Unique Serving Platter

Any party or formal function will start well with a tray of hors d’oevres being passed round the room. These delicacies will break the ice and give guests a choice of tasty starters. Italian cuisine embraces this tradition too and antipasto platters, as they are known, are an opportunity to present the best Italian ingredients. They can appeal to meat eaters, vegetarians and those fond of fish. There are several variations, but they all have one thing in common and that is flavor and freshness. Antipasto translates as ‘before the meal’.

Typical ingredients include cheeses, cold cuts, cured meats, vegetables and herbs, such as basil and oregano. Marinades are often used with spices and peppers to add a little heat. Fortunately, Italy has an abundance of tasty meat products and vegetables. Italian cheese is popular all over the world. There are no rules about Antipasto platters, as long as the food complements each other in taste and texture. Good presentation is appreciated and a little bit of color will please the eye.

Dry cured ham, which is not cooked, is a popular ingredient. One of the best varieties is prosciutto and it is often folded round a breadstick, such as grissini. Sometimes, in warm weather, it is placed round slices of melon. Culatello is a type of prosciutto that can be cured with wine. The saltiness of ham combines well with salad in Antipasto platters. Iceberg lettuce is often used for its crispy texture and a cheese, such as provolene goes well with an Italian salad dressing.

There are many versions of antipasto salads. These can be meat free or combined with ham, salami or pepperoni sausage. Any preferred macaroni could be added too. Cheese is often parmesan and mozzarella. Other ingredients are typically olives, cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, pepper and salad dressing. A more substantial antipasto platter salad could also contain vegetables, such as broccoli florets or chopped cauliflower.

Salami and Italian sausage is often included, accompanied by artichoke hearts, mushrooms, red peppers and olives. Cheese can also be added, such as parmesan, mozzarella and gorgonzola. Antipasto platters can feature skewers. Ingredients are threaded on to the skewers in colorful combinations.

Other common foods include celery, cucumber, carrots and eggplant. Pickling spice is good for marinating and tomato paste can add flavor in the preparation. For fish lovers, tuna is an ideal choice. Food can be prepared in advance and put in the freezer and taken out later for perfect finger food for a party.

Accidents, illnesses and surgery can all leave a person feeling weak. Recuperation time is necessary when you are feeling under the weather. It’s always a lovely gesture to send flowers and a card to someone to wish them a speedy recovery, but there’s something else you can do that is certain to brighten their day. Sending or taking muffin baskets to a sick friend will show them how much you care.

Local bakeries are seeing the potential in putting together gift baskets for their customers who want to give something outside the box. Most of us have seen flower and fruit baskets. Even fine chocolate gift baskets are becoming more common place. Ordering muffin baskets from a bakery is both easy and convenient. Typically you’ll be able to request a variety of different muffins and when presented in a big wicker basket it’s a thoughtful gift to give.

Allergies are something that needs to be taken into consideration before you place an order for one of these delicious gifts. Many people are highly allergic to nuts, so it’s important to mention this to the bakery beforehand. If they can’t guarantee that their muffin baskets are completely nut-free you should either look elsewhere or make the basket yourself.

It may seem a bit daunting to imagine baking different varieties of muffins and then arranging them in a basket, but it’s much easier than it looks. The best approach to this if you do decide to put on an apron, roll up your sleeves and do it yourself, is to prepare a base muffin mix. Make enough for a dozen large muffins. From there you can add flavorings to the mix to create different types of muffins.

The recipient’s tastes do need to be considered. You may love chocolate and decide to make three or four different variations of the cocoa theme for your muffin baskets only to discover the person getting it, isn’t fond of the dark, rich delight. If you really aren’t sure what they prefer, a safe route to take is to make fruit flavored muffins. Blueberry, cranberry, orange and banana muffins are all easy to make and appeal to almost everyone.

After they’ve cooled, place them all in a large wicker basket. If your friend likes coffee or tea, adding a packet or two of that is a nice addition too. The all you need to do is wrap the muffin baskets up in clear cellophane, put a large ribbon around the top and all that is left is the delivery.

One little tip that will serve you well when you are preparing this type of unique and always appreciated gift is to make a few extra muffins for yourself. It’s almost impossible to spend time baking something and then not take at least a little taste. The best part about muffins is that they are actually healthy so you won’t feel as bad enjoying these delicious snacks.