Entertaining on a Whim!

My  hubby and I entertain a lot, by a lot I mean like nearly every weekend, and at many times it’s spur of the moment.  I always keep certain items on hand so we’re actually prepared for company and put out a spread that makes everyone feel welcomed.  The majority of folks like cheese plates so I always have plenty on hand (well, maybe that’s because I love cheese, but that’s for another post) as well as some dried and fresh fruit, nuts, olives, and cured meats.  With these few items you can put together a spread that looks and tastes amazing with very little prep time, but shhhh no one has to know how easy this was!

This particular dish has a ton of options and all are from Trader Joe’s – extra bonus!  Here they are:

Cheeses!

• two soft goat cheese options
• brie
• blue cheese
• Spanish manchego
• Italian truffle cheese
• cheddar with cranberries

Fruits

• blackberries
• red and green grapes
• dried apricots
• dried cranberries

Nuts

• almonds
• pecans
• cashews

Olives

• garlic and pimento stuffed olives

Meats

• Truffled salami

Wine to pair? Okay so a lot of people go with a white wine for cheese plates, but sometimes white doesn’t stand up to some of the heavier cheese and meats.  I like a more fruit forward Zinfandel or, for a lighter style, even a Beaujolais.  Of course wine is such a personal preference so go with what your palate likes (throw caution to the wind!).