Food Porn...Make this Antipasto Platter!

There is nothing NSFW about this bit of porn...but I am sure that it will have you salivating in no time. 

I was walking a two hundred mile trail with a friend in the Cotswolds (Southern England) two years ago, when we happened into this bit of deliciousness at day's end.

A platter of antipasto and a few glasses of Prosecco never hurt anyone, right? Especially after 12 miles of slogging it through hill and dale. England, for so long, was not thought of as a place of gastronomical delights, but actually, some of the best local, organic, and/or ethnic food can be found in even the most remote villages of the UK. As a matter of fact, English produced cheese and hard apple cider rival food and drink in France. 

Yes, I said that - much as I am a lover of all things French.

Anyway, getting back to antipasto, which literally means before the meal. 

It looks simple enough, right? But I have had all kinds of antipasto platters and they are not all created equal. 

The one in this photo, complete with my friend's toes as she anxiously waited for me to finish snapping pictures, was the epitome of well done because the food was fresh and of excellent quality.

And that, along with the love and creativity we put into any dish, is key. Never skimp on quality, that's a good chef's motto. 

To make an antipasto platter:

Find a dish that will complement the food. I believe in beautiful crockery. The French believe that white dishes set off food most elegantly, but since we're doing Italian today, pick a colorful platter if it pleases you. 

Choose a variety of:

Olives (Kalamata, Nicoise, Colossole)

Roasted peppers and eggplant, artichoke hearts

Cheeses such as mini Bocconcini, Provolone, Asiago, or even Camembert and Brie

Cured meat; Prosciutto, Salami, Sopresatta, Coppa

Bread or Crostinni; Ciabatta, Focaccia or Baguette

Arrange on Platter and serve with Prosecco, a nice Chianti, or an oaked Chardonnay.

To lighten things up, you can add a simple insalata of organic greens with an olive oil and vinegar dressing. 

Buon Appetito! 

Hugs and Kisses, Paris-Loves-Her. 

Photo - Me.