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Entertaining

Only Assembly Required

By March 4, 2016March 30th, 201616 Comments

We had a few out-of-town friends over this past weekend for cocktails and snacks โ€” for no real reason other than I hadnโ€™t seen a bunch of them in a while and becauseโ€ฆwell, because I felt like it. There were pitchers of pre-made Manhattans (thank you Andy) and a ton of food, but the corner of the spread that I was happiest with was the one youโ€™re looking at above, which the astute observer might realize required not a single second of bonafide cooking. Pray tell, is there anything better than a Strict Assembly Job when entertaining? The key, as always, is to make sure that what you are assembling starts with high-quality ingredients, and since Iโ€™m lucky enough to live 20 minutes away from Arthur Avenue (the Little Italy of the Bronx), a quick trip provided me with everything I needed. Judging from what was left over โ€” nothing โ€” I got the feeling I wasnโ€™t the only one who happy with how it turned out.

Hereโ€™s what youโ€™re looking at in case you want to make a go of it yourself: A pound and a half of Prosciutto di Parma; two Italian baguettes (sliced); 1 12-inch (or so) sweet Italian salami; 1 12-inch (or so) hot Italian salami; gherkins (from Trader Joeโ€™s, in my opinion the best); whole grain mustard; hot mustard; and pre-assembled prosciutto sandwiches on brioche rolls (inspired by my trip to Miamiโ€™s Rosetta Bakeryย last week).

16 Comments

  • Avatar judy burke says:

    Looks absolutely delicious. I canโ€™t figure out what is in the upper left corner-?

  • Vivian | stayaliveandcooking says:

    Yumm. Simple, but effective!

  • Avatar Awads says:

    Iโ€™ve been making pitchers of Manhattans (and Boulevardiers!), too! That spread looks terrific. How many people did you have over and what else was on the menu? I feel like I need to switch up my usual (without sacrificing my beloved deviled eggs).

  • Avatar Alee says:

    I love this post and am excited to try a version of this spread for my next gathering! Lately, Iโ€™ve been having trouble with some of your links (i.e. the Manhattan recipe). Not sure if itโ€™s an issue on my computer or something on your end, but just wanted to let you know :-). Best wishes!!!

  • Avatar Lynn says:

    As a lover of mustard and gherkins and this whole vibe, Iโ€™m wondering what Iโ€™d buy instead of meat to make this a vegetarian-friendly spread (while maintaining โ€œAssembly Only!โ€). Do mustard and gherkins have meatless friends? Hmmโ€ฆ

  • Avatar Mm says:

    For nibbles, I often have a selection of saucisson, chorizo, jamon, pickles, olives, anchovies in vinegar, hummus and a platter of colourful crudites. No bread, though, as donโ€™t want guests to fill up too much before the meal.

  • Avatar Mary Beth says:

    Sadnessโ€ฆ the Manhattan link gives me a 404 error.

  • Avatar Janet says:

    Iโ€™m totally with you on the Gherkinsโ€ฆ.they are the best!

  • Avatar Nathalie says:

    This to me is how a perfect evening looks like. Your loved ones, friends, this lovely food and some drink and a lot a lot of good memories are created ๐Ÿ™‚ I would only need a larger plate of pickles :)))

    http://potsofsmiles.blogspot.co.uk/

    xx

  • joanna goddard says:

    So good!! Also love salmon filets โ€”ย such a genius idea, and itโ€™s something people really want when they come hungry.

  • Avatar Becky Staple says:

    I love this idea, especially for when you want to socialize instead of standing in the kitchen!

  • Kate says:

    What a great way to entertain!! Never thought of pitchers of Manhattans!! Perfect.

  • Allie says:

    I love this whole conceptโ€ฆespecially the pitcher of Manhattans!

  • Avatar Lindsay says:

    What is in the upper left corner on top of the bread slices?

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