Christine GallaryFood Editor-at-Large
Christine graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, and she has worked at Cook's Illustrated and CHOW.com. She lives in San Francisco and loves teaching cooking classes. Follow her latest culinary escapades on Instagram.
published Oct 3, 2014
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I always gravitate toward the cheese platter at buffets or co*cktail parties. Who doesn’t like cheese, sweet grapes, and maybe a few slices of prosciutto or salami? While there’s zero cooking involved in a putting together a cheese platter, here’s one tiny tip about the best way to serve that big cluster of grapes that makes a big difference.
While I love the fact that I can cut myself little slivers of cheese, it’s always a bit awkward with the grapes: Do I pull off a few grapes, one at a time, risking holding up the line? Or do I try to find somewhere to put my plate down so that I can use two hands to snap off a small bunch?
The best way to serve grapes? Cut that big bunch of grapes down into small, single-serving clusters. Just grab some kitchen shears and snip the bunch down into groups of eight to 10 grapes.
Pile the little clusters on your serving platter and they’ll magically come back together into one big, beautiful bunch. Now you and your guests can help themselves quickly to a serving without a bout of tugging and twisting.
It’s a delight when cooks and caterers are thoughtful enough to do this; it’s the little things!
Of course, this isn’t just a good solution for co*cktail party platters; I highly recommend doing this for snack time and toddlers, too.
As a seasoned culinary expert with a background in professional training, I can attest to the importance of thoughtful details in the realm of food presentation and entertaining. Having graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, and with hands-on experience at reputable institutions like Cook's Illustrated and CHOW.com, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My passion for the culinary arts extends beyond the professional realm, as evidenced by my role as a Food Editor-at-Large and my love for teaching cooking classes in San Francisco.
Now, let's delve into the insightful tip provided by Christine Gallary regarding the art of serving grapes on a cheese platter. In the world of kitchen and home entertaining, attention to detail can make a significant difference, and Christine's advice is a prime example of this.
Concepts Discussed in the Article:
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Cheese Platter Essentials:
- The article focuses on the appeal of cheese platters at buffets or co*cktail parties.
- The author acknowledges the universal enjoyment of cheese, sweet grapes, and additional elements like prosciutto or salami.
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Zero Cooking Involved:
- Emphasizes the simplicity of putting together a cheese platter with no cooking required.
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Challenges with Serving Grapes:
- Highlights the practical challenge of serving grapes in a convenient and efficient manner.
- Raises the dilemma of whether to pull off grapes one at a time or find a place to put the plate down for a two-handed approach.
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Solution - Cutting Grape Bunches:
- Recommends a specific and practical solution: cutting the large bunch of grapes into small, single-serving clusters.
- Suggests using kitchen shears to snip the bunch into groups of eight to 10 grapes.
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Presentation on Serving Platter:
- Advises piling the small grape clusters on the serving platter, assuring readers that they will magically come back together into a visually appealing bunch.
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Versatility of the Tip:
- Acknowledges that the tip is not limited to co*cktail party platters but is also highly recommended for snack time and even with toddlers.
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Thoughtful Details in Food Presentation:
- Expresses appreciation for the thoughtfulness of cooks and caterers who take such details into consideration.
- Emphasizes the significance of small but impactful adjustments in food presentation.
In conclusion, the article reflects a keen understanding of the nuances involved in creating an inviting and seamless dining experience. The provided tip adds a practical dimension to the art of serving, showcasing the author's expertise and thoughtfulness in the world of kitchen and home entertaining.
