Save A stunning winter mezze platter inspired by the flavors and colors of a pine forest, featuring robust flavors, earthy vegetables, and festive touches perfect for cozy gatherings.
This mezze board brings the essence of a pine forest to your table, combining textures and tastes I always enjoy sharing with friends and family during winter.
Ingredients
- Roasted Vegetables: 2 small beets peeled and cut into wedges , 1 small fennel bulb sliced , 1 cup Brussels sprouts halved , 2 tbsp olive oil , salt and pepper to taste , 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
- Herbed Labneh: 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt , 1 tbsp lemon juice , 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped , 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped , 1/2 tsp salt
- Marinated Mushrooms: 1 cup cremini mushrooms quartered , 2 tbsp olive oil , 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar , 1 clove garlic minced , 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves , salt and pepper to taste
- Pine Nut & Olive Tapenade: 1/3 cup green olives pitted and chopped , 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted , 1 tbsp capers rinsed , 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped , 2 tsp lemon zest , 1 tbsp olive oil
- Accompaniments: 1 cup baby carrots raw , 1/2 cup pickled red onions , 1/2 cup dried cranberries , 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds , 1/2 cup assorted crackers or flatbreads , sprigs of fresh rosemary and pine for garnish not for eating
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss beets , fennel , and Brussels sprouts with olive oil , rosemary , salt , and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes , turning once , until tender and golden. Let cool.
- Step 2:
- For the labneh , stir together Greek yogurt , lemon juice , dill , parsley , and salt. Spoon into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- Step 3:
- In a bowl , combine mushrooms , olive oil , balsamic vinegar , garlic , thyme , salt , and pepper. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Step 4:
- For the tapenade , mix chopped olives , pine nuts , capers , parsley , lemon zest , and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Step 5:
- Arrange all items artfully on a large wooden board roasted vegetables , herbed labneh , marinated mushrooms , tapenade , raw carrots , pickled onions , dried cranberries , pomegranate seeds , and crackers. Garnish with fresh rosemary and pine sprigs for a forest effect (ensure pine is not consumed).
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately , encouraging guests to mix and match flavors.
Save Gathering around this mezze board always brings smiles and lively conversation with loved ones during chilly winter evenings.
Notes
For a vegan board substitute plant-based yogurt for labneh Add smoked cheese or charcuterie for non-vegetarian guests Wine pairing Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir Use edible flowers or microgreens for extra color
Required Tools
Baking sheet Mixing bowls Chefs knife Serving board/platter Small serving bowls
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt) Contains tree nuts (pine nuts) Contains gluten if using wheat crackers use gluten-free options if needed Always check product labels for hidden allergens
Save This pine forest winter mezze board combines festive flavors and textures to create a perfect sharing platter for any winter gathering.
Kitchen Q&A
- → How do I roast the vegetables for best flavor?
Toss beets, fennel, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes, turning once until golden and tender.
- → Can I prepare the marinated mushrooms ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the mushrooms in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme for at least 20 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
- → What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for the herbed labneh?
Plant-based yogurt works well as a substitute to keep the herbed spread creamy and fresh while accommodating vegan preferences.
- → How do I assemble the board for an attractive presentation?
Arrange roasted vegetables, herbed labneh, marinated mushrooms, tapenade, and accompaniments separately but close on a large wooden board. Garnish with pine and rosemary sprigs for a forest touch.
- → What wine pairs best with this winter mezze board?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the robust and earthy flavors of the vegetables and tapenade.
- → Are there any common allergens in this spread?
This board contains dairy from Greek yogurt and tree nuts from pine nuts. Use gluten-free crackers to avoid gluten if necessary.