A Fresh Start...And An All-Inclusive Party Platter

So, my dumb Tumblr was getting waaaaay overcrowded. I have started a new blog in hopes of being able to sort and categorize my recipes. , to make it easier for both you, and I.

Here I begin with my cheese. mezze, and charcuterie platter.

1. For the platter itself, you can use everything in and out of your fridge.
VEGETABLES: baby carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, raw broccoli, cauliflower
BREAD/CRACKERS: crostini, baguette, lavash, pita, tortilla chips, breadsticks
MEATS: capiccolo, Genoa salami, prosciutto, black forest ham, chorizo, etc.

CHEESE, FRUITS.
some great cheese and fruit combinations?
-creamy goat cheese, sour cherries, fresh mint
-tart apples, aged cheddar
-parmesan, olives, pesto
-tomato, mozzarella, basil

VICKY'S SIGNATURE DIPS:

Hummus: In a food processor, blend 1 can chickpeas [drained] with 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of cumin, pinch of salt and pepper, to taste, and 1 tablespoon tahini [if you can get it] blend very well, adjust to taste. NOTE: there are about 500000 different varieties of hummus, more on that later.

Bruschetta: In a food processor, or by hand, chop up 2 firm tomatoes, 1 small red onion,  2 or 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and a handful of fresh basil. add parmesan, toasted pine or walnuts, salt, and pepper.

Tzatziki: Mix together 1/2 a peeled, seeded cucumber [chopped] with 4 cloves minced garlic,
1/2 a cup greek yogurt, 1.4 cup lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I like adding or topping with feta cheese, also add oregano.

for more on dips [the many varieties of bruschetta, guacamole, olive tapenade, roasted red pepper feta dip, blue cheese dip, ranch dip, queso dip, black bean dip, etc , keep checking the "dips" section. I'll be adding more.]

have fun!