Rustic Cheeseboard Appetizer

 

This is a great appetizer for a large crowd. I served close to 40 people at a recent grad party for my daughter and I had to refill it twice! The thing to remember is don’t put the cheese in the sun because it will melt, and if you serve it outside buy a mesh lid. Here is a link to what i am referring to –Lid for platter. This will keep away the bugs, otherwise you will be shooing them all night long! LOL

This platter is very basic, but if you add some contrasting colors and an assortment of cheeses and assemble artfully this is a beautiful arrangement that will wow your guests. Start with buying yourself a large wood platter, not just big but also a thick one maybe 1 or 2 inches thick. I shop a few days ahead for my cheeses and will visit multiple stores before I pick my cheese selection. Sometimes I buy what’s on sale and work from that. This platter has cheddar cheese, always a crowd pleaser, Gouda cheese (a very popular cheese), and our fave Swiss Cheese! I cut some into chunks, which can be eaten with a toothpick and others I sliced to eat on top of a cracker.

For the crackers, I purchased some salty and some sweet, some round, some triangular shaped and some square. I added a Strawberry & Prossecco Jam to the platter. I also added some tiny sweet pickles, my fave! The grapes are red and green and add color and contrast, and everyone likes if not loves grapes. Along the side of my platter I added a few strawberry containers (in pink), which I bought at Michaels and filled with parchment paper and fresh strawberries. I even added the parchment paper to the board for a rustic look.

Check out my recipe for my  Rustic Cheeseboard Appetizer. Just some ideas I thought I’d share with you as you plan your summer grad parties, picnics, family reunions, birthday parties and dinner gatherings….Enjoy the summer everyone! xo

 

On Turning the BIG 50

So, on June 16th I celebrated turning the BIG 50! It’s hard to believe I’m 50, and I often get asked “my secrets”.. haha!! Anyway, I will share a few on this blog post, but be sure to follow me on Insta on my handle @marioochcooks for the most up-to-date stories and recipe developments, as well as some of my workout ideas and advice.

I’m a firm believer that what you do everyday, so your habits literally in this case, “shape you!” – daily PRAYER, daily workouts, daily moisturizer AND sunscreen, daily food creativity (weekly writing), daily healthful eating! The workouts are ALWAYS combined workouts: pilates, walks, weights, speed bag work, stretch and repeat! As a former aerobics instructor (10 years) I am disciplined, but if you can, join a class, because it’s fun and motivating for a lot of people.  Walks are cheap, and you can take the dog too. That will accomplish two tasks!! I have many dog friends along my path, some have passed now, but new pups are in the neighborhood.

Eating healthy is so important. In today’s fast paced world, take out is high on the list when we are short on time. If so, eat clean irregardless – like Panera salads, they work great! Making a freshly made home cooked meal is my fave, and we typically have a few visitors during the week. My house is where the kids hang. In fact, some follow me on Insta and know exactly what’s for dinner and show up just in time. I never mind, and my kids’ friends are always welcome. We chat, eat and have fun. That is what life is about – sharing a meal!

I hope these tips help! Thank you for following my blog…Look for more exciting things from Mariooch’s Kitchen in the near future….this summer it’s all about sharpening my “chef skills” – like meat preparation, chicken, pork chops and the list goes on and on……Lots of reading and some new recipes along the way. OH yes and I’m sending my daughter, Sydney, off to Europe for part of the summer:  Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and France, and Monaco, and then my daughter, Maggie, off to College! My son, Jack is fine tuning his soccer skills all summer to try out for the school soccer team in the Fall.

Wishing you a happy summer filled with lots of yummy and delicious foods and fun times shared with friends.

xo

Mary

What’s in my pantry

 

Cento Fine Foods has been very supportive of me and my cookbook! They were one of the companies who permitted me to use their brand name in my cookbook. And yes, you need permission. It’s helpful to have an MBA to navigate through the legal implications of things.  I quite often tag them in my photos on Instagram @marioochcooks, and they always appreciate the shout out, so much that they will be sending me goodies!!! The first package has arrived, and I was so excited.

I put the olive oil and balsalmic vinegar to good use by incorporating them into my salad dressing along with some aromatic spices.  My salad included romaine lettuce, baby spinach, grilled chicken, matchstick carrots, quinoa, chunks of sharp white cheddar cheese.

Salad is my Go-to meal for lunch as it’s packed with protein, which I need to sustain my blood sugar and energy level. Some healthful tips for making salad in a snap are:

  1. Wash, dry and cut your lettuce and store in a air tight plastic bag for easy access.
  2. Have grilled chicken, cheese, shredded carrots, onions, olives, and some type of carb like a quinoa on hand to toss in the salad or whatever else you like.
  3. Use a healthy salad dressing and don’t drench the salad, a little goes a long way!
  4. Make the salad look appealing and savor your meal, while taking the time to enjoy a well-deserved break in your busy day especially if you are a mom because you are pulled in every direction.
  5. Enjoy, and don’t forget to pick up some Cento products at your next grocery store visit! @Centofinefoods