Lately, I’ve been making stress free party platters for informal parties or late arriving house guests. It’s easy as there are no complicated recipes. There are just a few essential ingredients to stock in your pantry (sample grocery list below) and I like to use the fresh ingredients that I have on hand…
..then, it’s about arranging…
1. Pull out a large platter, cutting board or pizza shovel.
2. Scatter a few small bowls for spreads, dips, nuts. I’ve used clear ramekins and I have a small collection of blue and white bowls. Even potato chips look special in a little bowl!
3. Fill the small bowls and then arrange/fill in around them with fruit, crackers, cut vegetables, toasted baguette slices.
I usually use what I have in the fridge and pantry and round it out with a couple of purchased items.
Top cream cheese with…Trader’s Joe’s spicy and sweet chili jam …or fig jam is good too…or any chutney that you like.

Thanks!