It's that time of year when home parties are getting planned. It most centers around drinks yet food is vital to these parties as well. They provide sustenance and fun as guests enjoy a variety of punches and cocktails.
Regular contributor Melissa Clark wrote about this holiday essential in yesterday's New York Times Food section. She also contributed some tasty recipes that are perfect for any type of part thrughout the year. These can work on Memorial Day as they can work on New Year's Eve. They walk the line between filling snacks and appetizers. They can also be good before a dinner or add some cheese and olives for a fun snack tray. Another plus is that all three recipes,loaded focaccia, Halloumi stuffed sweet peppers and white bean dip with cumin chile oil in advance. The simplest is the bean dip, a blend of white bean and a good glug of olive oil. She doesn't add the usual tahini,Olive oil makes it silkier and smoother. As for the beans use cannelini which have a lovely mild taste. You can also use white kidney beans too;.Cumin red, pepper and garlic give it a zingy sharp flavor. You can serve with pita but veggies like carrots broccoli and cauliflower also are good.
The other two dishes are perfect too.Guests will love Halloumi cheese stuffed sweet pepper. This is a perfect marriage of salty and sweet. Halloumi is a saline cheese ,briny and sharp. The peppers are a perfect foil. These can be put into lettuce cups or on crostino (which is easily made with Italian bread drizzled with oil and then put into the oven for a few minutes).The cheese just has to be cut into sm all pieces that fit into the peppers. R=They;re roasted for twenty four minutes. A really filling and tasty appetizer is the loaded focaccio. You can also use flatbread or pizza crust too for this.Ricotta or butter is generously spread on the tops. You can drizzle them with olive oil and honey if you want a touch of sweetness. It's then having fun with it. Top it with prosciutto, salami or salami. Add arugula or kale along with sliced cherry tomatoes for a festive look. You can also add olive or go another way and top it with blue cheese and walnuts.Capers and sliced persimmons can also add flavor and color too.
Parties deserve festive food. These recipes are perfect. Try them for a tasty table that your guests will enjoy.
Posts
