Mediterranean Sharing Platter

I can’t believe it’s day 7! For the last of my 7 days of dairy goodness I bring you a Mediterranean sharing platter that is perfect for entertaining groups of friends over the summer. Inspired by flavours of Europe, I’ve packed this platter full of textures, flavours and colours; sweet dried figs, crunchy pistachios, olives, sundried tomatoes, cured meat and fresh, crisp vegetables. Where does the dairy come in? Well, I’ve not just used it once, but in three different ways! Starting with slices of squeaky grilled halloumi, along with medjool dates filled with balsamic rosemary cream cheese and a roasted garlic and feta Greek yoghurt dip. Finish this platter off with some slices of toasted Turkish bread for dunking, and you are all set - this can be made as big or as small as you like, depending on the number of people you need to serve! I don’t know about you, but I think abundant platters always capture my attention and this one is no different.

Ingredients

Dates:
6 medjool dates, pitted
50-60g cream cheese
1tsp balsamic vinegar
1tsp chopped rosemary

Roasted Garlic Dip:
¾ cup Greek yoghurt
6-8 garlic cloves
⅓ cup feta cheese
S&P

For the platter:
100g halloumi
Turkish bread, sliced and toasted
Cucumber, cut into sticks
Cured meat (prosciutto etc)
Sundried tomato
Olives
Pepperdews
Pistachios
Fresh radish, thinly sliced
Dried figs

Method

To make the stuffed dates: in a bowl, combine the cream cheese, balsamic and rosemary. Stir until smooth, then transfer to a piping bag and fill the pitted dates.
To make the dip: roast the garlic cloves on a tray in a 180 degree oven for around 10 minutes or until the shell is slightly golden and the garlic is soft. Peel once cool, then finely chop until a slight paste forms. Combine with the yoghurt, feta and seasoning and mix.
Pan fry or grill the halloumi over a medium high heat until golden brown of each side.
Assemble the platter as desired and serve immediately.

I am also running a giveaway over the course of the 7 days! Comment on any (or all) of the 7 posts with your favourite fresh way to use dairy, and you’re into win a Prezzy card valued at $150. Competition will be open to NZ residents only and will finish 8th January 5pm.

Thanks to Fonterra for making this post possible.

DAY 1 - SMOOTHIE: http://bit.ly/mangopassionsmoothie
DAY 2 - BREAKFAST: http://bit.ly/berrymacadamiabircher
DAY 3 - LUNCH: http://bit.ly/halloumiskewers
DAY 4 - SNACK: http://bit.ly/capresetoast
DAY 5 - DINNER: http://bit.ly/tandooripotatosalad
DAY 6 - DESSERT: http://bit.ly/4ingredientcheesecake
DAY 7 - ENTERTAINING