Antipasti Platters

Fall Harvest Platter

Fabulous food boards!

 I love foods that encourage social eating. After all, that is what Feast & Merriment is all about!When I have company, no matter if it is one person or a large gathering, I make sure 3 things happen that help guests start relaxing right away.

  1. Music is playing in the background
  2. The wine is ready to pour
  3. A platter of deliciousness is ready to dig into.

If these three things happen, the night (or day) is sure to be off to a really great start!

How to make a great food board

A good food board features a variety of food groups, a range of colors and textures, and is intended to be shared easily. You want to be sure to select ingredients that can be served at room temperature. It’s an important dish to remember that quality ingredients make quality platters, so if making a board with a budget in mind, go for quality of items over a quantity of items. Choose foods that complement and also contrast each other. Use lots of color and pile things high. There is no limit to your culinary creativity when making an impressive, and delicious, food board.

Suggested Ingredients

  • Cheeses
  • Grapes
  • Figs
  • Dried Apricots
  • Olives
  • Cured Meats
  • Smoked Salmon
  • Chilled shrimp
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Cucumbers
  • Roasted or Fresh Peppers
  • Apple Slices
  • Roasted Garlic
  • Honey
  • Nuts
  • Baguette slices
  • Crackers
  • Grilled vegetables

Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Casserole

AKA: Tater-Tot Breakfast Frittata

Breakfast casseroles are all the rage, and why not? They are incredibly easy to make, delicious, can be made in advance and a great way to use up leftover ingredients that you have on hand.  It’s always a hit for breakfast lovers of all ages.

Similar to a frittata, but not exactly, this egg dish has become popular for KETO dieters, meal preppers, commuters, parents, and your basic brunch host. (I’m sure I am leaving someone out!)  Just about everyone, of all ages, can find a variation of this breakfast casserole that they like.

Breakfast casserole is so easy, fun and completely customizable. Personally, I like to add in a layer of tater tots or hash browns because potatoes make me happy. However, they are optional. When I make this for my nieces or a group of friends, including the tater tots always earns me a few extra bonus points 🙂

The combinations of ingredients are endless- only your creativity will limit you! Here are some variations that I have made to hopefully inspire you to make your own!

  • Sausage, mushroom, onion and fontina cheese
  • Ham, mushroom and swiss cheese
  • Spinach, mushroom, onion and cheddar cheese
  • Broccoli, cheddar and onion
  • Bacon, peppers and scallions
  • Crab, Bacon & Cheddar

Feaster’s Tip

To cut clean portions, cook completely and cool completely  Remove casserole from dish and cut into squares and replace into casserole dish. This makes it easy to reheat whole or as individual slices. You can also wrap and refrigerate or freeze individual portions for breakfast on the go. 

Tater Tot Casserole

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Tater tots Cooked & cooled (don't over cook)
  • 1/2 -3/4 cup shredded cheese of choice
  • 5 breakfast sausage links- cooked and sliced or diced.
  • Half of a large white onion sliced and sautéed.
  • 8-9 large eggs- beaten
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream optional, but it helps it fluff.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
  • salt & pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease an 8×8 pyrex dish.
  • Toss the cooked tater tots with a pinch of salt & pepper for seasoning. Spread them out in a single uniform layer out on the bottom of the dish and lightly press them with the back of a spatula.
  • Mix the heavy cream into the beaten eggs. Season well with Salt & pepper. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, the sausage & onions and pour mixture over the tater tots.
  • Top with the remaining cheese and parsley. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until cooked through.