I love to keep entertaining super casual and that often means building a platter. It’s the ultimate in minimal effort creating something that looks like a magical feast. Platters are endlessly customizable, meaning you can work with what you’ve got and work to YOUR budget.  

Try these three simple and affordable recipes next time you’re serving up a platter of deliciousness.   

Roasted grapes  

1-2 bunches of grapes – any colour  

Drizzle of quality olive oil   

1 tsp thyme or rosemary (optional)   

Sprinkle of sea salt   

1 tsp honey (optional)  

Brush grapes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Whack them on a lined tray and roast them at 180 C for 20-30 minutes. Whilst still hot drizzle over honey if using. Serve with crackers and blue cheese.   

Cheat’s Smoked Salmon & Chive Dip   

150g cream cheese  

95g tinned salmon, use the smoked one   

2 tbsps. finely chopped chives + extra   

Decent squeeze of lemon juice   

Salt & pepper to taste  

Blend all ingredients in a food processor. Sprinkle with extra chopped chives and serve with cheesesticks for dipping.   

Baked brie  

1 whole brie or camembert cheese   

Few sprigs fresh rosemary, thyme and/or oregano  

2 tablespoons white wine or sparkling wine   

Grind of black pepper   

2-3 thick slices good quality bread, cut into batons   

2 tablespoons olive oil  

¼ teaspoon sea salt   

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley   

Wedges of lemon   

Turn oven to 180 C.   

Place the cheese round on a sheet of baking paper big enough to wrap the cheese and then into a large ramekin or other ovenproof dish that holds it snugly. With the tip of a sharp knife make 3-4 cuts across the top of the cheese. Insert herbs into these. Splash over wine and grind pepper. Wrap up tying or twisting the paper to enclose. Bake for 15 minutes or until soft all the way through. 

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