bring a plate

So we all know the three words that will make a man's blood run cold. But for a woman (or aspiring but still hopeless cook) those three words are undoubtedly "bring a plate".

Party at Miss K's last Saturday night. Luckily for this incompetent, I had strict instructions in the form of assembling a Greek Salad, saving me hours of tearing out my hair wondering what to bring on the plate. Not much to go wrong.

Still, it wouldn't be me to just take this in my stride when I could have a minor breakdown... should I include olives when these fruit of the gods are indeed not universally loved? Should I take along a dressing and risk sogging out my veggies? Should I salt the cucumbers when feta cheese is already quite salty?

Luckily, we have an excellent market here on a Saturday morning and stall owners who are helpful and calming when faced with a young lady in a "bring a plate" lather. In the name of research, I sampled a whole range of olives and chose tasty but mild Kalamatas, tried all sorts of creamy feta cheese, gorged myself on sweet baby cocktail tomatoes and small romas. And went home full of confidence with fabulous produce. Very well-fed.

This Greek Salad was quick and easy to prepare and disappeared instantly. Olives included. No reason at all for a crisis.


Bring a Plate Greek Salad
500g best quality feta cheese, cubed
4 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped
parsley, chopped
olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
freshly ground pepper
1 handful stoned black olives
500g best quality tomatoes, sliced
1 cucumber, sliced

Marinate the feta cheese with the olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, garlic and pepper. Then at the last possible minute add the cucumber, tomatoes and olives.