Hello E-Trenders! Looking for a unique presentation for serving crudite (vegetables & dip)? Here is a clever idea inspired by one of our favorite chefs Dan Vernia!
Start out with small jars or glass cups, you can also use martini glasses.
Rinse and slice your favorite Farmer's Market vegetables.
Cut one loaf of dark pumpernickel bread in very small pieces to create the "dirt" for this inventive presentation.
Purchase or make from scratch spinach dip. Here is a quick and easy recipe from Hidden Valley...
- 1 packet (1 ounce) Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dips Mix
- 1 container (16 ounces) sour cream
- 1 box (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 1 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, rinsed, drained and chopped
Stir together dips mix, sour cream, spinach and water chestnuts. Chill 30 minutes or until just before serving.
Fill the bottom of the glass jar about half way with pumpernickel "dirt" crumbs creating a hollow hole in the center to fill with spinach dip.
Fill the middle of the jar with about 2-3 tablespoons of spinach dip based on how large of a glass you are using. Add a light layer of pumpernickel crumbs to cover the dip.
Arrange fresh vegetables by placing them in the jar at different levels and grouping each variety in clusters adding contrasting colors next to each other.
Fill a shadow box with river rocks and moss and place these bountiful crudite jars on top for a natural, "earthy" feel. You can also use a piece of burlap placed over a tray or table. We served the vegetables with a sustainable bamboo fork using it as part of the overall presentation. Check out the forks here if you are interested in purchasing them for your next party.
The jars are great for a cocktail party, your guests can mix and mingle as they enjoy the user friendly vegetable crudite.
Enjoy E-Trenders!
