This is the menu Sofia and Eric cooked for a dinner with friends: crostini with two toppings to start, a crisp salad of shaved Brussels sprouts, roasted cauliflower and arugula, spice-rubbed pork tenderloin sliced over wild mushroom risotto, and molten chocolate cakes with sugared raspberries. It serves 4 to 6, and most of it can be done before the guests arrive.
A day ahead: make the molten cake batter and refrigerate it; roast the cauliflower; make the white bean topping; mix the pork rub.
Morning of: bake the crostini and store them airtight; shave the Brussels sprouts and refrigerate them; whisk the vinaigrette.
About 3 hours before: make the tomato bruschetta topping and let it stand. Take the cake batter out of the refrigerator about an hour before baking.
As guests arrive: rewarm the white bean topping and set out the crostini with both toppings. Warm the broth for the risotto and soak the porcini.
About 45 minutes before dinner: start the risotto. Rub and sear the pork, then roast it while the risotto finishes; toss the salad and serve it while the pork rests.
As the main plates are cleared: heat the oven to 450°F, fill the muffin cups and bake the cakes 8 to 10 minutes; sugar the raspberries and serve.
What to pour
A dry Italian white or a light Chianti with the crostini, then a Pinot Noir with the pork and mushroom risotto; its earthy fruit suits both. With the chocolate cakes, a glass of port or a cup of strong coffee. Our wine pairing guide has more ideas.
Common questions
How many people does this menu serve?
The pork serves 4 and the risotto 6; for 6 guests, roast two tenderloins. The crostini make about 60 and the cakes make 8.
What can I make ahead for this dinner?
The cake batter, roasted cauliflower, white bean topping and pork rub a day ahead; the crostini, shaved sprouts and dressing that morning; the tomato topping 3 hours before. Only the risotto, pork and cakes are cooked at the last minute.
Can I make it without pork?
Yes. Serve the mushroom risotto as the main course with the crostini, salad and cakes, and use vegetable broth and vegetarian Parmesan for a vegetarian dinner.
