I'll have what she's having

My parents arrived in town, they came to visit me from mexico, and as much as i wanted to greet them with a home made meal, i was caught up in time with house chores and the kids. I really wanted that they felt a warming welcome and so i decided to go for a snack board! As a busy mom, hosting guests can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, with a few strategic selections from Costco, you can assemble a beautiful and delicious snack platter that will impress your guests without adding stress to your day. Here’s how to create a quick and elegant spread using readily available items from Costco Canada.

Curated Selection of Delicacies

Begin by selecting a variety of high-quality, ready-to-serve items that offer diverse flavors and textures. Here’s a list of recommended products:

• Assorted Cold Cuts: A selection of prosciutto, salami, and various pepperoni types provides a savory foundation for your platter.

• Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese: This creamy, herb-infused cheese is a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with multiple accompaniments.

• Okra Cheese: A unique addition that introduces a distinct flavor and texture to your board.

• Frozen Sweet Potato Fries: Quickly prepared in the air fryer, these add a warm, crispy element to your spread.

• Sourdough Bread: Toasted to a golden crisp, it serves as an excellent base for cheeses and meats.

• Mixed Roasted and Salted Nuts: Offer a crunchy contrast and a source of healthy fats.

• Smoked Oysters in a Can: These provide a rich, smoky flavor, appealing to seafood enthusiasts. Spread a bit of goat cheese into a cracker or piece of bread and top with a smoked oyster, so good!

• Goat Cheese: Its tangy profile complements both sweet and savory items.

• Pita Crackers with Herbs and Garlic: These seasoned crackers add a flavorful crunch.

• Root Vegetable Chips: A colorful and healthier alternative to traditional potato chips.

• Mary’s Organic Crackers: A gluten-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

• Canned Vine Leaves (Dolmas): These stuffed grape leaves introduce a Mediterranean flair.

• Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then quickly roasted for a tender bite.

• Cheddar Cheese Crackers: Another option for something crunchy but with deep strong flavor.

Assembling Your Snack Platter

1. Choose Your Serving Base: Utilize a large cutting board or serving tray to display your selections. For larger gatherings, consider using two boards to ensure ample space.
2. Arrange with Aesthetic Appeal: Place cheeses and bowls of smoked oysters or dips at intervals on the board. Fan out the cold cuts, and fill in spaces with nuts, crackers, and chips. Position the roasted asparagus and sweet potato fries in accessible areas.
3. Provide Serving Utensils: Ensure each cheese has its own knife, and include spoons or forks for items like oysters and dolmas.
4. Add Finishing Touches: Incorporate small bunches of grapes or fresh berries for a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.

Effortless Hosting with Style

By thoughtfully selecting and artfully arranging these Costco-sourced items, you create a snack platter that is both visually appealing and satisfying. This approach allows you to offer a diverse array of flavors and textures, catering to various preferences, all while keeping preparation time to a minimum.

Remember, hosting doesn’t have to be chaotic. With these readily available products, you can present a sophisticated spread that encourages guests to graze and mingle, all while enjoying a glass of wine or their preferred beverage. It’s about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, and you, as the host, can also relax and enjoy the company.

At the end, my parents were super happy and i was able to enjoy them and the moment, we had a bottle of wine, snacked and made the moment a warming welcome like I wanted, sometimes, going the easy way but well done is not bad at all.