Christmas-y buffet

[bryceQ]

Today I'm doing a Christmas gathering for my brother and his gf. Just an excuse really to eat some tasty things!

I'll get some m&s party food, a cheese board from my lovely independent local shop, little pastry parcels with brie and cranberry etc...

I feel like there needs to be something vegetable or fresher based so it's not all butter, cheese and pork 😂

What do you like to serve alongside this type of thing?

Melon & Parma ham?
prawns and mayo in lettuce cups?

I would do crudities with hummus and tzatziki.

I do a very simple salad, very popular. Two bags of mixed leaves, include some with rocket, 2 Ripe avocados cubed and 50 gms toasted pinenuts. Dress with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Really quick and tasty.

Any winter salad ideas?

Bowl of Greek salad

Selection of Italian antipasti.....grilled artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, grilled aubergine slices

Plater of vegetable salads....potato salad, carotte râpée (grated carrot vinaigrette), tomato salad, beetroot salad with yoghurt dressing, thinly sliced Paris mushrooms in yoghurt dressing, green beans a la Greque

Very Christmassy looking if you get a couple of heads of red chicory and a sliced orange with v thin sliced fennel and a lovely dressing

And bung some toasted nuts in there too

Winter slaw https://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/winter-slaw

A simple coleslaw, nice festive colours. Fairly quick and easy to make. Shred/finely slice some red cabbage and white cabbage. Grate or very finely shred some carrot. Bit of apple too if you like. Some people add sultanas or raisins. Mix together with either vinaigrette or mayonnaise. If the latter, I usually add a bit of plain yoghourt as well to lighten it up. Vinaigrette shows the colours better, though.

(Or buy some! Easier at this notice.)

I would add a plate of carrot, cucumber and red pepper sticks.

Yep, crunchy fresh veg crudités is my vote.