Pine Forest Winter Mezze (Print Version)

An inviting winter board with earthy vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory spreads for festive gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Roasted Vegetables

01 - 2 small beets, peeled and cut into wedges
02 - 1 small fennel bulb, sliced
03 - 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - Salt, to taste
06 - Black pepper, to taste
07 - 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

→ Herbed Labneh

08 - 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Marinated Mushrooms

13 - 1 cup cremini mushrooms, quartered
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
15 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
16 - 1 clove garlic, minced
17 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
18 - Salt, to taste
19 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Pine Nut & Olive Tapenade

20 - 1/3 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
21 - 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
22 - 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
23 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
24 - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
25 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Accompaniments

26 - 1 cup baby carrots, raw
27 - 1/2 cup pickled red onions
28 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
29 - 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
30 - 1/2 cup assorted crackers or flatbreads
31 - Sprigs of fresh rosemary and pine (for garnish; remove before eating)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss beets, fennel, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, turning once, until tender and golden. Remove and allow to cool.
02 - Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, parsley, and salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and transfer to a serving dish. Optionally drizzle with olive oil.
03 - Mix cremini mushrooms with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
04 - Combine chopped olives, toasted pine nuts, capers, parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir to blend flavors evenly.
05 - Arrange roasted vegetables, herbed labneh, marinated mushrooms, tapenade, raw carrots, pickled onions, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and crackers attractively on a large wooden serving platter. Garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary and pine, removing pine before consumption.
06 - Serve immediately, encouraging guests to combine flavors as desired.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Robust flavors and earthy vegetables
  • Festive touches perfect for cozy gatherings
02 -
  • For a vegan board substitute plant-based yogurt for labneh
  • Add smoked cheese or charcuterie for non-vegetarian guests
03 -
  • Use fresh herbs for best flavor
  • Toast pine nuts gently to enhance aroma
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