la la la platters

My absolute favorite way of eating is make what I call a la la la platter. A scrumptious meal of colourful and interesting foods all together on a large platter so you can graze or pick as you like.

There is nothing better than spending time preparing these colourful morsels for family or a friends. From the initial choosing of the ingredients at the markets, through carting the delights home and unpacking, cooking, to the point of  spreading all the beautiful elements out on your favorite platter.
Don't limit yourself to traditional Italian antipasto include perhaps Thai flavoured chicken patties or seafood. 
Afterwards its just la la la la, no cooking music, wine, good company and a gorgeous platter of antipasto to enjoy. 
La la la Platters can be all store bought goodies such as meats, dolmades,  cheeses and dips if you are time poor or don't feel like cooking or you can go all out and make a selection of recipes - be it a simple platter or a lavish one they are always wonderful  and a sensational way to entertain or share cooking together
Enjoy cooking or find your own special deli and try these ideas.

Gourmet pates
Proscuitto wrapped around pieces of melon*
Proscuitto wrapped grissini*
Marinated artichokes
Smoked Salmon and caper berries
Fresh figs
Fresh dates

Marinated fetta
Marinated goats cheese
Exotic deli meats - try Quarter 21 in Westfield
Pickles and pickled onions
Handmade Dolmades
Stuffed green olives- try the chilli ones !

Chicken and pistachio terrine*
Slices of Mortadella and Ham
Pickled ginger
Fresh asparagus*
Beetroot salad
Banana chillies chargrilled*
Pancetta
Thai chicken patties*
Small pieces of crumbed chicken*
Spicy lamb cutlets*
Spicy beetroot vada*
Marinated grilled Prawns*
Homemade pieces or mini muffin style frittata*
Marinated and chargrilled Eggplant*
Tapenades
Bocconcini and tomato salsas*
Avacado salsa*
Marinated and chargrilled Kumera or pumpkin *
* denotes home made recipes ....stay tuned

The list is endless and only limited by the extent of your imagination
All delicious and enormous fun trying out your  favorite combination of flavours. 

Lemon Meringue Pie

When you have lots of fresh lemons try this 
easy recipe for either lemon 

cheesecake or lemon meringue pie.

This one is made with biscuit base 

although could be 

made with shortcrust pastry.

•   A packet of plain  biscuits arrowroot or nice.
•   140 grams butter-melted
• 2 - 250 grams cream cheese
• A carton of sour cream
• 3/4 cup caster sugar
• 1 tbs finely grated lemon rind
• 2 tbs fresh lemon juice
• 3 eggs
• Meringue
• 3 egg whites
• 3/4 cup caster sugar

• Line the base of a 22cm springform pan with non-stick baking paper.
• Place the biscuits in the bowl of a food processor and process until finely crushed. 
• Add the butter and process until well combined. 
• Transfer the biscuit mixture to the prepared pan. 
• Press the biscuit mixture firmly over the base and side of the pan. 
• Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill.
• Preheat oven to 160°C. 
• Place the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, lemon rind and juice in the clean bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. 
• Add the eggs and process until well combined.
• Pour the cream cheese mixture into the biscuit base. 
• Bake in oven for 1 hour or until just set in the centre. 
• Turn oven off. Leave the cheesecake in the oven, with the door slightly ajar, for 2 hours or until cooled completely -this will prevent the cake from cracking 
• Place in the fridge for 4 hours to chill.
• To make the meringue, use an electric beater to whisk the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until firm peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoonful at a time, whisking constantly until the mixture is thick and glossy.
• Preheat oven to 200°C. Spoon the meringue mixture over the cheesecake and spread to the edge. Bake in oven for 5-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Place in the fridge for 2-3 hours to chill. 

Paintings above by Sarah Sedgwick and Jonathan Aller
images courtesy of daily painters.com