S@H: What are some easy-to-make but impressive munchies based on our pantry items?
TM: Take a bread boule -- fresh or frozen -- slice it halfway down, drizzle it with lots of good quality olive oil, some dried rosemary and a couple of pinches of Maldon sea salt, wrap it in tin foil and warm it in the oven for 15 minutes. Serve it with store-bought or homemade dips or olive oil. Your house smells like delicious home-baked bread and it takes all of one minute.
You can also dress up olives -- if you buy plain kalamatas or niçoises they should last in the fridge for a year -- with things like orange segments, fennel or herbs. Pour a little olive oil on them and warm them in the oven. Spiced nuts are also really easy -- toast the nuts on a sheet pan in the oven, put a bit of honey or maple syrup and spice them up with a bit of cayenne or chili flakes. Dips are also huge because you can make them in bulk and they store in the fridge for a long time. Try a tomato feta dip, a sundried tomato dip, things that are festive in colour, and serve them in mounds on little tapas plates with fresh crusty breads.
S@H: Can you suggest any creative serving ideas?
TM: I don't like to fuss too much. Let food stand on it own. Things like dip, if they're thick enough, can be on a plate, which I think sometimes looks a lot nicer. Little serving spoons and knives make a big difference. Buy things that are basic staples for entertaining that can work for a variety of uses. I did a class last week where we made little chocolate pots, and I pulled out six different things you could put them in, from an espresso shot glass, to a sherry glass, to a votive candle holder -- as long as you didn't use it for candles.
S@H: Any other entertaining tips and ideas?
TM: Setting up a self-serve bar with a fun signature drink helps the flow of a party. It gets people in the door and gets them feeling relaxed and welcomed right away. Pick something fun, like pomegranate and prosecco, and have it already set up, where all people have to do is grab and go.
For more party recipes, visit the Dish Cooking Studio web site:dishcookingstudio.com.
Read more in Food & Entertaining and Party Planner
You might also enjoy:
Newsletter
Twitter
Facebook
Youtube
RSS