Antipasto and Other Mixed Plates

There are times when we want to offer a spectacular first course, or put together a great picnic, summer buffet, or appetizers for a cocktail party. I usually prefer to go with an ethnic theme because it sets a definite mood and makes the selection of wines or appropriate special drinks easy. I have divided these assortments into four basic groups, hors d’oeuvres for France, mezze for the Middle East, tapas for Spain, and antipasto for Italy.

Many of these dishes can stand on their own, but they are so simple that they may leave you underwhelmed. However put them together with a few other salads and you create a really interesting plate. On their own, most of these recipes will serve four, but in combination they are that much more wonderful, and of course can serve many more. If the hors d’oeuvres, mezze, antipasto, or tapas are to be the main part of the meal, accompanied by bread and cheese, you should prepare as many as time and money will permit.