Easy Entertaining: Antipasto
Want to have an impromptu holiday get together but don’t have time to prepare? Make an Antipasto Tray. Below are pictures of one I did for a party of about 100 people. We used the whole table, but a large serving platter or cutting board is sufficient for a party of up to 12 or 14. You can get it all together in under an hour including grocery store time.
1. Determine what serving platter you will use. I have a large slate serving board that I like. I place a bowl for the olives in the center. I have a large tall glass that I use for the breadsticks. Wooden Picks and tongs and little appetizer plates.
2. Prepare a grocery list of what you want to serve. Keep it simple. Remember a small amount goes a long way. I usually do (3) Meats [(2) types of Salami, and (1) Prosciutto]. (3) Cheeses [Bocconcini in a little olive oil, fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes and salt and pepper, Pecorino and Provolone, cubed]. (3) Peppers [Roasted Red Peppers drained and Cut into strips with a little thinly sliced garlic added, Pepperoncini and Peppadew Peppers]. Artichoke Hearts, drained and quartered and Figs, sliced in half. Enough Mixed Olives for the small bowl in the center.
The trick is to go to a better grocery store like Whole Foods, Central Market or a specialty Italian food store if you have one in your neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you go during a slower time there is always a friendly grocer that will cube the cheese for you and show you where everything is. You can also call before you go and everything will be ready when you arrive. To cut down on cost go to the olive bar and only purchase the amount you need. You will find artichokes there also. Ask the butcher to slice the meat really thin and ask him for a suggestion of what type of salami.
3. To serve just line your platter(s) or board(s) with raddicchio leaves and place your goodies fanning out from the olives in the center. Alternate colors for a pretty display. Since you had your grocer do most of the prep work this part is easy. You will not believe how impressed your guests will be.! Happy Entertaining! Mary Beth
