Sofia had invited her friends for dinner on Saturday evening. She had been planning the menu for weeks. This would be the first time she hosted a dinner party in her new apartment. Six guests would be coming, including her best friend Anna. Sofia woke up early on Saturday to prepare everything. She had decided to make a three-course meal. For the starter, she would make a creamy mushroom soup. The main course would be roasted chicken with herbs and vegetables. For dessert, she planned to make chocolate mousse. Sofia put on her apron and began cooking. She started with the chocolate mousse because it needed time to set in the refrigerator. She melted dark chocolate in a bowl over simmering water. Then she whipped fresh cream until it became fluffy. She carefully folded the cream into the melted chocolate. The mixture looked smooth and delicious. Sofia poured it into six small glasses and put them in the refrigerator. Next, she prepared the ingredients for the mushroom soup. She sliced fresh mushrooms, onions, and garlic. She heated butter in a large pot and added the vegetables. The kitchen filled with a wonderful aroma. Sofia stirred the vegetables until they became soft and golden. She added vegetable broth and let the soup simmer for twenty minutes. While the soup was cooking, Sofia started preparing the chicken. She mixed olive oil with rosemary, thyme, and crushed garlic. She rubbed this herb mixture all over the chicken. The chicken would need about two hours in the oven. She placed it in a roasting pan with potatoes, carrots, and onions. Just as she put the chicken in the oven, her phone rang. It was Anna, calling to ask if she could bring anything. 'Could you bring some bread and wine?' Sofia asked. 'Of course! I will bring a nice bottle of red wine,' Anna replied. Sofia returned to the soup and blended it until smooth. She tasted it and added some salt and pepper. 'This tastes wonderful,' she thought to herself. Suddenly, she realized she had forgotten to buy cream for the soup. Sofia looked at the clock and saw it was already three o'clock. The guests would arrive at seven, so she still had time. She quickly walked to the small grocery store around the corner. She bought fresh cream and some extra herbs just in case. Back in the kitchen, she added cream to the soup. The soup now had a beautiful creamy texture. Sofia checked on the chicken and saw that it was browning nicely. The vegetables around it were sizzling in the chicken juices. It was time to start setting the table. Sofia took out her best plates and glasses. She placed a small vase with fresh flowers in the center of the table. She folded napkins neatly beside each plate. The table looked elegant and welcoming. At six o'clock, Sofia went to change her clothes. She put on a blue dress that her mother had given her. The doorbell rang at exactly seven o'clock. Anna was the first to arrive, holding a bottle of wine and fresh bread. 'Your apartment looks beautiful!' Anna said, hugging her friend. 'And something smells absolutely delicious!' The other guests arrived shortly after. Sofia welcomed everyone and offered them drinks. Everyone gathered in the living room, chatting and laughing. Sofia excused herself to check on the food. The chicken was golden brown and perfectly cooked. She took it out of the oven and let it rest. 'Dinner is ready!' Sofia announced. Everyone moved to the dining table. Sofia served the mushroom soup in elegant bowls. 'This is the best soup I have ever tasted,' one guest said. Sofia smiled, feeling proud of her cooking. For the main course, she carved the chicken and arranged it on a large platter. The roasted vegetables looked colorful and appetizing. Anna sliced the fresh bread she had brought. Everyone helped themselves to the delicious food. The conversation flowed easily as they ate. They talked about their jobs, vacations, and shared funny stories. After the main course, Sofia cleared the plates. 'Is everyone ready for dessert?' she asked with a smile. She brought out the chocolate mousse glasses from the refrigerator. The dessert had set perfectly and looked absolutely divine. She topped each glass with a fresh strawberry. 'This is incredible, Sofia!' Anna exclaimed. 'You should open a restaurant!' Everyone laughed, but Sofia felt truly happy. She had worked hard all day, and it was worth every minute. After dessert, they moved back to the living room. Sofia made coffee for everyone who wanted it. The evening continued with more stories and laughter. At midnight, the guests began to leave. 'Thank you so much for a wonderful evening,' each guest said. Anna stayed to help Sofia clean up. 'That was the best dinner party I have ever been to,' Anna said. 'You really have a talent for cooking.' Sofia hugged her best friend. 'Thank you for coming and for bringing such good wine,' Sofia replied. After Anna left, Sofia looked around her apartment. The dishes were done, and everything was clean. She sat down on her sofa, feeling tired but satisfied. She thought about all the happy faces around her table that evening. Cooking for people she loved had been a wonderful experience. Sofia decided she would host more dinner parties in the future. Perhaps she would try some new recipes next time. She smiled at the thought of learning new dishes. For now, she would enjoy the memory of this perfect evening. Sofia went to bed with a happy heart and dreams of her next culinary adventure.
English Story (B1)Cooking for Guests
This B1 English story is designed for intermediate learners. Click any word for instant translation and build your vocabulary as you read.
aboutStory
Sofia hosts her first dinner party in her new apartment for six friends. She prepares a three-course meal: creamy mushroom soup, roasted chicken with herbs and vegetables, and chocolate mousse for dessert. Despite a small panic when she forgets cream for the soup, everything turns out perfect. Her guests praise the delicious food, and Sofia feels proud of her cooking. The evening ends with laughter and happy memories, inspiring Sofia to host more dinners in the future.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
What did Sofia prepare for dessert?
2
What problem did Sofia have while cooking?
3
What did Anna bring to the dinner party?
4
How did Sofia feel at the end of the evening?
Vocabulary
39 words from this story
