Party platters
We love a good party, but unlike the event, the preparations for it are never a blast. From cooking the countless dishes to tidying up before and after, being a host is no small feat. However, there are lots of shortcuts you can take, but our favourite hack is 'party platters.' With the right ingredients —most of which don't require cooking— and strategic plating, party platters can easily be the prettiest and tastiest way to please guests. From cheese to chocolate to dip galore, these no-fuss party platters are definitely worth celebrating.
Your platters can stamp your signature style of cooking, plating and styling, a great way to spread the nutritious love, full of healthy fats, protein, fibre, and fresh produce. There shouldn't be any set formula to go by; no strict rules to follow that a mezze platter or cheese platter must look like this. Just remember, the trick lies in perfect pairing; bringing together dishes that bring ecstasy in your mouth. The combination of a water cracker, succulent grapes and a slice of brie is pleasure indeed, or even a rice paper roll, lined with a slice of paprika sprinkled cucumber slice, and a few shreds of duck roast, is heavenly, and to add your signature style, a crunchy pumpkin flower fritter adds that oomph in you plating, plus your palate.
Among the few platters that we love, some are our hot favourites: the classic meat and cheese board with fruits like melon or kiwi or dragon fruits and tangerines as an alternative for all kinds of colour and juiciness to a seemingly simple plate. Top with fresh herbs and chopped pistachios, and hey, if you fancy some baguette, pair it wonderfully with a cup of rosebud tea.
The ladies' platter, as I call it, can be filled with fresh fruit, and paired with yoghurt, honey, and granola-- it's the perfect way to keep things healthy. Consider offering a few different types of yoghurt -- we love Greek yoghurt and unsweetened coconut yoghurt for anyone avoiding dairy --and various granolas. Also add a healthy assortment that will satisfy any eater on any diet.
The brunch or a last minute arranged dinner platter couldn't be simpler-- or more beautiful; couscous with meatballs, button mushrooms, and new baby potatoes, tossed in butter that has been warmed with slivers of caramelised garlic strands, a whole cabbage parboiled and sprinkled with paprika, Himalayan pink salt, and green peppercorns to wrap whatever meat you have served. Your platter can have grilled meat like minute steaks, Korean beef ribs and honey glazed drumsticks, or even a whole grilled duck as the season's favourite.
The hard part; picking the best pairings. We love a food tray with the right mix of textures and flavours, and the pop of colour from fruit and vegetables. It's also fun to try different nuts like pistachios or spiced almonds and whatever fruit is in season. Party platters use a bit of everything —berries, nuts, olives, dips, cheese, meat, bread— to make absolutely everyone happy. Stick to lighter types of cheese, so everything blends well —goat, feta, and mozzarella work best— but feel free to go wild with everything else.
As winter is the season of parties, platters are the belles, so enjoy stress free.
By RBR
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed