Several of you requested an easy appetizer for the holidays. This one’s so simple you won’t even believe it!
But first a story.
A few years ago, I went to an event at a floral shop. The charming owner made a spread of meats and cheeses. But what stood out was the French bread, European butter and rich olive oil to dip.
At first glance, you wouldn’t think twice about. For heavens sake, this is served at every restaurant in town! But shockingly, my friend and I couldn’t keep our paws off of it all night. We loved it so much it was even a topic of conversation at brunch the following morning.
And if you think about it… NO ONE serves it at parties!
So the next time you’re strapped for time and need to bring a dish, skip the cooking and try a good old fashioned bread and spread. Despite it’s simplicity, there are a few rules!
- All ingredients must be FRESH and and HIGH QUALITY. To achieve this, go to a local bakery, specialty grocer or order from a gourmet boutique online. I recently teamed up with Domenica Fiore for a campaign and their olive oil is HEAVENLY! Every bottle is signed and numbered and goes up to $40 a pop. So this is definitely a treat! I also LOVE a good European butter. Eataly has the BEST selection if you live near one.
- Dress it up with high-end salt, a rich parmesan cheese {that you shred on the spot}, and a course pepper. Another cute idea is to wrap the bread with a festive dish cloth, for the host to keep!
- Always serve your bread, butter, olive oil and cheese at room temp. It brings out the flavors and you can tell the difference!
So put that in your pipe and smoke it ladies. ZERO COOKING and no one will think to bring it either. We have a holiday party next weekend and this is absolutely happening.
P.S. How do you like this doormat?! It’s from my beloved, favorite Christmas store I can’t stop talking about.
Cheers friends!
