Monday, August 29, 2016

Dear Daughters: Vegetable Trays

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Dear Daughters,
You know I have hosted many parties in our home over the years, and I have assisted in co –hosting just as many others.


I learned something recently, however,  about an unlikely yet very well known party food that I wanted  to share with you.


First- some background.

‘A vegetable tray’ on the list of ‘what would you like to bring?’ items for a party has never been my favorite.

Maybe they too have a PR problem like congealed salads?
I don’t know.
Having said that , vegetable trays were also a prime choice for the exhausted, the over worked, the I can’t do another thing in all of us. A quick call to HEB to place an order for a tray and you were done.

That has its appeal doesn’t it?
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I had an epiphany this past weekend though that changed all that.
You see , I chose to bring a vegetable tray to a party I was co-hosting this weekend.

Here is what I learned:

Anything previously considered dull can be transformed with effort, creativity, and positive thinking. 

I actually researched vegetable trays and found information and photographs that sparked my interest.
And no, I did not carve a bell pepper into a baby carriage this time, but it could happen .

Generosity is the key. Mounds of fresh, brightly colored vegetables that I washed and cut in my kitchen-
rather than HEB’s- conveys a message I think. 

What is that message?  I did this for you because I wanted to.

And finally, there are some pitfalls and shortcuts. 
I purchased HEB’s all time best spinach dip to serve rather than ranch dressing. 
Ranch dressing seemed like such a tired choice.

I gave up on cutting cauliflower. That was not in my wheelhouse.
We will be having steamed cauliflower for
supper this week.

There is a message here sweet girls.
Just a little ‘food for thought’… literally .

I love you,
Mom




 



18 comments:

Simply LKJ said...

I actually love vegetable trays, cheese boards and antipasta trays as it allows me to be creative with food. I like the visual aspect of it I suppose. Veggies can be a work of art.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Your vegetable tray is gorgeous. If I were at your party, I would saddle up right next to it with a glass of vino and I would be in heaven!! Have a great week, Laura.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I agree -- spinach dip is much better than ranch. Edgier, if one may use that term in relation to veggie trays.

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

I love the statement, "I made it for you because I wanted to." Always makes our guests feel very special. Great post!

Pondside said...

Oh Laura, are you sure we weren't separated at birth?!
I, too, always thought of the vegetable tray or the fruit tray or the cheese tray as the choice of the overworked and unimaginative - and in truth, all three can be as dull as the supermarket from which they come. A tray that is chosen and assembled by hand with a dip that takes more than a squeeze of a plastic bottle is a thing of beauty. I can tell the difference and I always appreciate it!

Lisa said...

Laura,
HEB is coming to North Texas! Now I can try the spinach dip! Can you tell I'm excited?
BTW Your vegetable tray looks absolutely delicious.;-)

Blondie's Journal said...

Yay, yay, yay! Everything old is new again. Spinach dip, perfect.

I was in a pinch recently for a small party and grabbed up all the veggies I had in my fridge (the zucchini were a big hit, who knew?). I used a store bought French onion dip in a carved out tomato much like your little receptacle. I tucked in a few herbs from my wee little weedy herb garden and it looked awesome. And call it crudités like Martha Stewart. Everyone thinks they are getting something foreign. My dear daughters have picked up on this but don't admit it.

Love ya, Laura!

Jane

Karen said...

It was a gorgeous veggie tray! The colors were strong and vibrant. You started with a fresh and colorful product and created a masterpiece. Glad you skipped the cauliflower. The other colorful vegetables would have lost their pizazz for sure! Thank you, Laura! Your veggie tray was the prettiest I've ever seen!!! Yum! ��

Theresa said...

I love a pretty veggie tray:) Yours is colorful! Have a blessed day dear Laura, HUGS!

Summer said...

The tray looks so healthy, colourful and nice ♥

summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Looks very tasty. And now I'm hungry.

God bless.

Jeanie said...

I love veggie trays and yours are a feast for the eyes as well as the table. Looking quite lovely! And wonderful tips, too.

Pat said...

Laura,
"Perfect" timing today, dear friend!
On FB, several of my Church Sisters and I have been discussing
our 2nd Sunday Potluck that has recently returned!
I l o v e Spinach Dip!
Enjoy your steamed cauliflower!
Fondly,
Pat

Stacey said...

I love homemade veggie trays! They are delicious and beautiful. I try to alternate the colors to add a little flair. Ranch is definitely my fave. :)

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Beautiful veggie trays Laura and such a great addition to any gathering!
Jemma

Cecilia said...

Wow, it looks so beautiful! One I'd be happy to serve! And I'm ready to munch on some fresh veggies!

quakerhillfarm said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
quakerhillfarm said...

Your trays are just beautiful! Who would not want to munch on this beauty! I love the fact you write to your daughters. This is a memory that will be preserved long after the party is over. So glad I have met you. I am also now your newest follower. Have a beautiful day!

 

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