Let?s face it. While we may enjoy our day-to-day diet choices, thank you very much, it can seem a little daunting to plan a dinner party, anniversary dinner, cocktail hour, or other special occasion when not everyone shares those choices. Before you break out the French bread, cocktail crackers and buttered fingerling potatoes, here are a few easy alternatives that might satisfy the entire crowd, including you, the host/hostess. No more sitting out at your own party.
Lox on Cucumber
On slices of cucumber, spread a small bit of veggie whipped cream cheese and top with small piece of lox. (Whipped cream cheese: Use food processor to mince 1 red or orange bell pepper and few green onion stalks. Mix in processor with softened block of cream cheese.)
Antipasto Tray
The options are limitless. Include your favorite vegetables and assorted accompaniments. A few favorites: variety of olives, nitrate-free meats, pepperoncinis, cherry tomatoes, pickles, artichoke hearts.
Shrimp Cocktail
What guest can resist a classic? And what cook can pass up something so confoundingly easy? All you need is precooked shrimp and some good cocktail sauce. Fresh lemon juice works nicely as well.
Lamb Chops
Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes, and drizzle with mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper and crushed rosemary.
Vegetable Trio
Drizzle washed beets with olive oil, salt and pepper. Wrap in aluminum foil or tent with parchment paper. Roast in 425 degree oven for 45 minutes or until soft. Once cool, cut into strips or wedges and drizzle with white wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Blanch green beans and asparagus for 3 minutes, remove and submerge in ice water. Drain and set aside.
Serve green beans, asparagus and beets together on platter.
Cheese and Fruit Tray
Forget the crackers. Pairing fruits like berries, cherries, pears and apples (or whatever is in season) with a variety of artisanal cheeses is not only tastier but more elegant.
Inspired now? Be sure to check out past MDA recipes, and share your favorites.
citymama, Wendy Copley, sheilaz413, shell belle, *clarity*, desi.italy, roboppy, Jen Chan Flickr Photos (CC)
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