Antipasto platters
should be centrally located so your guests have easy access.
A common misconception about the term "antipasto" is that it is the dish that precedes a pasta dish. Although it is indeed sometimes served right before a pasta dish, it is in reality the meal that precedes all others, similar to an appetizer. Antipasto platters can contain a number of different foods, all of which should be savory in nature. These foods include meats, cheeses, raw or cooked vegetables, and bread. The keys to arranging a successful antipasto platter are having a variety of flavors, colors and textures available for your guests to sample.
Instructions
1. Select a large enough platter for it to hold several items for your guests to choose from. Allow for approximately 1/2 pound of food per guest. Set up additional platters for larger parties.
2. Line the bottom of the platter with large, flat lettuce leaves, such as butter head or Romaine lettuce.
3. Place an item in the center of the platter to be the focus of the platter, Select a round, soft cheese, such as Brie or Camembert or place a small bowl in the middle and fill it with black and green olives, banana peppers, mushrooms, marinated artichokes or other small, bite-sized vegetables. Dress the vegetables with a light coating of oil and vinegar dressing or another oil-based dressing.
4. Cut or purchase thinly sliced deli meats, such as salami, ham and pepperoni. Roll the meats into tight tubes and arrange them on one section of the platter. Use toothpicks to hold the meat together, if necessary. Otherwise, stack the slices of meat on top of each other.
5. Add additional slices or bite-sized chunks of cheese or marinated vegetables in another location on the platter.
6. Leave one spot open on your platter for small slices of bread, such as focaccia, bruschetta or crostini.
7. Place utensils such as serving forks and spoons, appetizer plates, toothpicks and napkins next to the platter so guests can have their pick of what to use to serve themselves.
Tags: your guests, Antipasto platters, guests have, pasta dish, that precedes
