Best-ever party platters
Photography by Yvonne Duivenvoorden
When the e-mail about the office potluck arrives or out-of-town relatives inspire an impromptu get-together -- or anytime you're in a rush to entertain during the holidays -- don't fall victim to buying the often expensive prearranged platters of meats, cheeses or crudités. Instead we inspire fledgling and experienced cooks alike to create their own unique platters with the help of quick tricks, simple serving suggestions and bonus recipes.
Recipes
Great Canadian Cheese Platter
Canada produces excellent cheeses from coast to coast. Though most are from large, high-quality factories, there are many small-scale cheese makers perfecting artisanal cheeses. Fig and Wine Conserve, Red Onion Marmalade or Sweet Ginger Almonds all make great additions to your cheese board, as well as fresh fruit. As a rule, buy 1 to 1-1/2 oz (30 to 45 g) of each type of cheese you're serving per person.- Fig and Wine Conserve
This glossy, spiced conserve is particularly good with creamy blue cheese and old Cheddar. It's also a mouthwatering topping for ice cream. 
Deli Meat Platter
Whether you're building sandwiches or simply snacking at a cocktail party, this custom combination of meats offers a taste for everyone. Offer 2 oz (60 g) of meat per person for a snacking platter or 4 oz (120 g) per person for a sandwich-building platter. Serve with grainy Dijon mustard or our own Sweet-and-Hot-Maple Mustard.- Fresh Fruit Platter
Sweets and treats abound at holiday parties, so fresh fruit is always welcome by guests who want to refresh their palates or are watching their waistlines. White Chocolate Cheesecake Dip makes the fruit even more enticing to those who aren't. Serve about 1 cup (250 mL) of cut fruit per person. - White Chocolate Cheesecake Dip
A sweet blend of white chocolate and cream cheese naturally complements the bright flavours of fresh fruit. This tasty dip was inspired by the lovely White Chocolate Cheesecake Dip made by Renée's Gourmet. - Vegetable Ensemble
If you are hosting the party, stand vegetables upright in tall glasses or rectangular vases and place them around the room with little dishes of Peanut Dipping Sauce. If you are taking veggies elsewhere, arrange them on a platter around a bowl of the sauce and wrap thoroughly. Plan on about 1 cup (250 mL) loosely packed cut vegetables per person. - Peanut Dipping Sauce
Salty-sweet peanut sauce is a tasty partner to crisp veggies. It's also a nice change from more common dairy-based dips.
