Party Board

Growing up in a financially struggling family in the 1970s, we had this dinner each year that we received an income tax return. Dad went to the grocers and picked up some special treats that were cost-prohibitive normally: sardines, olives, pickled foods, chocolates, cheese, nuts, whatever caught his eye. Then he’d lay all out on the table and we’d have a party, just the 5 of us. Dad passed in Dec, and I celebrated him tonight by recreating a meal from my childhood. Thank you for reminding me.

This is 'odds and ends', the first meal my husband 'cooked' for me 27 years ago. Still a regular meal, usually weekends with a movie, or picnic in bed. I use the week's leftovers that are too small for a meal but perfect for tapa dish and add any pickle, smoked meat, fruit, crusty bread. To stay true to our early [leaner] days it must include grapes, swiss cheese, one avocado, and Ak-Mak crackers--oddly addictive crackers that I thank my husband for introducing to me. Splurge is Boursin cheese.

Definitely apples with cheese, as KK notes. The "Pantry Picnic" was one of the few "recipes" my husband of almost 40 years brought to our partnership, and it has served us well for decades now, especially in hot weather. We include smoked oysters, and keep a stash of Rye With Carraway Seed Triscuit which goes especially well with Amish Swiss and sharp Cheddar cheeses. For the blues and milder cheeses, a fresh thin-sliced baguette or a less-assertive cracker is best. Don't forget the wine!