So I have decided that all of my posts for the next few weeks will be part of my Make Your Own Merry Christmas series, whether or not they are really Christmas-y. Because, I want to remind you that no matter how busy you may be, it is important to appreciate the season and make it merry in even the smallest ways. For example, when someone in your house finishes the milk before you have your morning cereal, go ahead, Make Your Own Merry Christmas and serve up a healthful helping of oatmeal [with marshmallows, walnuts, and sprinkles] instead of getting upset for no reason.
This weekend I was heading to a friend's house and needed to bring along a snack dish. I took advantage of the opportunity to put together a fruit and cheese platter because I have been toying around with the idea of creating fruit baskets for Christmas presents in the coming weeks. With only a few ingredients, I was able to construct a colorful dish to share at the gathering.
I used a few different kinds of cheeses: gouda, mozzarella, and blue, green grapes, crackers, and pomegranates. The secrets to the success of this dish are the colors of the fruits you select and the platter that you use. You can step this platter up by buying a dish you can leave behind as a host or hostess gift.
Next time, I plan to make cheese labels for each of the types. Remember that as intricate and exciting that you make the dish, the more of a challenge it is to transport. So, for this adventure, I kept it simple so I could wrap it up in plastic wrap like a mad woman.
Who needs Harry and David this holiday season? You got this! So, get out there and Make Your Own Merry Christmas. Stay tuned this week because I hope to get a Black Friday post out to all you shopping novices -- it's all in the plan! And there will be more about those holiday cards soon too.
