SHARING PLATTERS ARE A GREAT DINING CONCEPT WHICH WORK IN A WIDE VARIETY OF SETTINGS.
The perfect centrepiece for any social occasion, they offer an element of fun for all the family and can easily be tailored to suit specific dietary needs.
Finger foods are particularly well-suited to children, as well as older people who perhaps don’t have big appetites and prefer to ‘graze’ or may be living with dementia and find it easier to eat with their hands.
With social distancing still very much a major concern, sharing boards and afternoon tea style meals present a great option for in-room and also al-fresco dining.
Country Range offers a wide selection of products to help you create tempting sharing platters. Here are some delicious examples…
NATIONAL TREASURES
As the nation pulls together in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, people are turning to traditional comfort foods and nostalgic classics. It’s a trend that’s likely to continue beyond lockdown and nothing says classic country fayre than a traditional Ploughman’s lunch. This hearty treat for hungry diners is ideal for Father’s Day celebrations (June 21), and works equally well in care settings, offering older generations the opportunity to snack on an array of tasty treats which evoke memories of yesteryear.
For the perfect starting point, try Country Range Mini Pies, which are available in two delicious flavours. Add in a regional delicacy, sliced cooked meats and cheeses, and why not have a go at making your own Scotch eggs, using Country Range Medium Free Range Eggs and Panko Breadcrumbs?
Add a selection of pickles and sauces to finish off your sharing board!
- Country Range Mini Minced Beef & Ale Pies
- Country Range Mini Chicken, Bacon & Leek Pies
- Country Range Traditional Wiltshire Gammon Slices
- Country Range Mature Cheddar Cheese
- Country Range Silverskin Onions
- Country Range Cocktail Gherkins in Vinegar
- Country Range Sweet Pickle
- Country Range 12” Fully Baked Mediterranean Vegetable Quiche
UNDER THE SEA
‘Seacuterie’ and Nordic cuisine were both identified as important food trends in thefoodpeople’s 2019/20 Trends Predictions, with fish boards and platters being specifically highlighted.
Seafood taps into the ongoing demand for healthy eating, offering a bounty of health-giving Omega-3 fish oils and vitamins. At a time when we are unable to travel to our usual holiday locations, seafood dishes also help us reminisce about days at the seaside, giving operators the opportunity to bring the coast to diners.
Here are some of the Country Range products available to help you create your seafood sharing platters:
- Country Range Capers in Brine
- Country Range Gourmet Cod Fish Fingers
- Country Range Premium North Atlantic Prawns
- Country Range Tartare Sauce
- Country Range Seafood Sauce
- Country Range Real Mayonnaise
- Country Range King Prawns
STARS AND STRIPES
Fly the flag for the good ol’ US of A with an all-American BBQ platter.
Perfect for the summer months – and, of course, 4th of July celebrations – American-inspired barbecued cuisine is popular with young and old alike, making it an ideal option for sharing platters.
Make life easy with Country Range BBQ Chicken Wings and Country Range Hot & Spicy Chicken Wings, and add in barbecue ribs and corn on the cob. Include a bowl of homemade mac ‘n’ cheese for an additional tasty treat, made with Country Range Macaroni and Country Range Grated Mature Cheddar Cheese. Find the details for all of the sharing boards on the Country Range website at www.countryrange.co.uk/recipes
A long overdue cuppa
With coffee shops and cafes the most likely hospitality venues to open post-lockdown, consumers will be looking forward to heading out for a welcome brew.
Taking the lead from our Swedish friends, it’s time to indulge in ‘fika’ – a Scandinavian ‘state of mind’ which essentially means making time to meet up with friends and enjoy a hot drink and a little something to eat.
Socialising over a cup of tea is important for our mental health – now more than ever – and offering accompanying sweet treats makes the whole experience even better!
Country Range offers a comprehensive range of teabags, coffee, sugar sticks and milk portions to suit a variety of formats, and our Luxury Minipack Assorted Biscuits are the perfect accompaniment. The Country Range hot beverage selection is also a key area for the care sector, where keeping well hydrated is extremely important. Older people are particularly at risk of dehydration in the warmer summer months and need 1.6 litres of fluid every day.
- Country Range One Cup Teabags
- Country Range Premium Blend One Cup Teabags
- Country Range Premium Blend Envelope Teabags
- Country Range Roast & Ground Filter Coffee
- Country Range Freeze Dried Coffee Sachets
- Country Range Fairtrade Brown Sugar Sticks
- Country Range UHT Milk Portions
The perfect cuppa demands the perfect sweet treat for a match made in heaven, and Country Range offers a wide variety of tempting options. Our premium Muffin range is available in several flavours, including Triple Chocolate, Raspberry and White Chocolate, Blueberry and Lemon and White Chocolate, and are frozen for convenience to help manage wastage.
Country Range Handmade Cakes are available in a range of flavours from the classic Victoria sponge and gluten-free carrot cakes to delicious lemon buttercream, all are frozen and pre-portioned for ease of serving.