Antipasto Platter

Having guests from out of town is always welcomed around these quarters. We love to entertain and host family and friends for an evening.  One of my “go to” menus when hosting an impromptu appetizer evening is an antipasto platter. There is  always something everyone can enjoy.  The first thing I do is head to the local deli that always has a great assortment of fresh meats and cheeses.  The usual staples are smoked Gouda, garlic Swiss, and aged white cheddar. For meats I get prosciutto, a variety of salami, and a smoked meat.

I usually have homemade crackers on hand and I make a loaf of artisan cheddar jalapeno bread to put out with oil and vinegar. Followed by roasted red peppers, pickles, olives, grapes, artichokes and spreads for the crackers.  When you are throwing together a platter like this, take a peek through your cupboards. You will be surprised at what you find to compliment the meats and cheeses.

Oh, and don’t forget the wine! White, Red and Blush all go well with this platter!

Easy Peasy Clay Pot Bread

Ever want to make artisan bread at home? Well end your search!  Be prepared to make the easiest bread you will EVER make! Not to mention the taste of the crusty outside, and soft divine center.  Alright, here is the cast of characters:

Dough preparation:

 

In a large bowl, mix together –

3  Cups White Flour

1 TSP Salt

1/2 TSP Yeast

*Note* In this picture below,   I added a few more goodies.  1 Cup Sharpe Cheddar cheese, 1/4 Cup Jalapeno, 1 TSP smoked Garlic Salt. You can add any Combo you would like, or opt to leave it all out.  It’s up to you!

 

Then slowly add 1 3/4 Cups of lukewarm water.  The might dough will look wet. That’s OK!

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let sit on the counter for 12-16 hours.

I know, I know this does not look appetizing. But just wait until you taste it! Oh, and be sure to place the dough in a large bowl. This dough is going to rise and rise some more.

Once it has risen, you are ready to begin cooking.

Cooking Directions:

Preheat Oven to 450 Degrees

Once it is up to temperature, put your clay pot in the oven empty.  We need to warm that baby up first! Leave in oven for 30 minutes.

In the mean time, take the dough out of the bowl and turn onto a floured surface.  Shape into a ball, cover and let it rest.

Take the HOT pot out of the oven, and carefully place your ball-o-dough into the clay pot.

Cover and throw back in oven for 30 more minutes.

After 30 minutes, take lid off and cook for 15 minutes to brown the top.

Finally you are left with this!

This is less than half the loaf… and tastes delicious right out of the oven with just a little bit of butter.

I told you it was easy!