with an egg, and for slight crunch, I sprinkled some with sesame seeds and some with nigella seeds.

As well as nibbles, I think it's rather nice to have something a little more substantial but still light, like turkey meatballs in tomato sauce. These meatballs can be cooked the night before, store in the fridge and then reheat the next day. Serve with chunks of crusty bread to soak up the sweet tomato sauce. I'm afraid the pictures of these meatballs are pretty horrific, sorry...

Last but not least, for something sweet to complete the afternoon of Britishness... lemon cupcakes baked appropriately in union jack cupcake cases and mini flags! I adapted Nigella's mini lemon bundt recipe from How to Be a Domestic Goddess and alter the icing slightly to make it creamier by adding butter, lemon zest for flavour and a drop of yellow food colouring for aesthetic purpose.

Overall it's been an enjoyable day and I wish the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge many happiness for years and years to come. So how's your Royal day?