We had a few out-of-town friends over this past weekend for cocktails and snacks โ for no real reason other than I hadnโt seen a bunch of them in a while and becauseโฆwell, 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 youโre 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 Iโm 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 wasnโt the only one who happy with how it turned out.
Hereโs what youโre 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 Joeโs, in my opinion the best); whole grain mustard; hot mustard; and pre-assembled prosciutto sandwiches on brioche rolls (inspired by my trip to Miamiโs Rosetta Bakeryย last week).
Looks absolutely delicious. I canโt figure out what is in the upper left corner-?
Yumm. Simple, but effective!
Iโve 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).
Agreed, Iโd love to hear about the rest of the menu!
I love this post and am excited to try a version of this spread for my next gathering! Lately, Iโve been having trouble with some of your links (i.e. the Manhattan recipe). Not sure if itโs an issue on my computer or something on your end, but just wanted to let you know :-). Best wishes!!!
As a lover of mustard and gherkins and this whole vibe, Iโm wondering what Iโd buy instead of meat to make this a vegetarian-friendly spread (while maintaining โAssembly Only!โ). Do mustard and gherkins have meatless friends? Hmmโฆ
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 donโt want guests to fill up too much before the meal.
Sadnessโฆ the Manhattan link gives me a 404 error.
That IS sad. But itโs all fixed now. Apologies!
Iโm totally with you on the Gherkinsโฆ.they are the best!
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 ๐ I would only need a larger plate of pickles :)))
http://potsofsmiles.blogspot.co.uk/
xx
So good!! Also love salmon filets โย such a genius idea, and itโs something people really want when they come hungry.
I love this idea, especially for when you want to socialize instead of standing in the kitchen!
What a great way to entertain!! Never thought of pitchers of Manhattans!! Perfect.
I love this whole conceptโฆespecially the pitcher of Manhattans!
What is in the upper left corner on top of the bread slices?