Just because you don’t have a lot of time on your hands doesn’t mean that you can’t be fancy.
And just because you’re throwing together a quick dinner party, doesn’t mean that there’s no time for some tasty apps.
Wondering what those quick and fancy apps could possibly be?
Enter the beloved cheese plate.
This is such a simple way to impress when you start with quality ingredients.
Here’s how you make a 5 minute cheese plate:
- Start with some great local cheese (like this Prodigal Farm Fields of Creams). I also had some Spanish goat cheese from my mom on hand. I suggest going for a duo of cheeses that are different in texture (one hard, one soft) or vary in flavor or type. Sharp cheddar or Parmesan might be your hard cheese and brie or goat your soft pick. Set a hunk of the cheese out and go ahead and slice up the first few pieces and leave a cheese knife for your guests to do the rest.
- Add a bit of fruit to your cheese plate like a crisp apple (might I suggest a local pink lady, winesap or other nice variety). You might have some dried fruit that you want to set out, as well.
- Surround the cheese and fruit (you can add in nuts, too) with some crackers. I really love these rice crackers, but entertainment crackers, water crackers or whatever else you’ve got on hand is fine. (Maybe just avoid the Cheez-its.)
Get ready for your dinner guests to be super impressed.
Bon appetit!