So I was hosting a lunch meeting and needed make an affordable, quick meal for about 20 people. The menu was simple: garlic-parsley polenta (with parmesan on the side to accomodate the dairy-free set), a potato-onion frittata, a simple mixed green salad with balsamic-mustard vinaigrette, and a roasted veggie platter.
Veggie platters can be heaven or hell. On one hand, a good roasted veggie platter can be tasty and beautiful, and can easily round out a meal for a bunch of people. It makes a great potluck item, or a fun appetizer or party plate. On the other hand, a mediocre veggie platter can be nothing but a big disappointment, especially when everything is roasted exactly the same, with no nuance or flavor-boosting elements.
When putting together a veggie platter, I choose veggies that will provide both variety and balance, with a multiplicity of textures and flavor tones. Then I individually roast each veggie, either in an iron skillet or in the oven, finally plating them together on one big platter in as attractive a fashion as I can muster.
The platter above contained the following veggies:
-slices of fennel bulb pan-seared in olive oil, sea salt & black pepper
-whole crimini mushrooms pan-roasted in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt & dried oregano
-sweet potato slices oven-roasted in olive oil & paprika
-green beans pan-seared in olive oil with fennel seeds
-heads of garlic oven-roasted in olive oil, salt & pepper
-sugar snap peas pan-seared in olive oil & seasoned rice wine vinegar
-scallions pan-seared in olive oil & lemon juice
As each item was done, I gave it a place on the platter. Right before serving, I put the whole platter back in the oven for a warm-up. By individually treating each ingredient, I was able to enhance and expand each item's flavor impact. When served together as a a whole veggie platter, each item's particular flavor tone can then play off the others' in perfect concert! The next time you need to feed a crowd, or want to bring something simple yet yummy and creative to a party, try a veggie platter. It's an easy way to experiment with your spice rack, satisfy your palate & impress your friends!
Oh--dessert was a Turtle Cheesecake...
'Wish you were here.
--Sheila
