Recipe: Cracker delight

This easy homemade appetiser is ideal for your next dinner party!

Method

•  Mix the chicken, mayonnaise, cucumber, salt and pepper together.

•  Apply the mixture on each cracker, neatly placing it on top.

•  Place a small piece of salad leaf on top for decoration. You may also use cucumbers or a drop of ketchup, as you please.

Say Cheese!



When it comes to appetisers, sky is the limit! There is literally a world of niblets one can serve as starters, like salads, cold meats and even drinks. Unfortunately, Pakistanis have exhausted the traditional form of appetisers and it’s high time we branch out. And what better way to do this than a creative cheese platter?

Before you dismiss the idea as unhealthy, hear us out.  If you’ve got some crackers left over, this is the perfect way to utilise them. Not only are cheese platters something different to offer your guests, they can also include a variety of items apart from the crackers and cheese, including olives, pate, dips, pickles, vegetable sticks, jams, breads, buns, cured meats and nuts. And they’re easy to do, even for large groups of people. Up to three types of cheeses for 10 to 12 people is ideal. Feta, parmesan, goat’s cheese and flavoured cheese are common features of this antipasti platter. One soft, white cheese, one blue or of the flavoured variety and one firm cheese (Edam or Swiss-styles) work excellent together.

Preparation is key and you must take the necessary measures to keep your cheese fresh. You should keep it covered with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap up until serving time and only remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to serving. You should also make sure that the accompaniments on the platter do not touch the cheese lest the flavours get mixed. As separate knife for each type of cheese will prevent mixing of flavours as well. To make the platter, simply place wedges or rounds of the cheeses on a large plate and partner them with complimenting finger-foods or dips. If your guests include children, it is best to cut the cheese into slices, cubes or triangles and add colourful accompaniments like carrots or apples. And most importantly, cut a few slices of cheese yourself, before serving, to prompt your guests as to how they should go about it themselves.

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, May 3^rd, 2015.