How to create a perfect appetizer platter

                         How to create a perfect appetizer platter

A perfect appetizer platter in just 6 and a half steps

As mentioned above: there is no "one" recipe for an appetizer platter. All you need is good, high-quality ingredients, a little brain, and an eye for details. Enjoy the fun of choosing ingredients in the supermarket, arrange and combine the ingredients freely, and then share them with family and friends, or enjoy them alone. Here are a few small steps to teach you how to create your own appetizer platter~

Step 1: Place and plate

The base of the appetizer platter is of course the plate itself. I personally prefer to use a large wooden board or stone slab, but it is also good to use a lot of small boards together. I like clutter in the presentation, not neat, even though I am a perfectionist at heart, so it makes me a little tangled. However, the advantage of this perfectionism is that when I face a table full of ingredients, I ask myself: What ingredients need small bowls? What ingredients can be served directly on the plate? Which container does this dish work best with? In the end, a platter is made up, but you may be wondering what exactly should be placed on the platter-let’s take a look at the food on the plate!

Step 2: Eat · Meat

Generally speaking, the meat ingredients in the appetizer platter are sliced ​​into thin slices, which is not only easy to combine, but also more convenient to eat. If you just want to put on a casual look, I suggest directly stacking the meat slices loosely on the food board. But if you are a perfectionist (I know you well), then you can consider carefully rolling the slices of meat into nice-looking meat rolls or folding them up (imagine the appearance of Italian pork sausage, salami and prosciutto) , And then put them on the food board in a patchy manner. Remember, the purpose of putting slices of meat is to stimulate the appetite for the dinner, not to fill your guests with meat. To make the meat on your plate look more attractive, it is recommended to put in a few large slices of chorizo, a few pieces of landjager from southern Germany, or some pate.

Step 3: Real Appetizer

When it comes to the appetizer, what is your first reaction? The most popular kings that can stand the test of time are: roasted & pickled zucchini or sweet peppers, salted mushrooms, stuffed grape leaves, olives, pickled cucumbers, dried tomatoes in oil, and pickled artichokes. The colorful combination is pleasing and appetizing. The appetizers mentioned above are all available in supermarkets, and we will also provide homemade appetizer recipes.

Step 4: Sweet and salty spread

Similar to cheese, the spreads that can be paired with pre-dinner appetizers are also diverse, from sweet sauces (such as fig mustard, honey, fruit chutney, sweet jam) to salty sauces (such as coarse mustard sauce, spicy mustard sauce) , Capers olive sauce or Italian pesto)-one, two or even three kinds of spreads will enrich the taste, and the appetizer will be full of fun when you wipe it yourself.

Step 5: Bread · Cookies

The essence of pre-dinner appetizers lies in the interweaving and concert of different tastes and rich flavors. This principle also applies to the selection of staple food. For example, softer sliced ​​baguette, Italian ciabatta bread or natural yeast bread should be paired with some crispy biscuits, bread sticks, or a few pieces of brown bread (such as pumpernickel, rye bread) to balance the taste . May wish to provide an open sandwich recipe, which can bring a stronger feeling of fullness. But if the appetizer plate is your starter, it’s best to eat less bread and more meat, cheese, and vegetables.

Step 6: Details · Little Secrets

There is a familiar proverb: "Details determine success or failure." The protagonists are all on the stage, it's time to perfect some careful thoughts and small details-to take your platter to the next level (and let the population flow). First pat your chest and ask yourself: What taste and color are still missing from this appetizer? I personally add some salted roasted nuts (such as macadamia nuts, almonds), or even better, add some caramelized nuts. In addition, fresh preserved fruits such as dried cranberries, dried apricots, raisins, grapes and dried figs will add some vitality and freshness to the whole dish, fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, herbs and spices such as rosemary , Basil or mint can also achieve the same effect. Remember, don’t pursue the details too much, just add some extra ingredients to complete your appetizer.

Step 6 ½: Missing · Myth?

Are you still missing a fork for meat? Spoon for spreading sauce? Is it necessary to sprinkle some salt and black pepper? Do you take into account all the taste (smooth as creamy, crispy, soft and tender in the mouth) and taste (salty, sweet, sour, bitter and fresh)? Check every ingredient again, don’t forget to prepare plates, paper, utensils and drinks. After completing the process according to our method, you can rest assured and enjoy with your guests!

DIY appetizer

Now you have learned how to make an appetizer platter, but this seems not enough. Let the difficulty level up, and use homemade appetizers to make your guests look at you. Want to be richer? Why not add some homemade Italian cheese fried rice balls (arancini), a modified version of Italian capri salad or carpaccio salad.

Homemade Italian Cheese Fried Rice Ball (arancini)

Have you ever made homemade cheese fried rice balls before? Click here to harvest the fat house and you will get a recipe for fried rice balls from Italy.

Homemade Italian Capri Salad

My favorite Italian Capri Salad usually has avocado, naturally ripened tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella cheese, but there are countless ways to make this salad. No matter what you do, you usually add some balsamic vinegar, olive oil, basil, kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

DONE AND ENJOY..

thanks for reading