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Fall Cheese Platter and Dinner for Book Club

September 27th, 2018

Had book club at my house again and wanted to create a beautiful “fall” appetizer table… but nothing too complicated.  I had some hummus left over from the weekend… beet hummus and basil hummus.  Additionally, I prepared some quinoa Mexican inspired salad with corn and beans.  It was DELICIOUS!!!  I also prepared a beet salad because I LOVE to add red to my menu.

For a healthier alternative, I served greens so that people can build a salad foundation with  lettuce and spinach and then top it off with the quinoa or beet salad.

The appetizer platter was very simple. It included bread and crackers, for the hummus, as well as various kinds of cheese.  Last but not least, I purchased a flatbread at my local supermarket’s frozen food section, right next to the pizzas.  It was easy to bake and my friends thought it was a wonderful addition to the table.  I mean, who doesn’t love some freshly baked flatbread with their salad?

Fall Cheese Appetizer Platter

September 27th, 2018
Appetizers, appetizer platter, cheese platter, cheese, brie, parmigiana, cheddar, beet hummus, avocado hummus, basil hummus, crackers, grapes, fruit, party, party platter, cheese tasting

Appetizer platter and hummus dips

 

I am obsessed with appetizer platters.  I love making them a bit unique and always try to incorporate my own personal twist.  We had friends stop by and I wanted to create something that would remind us all of fall.  So, I made my three favorite hummus dips … Avocado Hummus, Beet Hummus, and Basil Hummus.

Appetizers, appetizer platter, cheese platter, cheese, brie, parmigiana, cheddar, beet hummus, avocado hummus, basil hummus, crackers, grapes, fruit, party, party platter, cheese tasting

My cheese party platter.

Then, I brought in the different cheeses.  I included Cheddar, Parmigiano, Brie, and a super neutral mild cheese. I also added some baked cheese, just for fun.

Appetizers, appetizer platter, cheese platter, cheese, brie, parmigiana, cheddar, beet hummus, avocado hummus, basil hummus, crackers, grapes, fruit, party, party platter, cheese tasting

I also added some fruit, such as pears and grapes, because they seem to be a favorite among this group of friends.  Of course, crackers and chips are also a favorite, not only with the cheese but with the hummus dips. The crackers were all store-bought name brand.  Nothing fancy or expensive, since this group of friends had no preference for fancy crackers and to be honest, I think they are a total waste of money.

Last but not least, I added some fun elements which my friends may have not expected.  A little bit of honey (which is DELICIOUS with the baked cheese) as well as almonds, preserves (for the Brie) and dark chocolate which goes wonderfully with the parmigiana cheese.

An Easy Parent Coffee Buffet

September 25th, 2018
Breakfast, coffee, buffet, breakfast buffet, parent coffee, fruit, quiche, cream cheese, party

Breakfast Buffet

I love it when I get to be chosen to host a parent coffee.  Breakfast is such a fun buffet to prepare, although I’m not always keen on waking up super early to get everything organized.  The good news, is if you plan it right, you can have mostly everything prepared the night before and simply lay things out the morning of the party.

These photos are from a parent coffee buffet I quickly created.

Breakfast, buffet, coffee, parent coffee, fruit, cream cheese, quiche, set up, breakfast coffee

Deviled eggs, bagels, croissants, and fruit.

I made the spicy deviled eggs the night before, which is perfect because it gave them a chance to really soak in the flavor. The bagels and pastries were purchased that morning, after I dropped the kids off at school.  I had also prepared the butter and cream cheese the night before and stored them covered in the fridge.

Breakfast, buffet, coffee, parent coffee, fruit, cream cheese, quiche, set up, breakfast coffee

Quiches, cheese, and crackers.

The simple quiches were made on the morning of. They are super simple to make and best of all, they make the house smell delicious for when the guests arrive. I added the cheese and crackers (because it’s so European and delicious) and as you can tell, they are simply Triscuits and cheddar cheese.  Just scooped them out of the packet… nothing too fancy.


Breakfast, buffet, coffee, parent coffee, fruit, cream cheese, quiche, set up, breakfast coffee

All in all, the parent coffee was a huge success and I enjoyed putting it together.