We do love our munchies on Friday and often just call them dinner. That's exactly what we did with this antipasti platter last night, even though such a plate of goodies is meant to stimulate the appetite, not satisfy it.
The heat is on in Tucson and quite honestly I didn't feel like cooking last night - not one bit. Not only that but the big guy ate a HUGE lunch of leftover curried chicken pot pie from the night before and wasn't into a big meal either. It was a perfect excuse to cleanse the refrigerator of various and sundry items and put it all together on a munchie plate.
I had a beautiful log of Montrachet in the cheese drawer, and rolled that soft fragrant goat's cheese in some chopped fresh garlic, a good amount of fresh ground black pepper and finally some chopped basil from our garden. Topped with the last of the jar of sun dried tomatoes it took center stage on the platter, along with some sliced roasted red peppers in a bath of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Rounded out with some prosciutto rolls, pepperoni and various brined and pickled items, our dinner was ready in a flash and was most satisfying I might add.
It just proves that every once in a while...or in our case once a week, ya' gotta' think beyond the protein/starch/vegetable routine that normally makes up dinner and find something simple but good to fill the void. In our case simple but good also included a bourbon on the rocks for the big guy and a limoncello with lemonade for yours truly.
Three weeks from today at this exact moment we'll be working our way through the L.A. traffic towards I-5, over the Grapevine and Oregon. Along with the fact that we've changed locations this year after 3 years in Yachats and we'll be pretty darn close to the Flounder in Waldport, I would say it's safe to bet we'll be enjoying a lot more of these "munchie" dinners PDQ. After all - it's the cook's vacation too, right?
I love dinners like this and would do it every night given the option. I'm definitely what you would call a nibbler or grazer.....finger foods are the best!
Posted by: Cathy | 06/05/2010 at 09:19 AM
Easy on the dishes too.
Posted by: June | 06/05/2010 at 10:32 AM
These are my favorite kind of meals. Unfortunately we don't have them often enough. Must remedy that.
Posted by: pam | 06/05/2010 at 12:34 PM
They are great summertime repasts aren't they Pam. It's heading on up to 108 here today. Ewww
Posted by: June | 06/05/2010 at 01:43 PM
What a colorful and tasty dish! Perfect for a lazy Friday.
Posted by: tasteofbeirut | 06/05/2010 at 08:30 PM
I continue to be amazed at your gift with food presentation June. This is such a lovely arrangement.
Posted by: Mags | 06/06/2010 at 05:18 PM
Lovely looking feast! William and I enjoy such meals also - with a nice bottle of red wine - we are set!
Posted by: Nanan | 06/06/2010 at 05:45 PM
Mags - thank you. It didn't look so pretty by the time we were done with it. LOL
Lea - red wine - I'm with you, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to agree with us as much as it used to. Maybe we just need to buy better wine. Tee,hee.
Posted by: June | 06/06/2010 at 08:16 PM