15 PARTY TRICKS

ON A PLATTER

Entertaining doesn’t have to mean table settings and napkin swans. Keep things casual with a communal platter so guests can serve themselves

Dressed-up dips

ROASTED ONION DIP Make a batch of toffee onions from the recipe on page 74 and serve on top of a swirl of roasted onion dip with a sprinkling of microherbs.

CREAM CHEESE-AND-CHIVE DIP Garnish with a selection of micro veggies and grate over pink or purple radishes to add texture and colour.

HUMMUS Bake 1 x 400 g can drained and rinsed chickpeas under a hot grill on a dry baking tray. When they start to pop, toss them in a dash of smoked paprika, sliced garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. Season, and return to the grill for a few minutes, until crunchy. Sprinkle over the dip with pomegranate rubies and good-quality extra virgin olive oil. Be sure to use the chickpeas on the same day.

“SOMETIMES ALL YOU NEED TO PREPARE IS A SPREAD OF DIPS, PLENTY OF WARM, CRUSTY