I’m sure I’m not the only one that experiences this side effect of warmer weather. You see when the weather gets warmer here I am just less inclined to cook… So today for “What’s Cooking Wednesday” I thought I would provide you with three awesome ideas for what NOT to cook to still WOW your guests.
The first is a hummus plate. This can be made in a large quantity in a platter form to serve in several forms, an entrée for a handful or an appetizer for many guests or even just on individual plates that people could add toppings too. Kind of like a bar.
In the first photo the platter was one of several at a baby shower. I made one collective hummus platter. But this could totally be done as a self-serve bar for your guests to add toppings that they prefer.
My favorite toppings to add to the hummus are… Kalamata olives, diced red onions, diced tomatoes, green onions, Queso Fresco cheese crumbles, and olive oil. I loved it with lemon infused olive oil or pesto too! Serve with pita or pretzel chips or really any crackers that you prefer.
Here I didn’t have Kalamata olives so I used green and red onions so I supplemented white. Just as tasty! This plate pictured I made for myself as an individual lunch, perfection!
The second is a meat and cheese platter… With a few extras that make it particularly spectacular.
Favorites on this platter are prosciutto and peppered salami; but really any other sliced deli meat you prefer will do the trick. I love hard, sharp cheddars or in the top right corner of this plate the horseradish cheddar I found was perfect.
The little extras that make this extra special was the Dalmatia fig spread (jarred) A friend picked it up at our local Central Market. But a quick tip you buy two jars almost for the price of one – here on Amazon.
I love it with fresh sourdough French bread and some red grapes. And certainly don’t forget the Brie!
And finally an idea I stole from Mallory over at Phillips Party of Six.
A bagel bar!
Mallory served hers with cream cheese, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, diced chives, fresh dill, thinly sliced avocado and red onions, caper berries, smoked salmon, and she even grilled up some bacon… You could also do more of a breakfast flare with fried eggs, jams, fruit etc. She had all of the bagels pre toasted and served with mimosas and some fresh fruit. Simply divine!
I hope you find yourself inspired to NOT cook and still entertain…… Still wowing your guests with delicious and unique food combos!
