Compass Rose Appetizer (Print)

A vibrant platter of four meats around a creamy dip, perfect for sharing and entertaining.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 3.5 oz smoked salmon (North)
02 - 3.5 oz spicy chorizo, sliced (South)
03 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced (East)
04 - 3.5 oz roast beef, thinly sliced (West)

→ Central Dip

05 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 2 tbsp sour cream
07 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
08 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
09 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnishes and Accompaniments

10 - 1/2 cup pickled vegetables (e.g., cornichons, pearl onions)
11 - 1/2 cup assorted olives
12 - Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, dill) for decoration
13 - Crackers or sliced baguette (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Transfer to a small serving bowl and place at the center of a large platter.
02 - Fan the smoked salmon above the dip, pointing upward to represent North.
03 - Position the chorizo slices below the dip, oriented downward to represent South.
04 - Lay the prosciutto to the right of the dip, pointing right to represent East.
05 - Place the roast beef to the left of the dip, pointing left to represent West.
06 - Fill the spaces between the meat sections with pickled vegetables and assorted olives.
07 - Sprinkle fresh herbs over the platter for color and aroma.
08 - Offer crackers or sliced baguette alongside as optional accompaniments.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it, but your secret is safe with me—it takes barely half an hour.
  • Every guest gets to choose their own adventure, mixing meats, dips, and garnishes exactly how they like them.
  • The smoked salmon, chorizo, prosciutto, and roast beef each bring something completely different, so no two bites feel the same.
02 -
  • Slice your cured meats just before you arrange them; they dry out faster than you'd expect and lose their tender appeal.
  • Room-temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable—it should blend silky, not fight you with lumps.
  • The sour cream is the secret weapon that keeps the dip from being one-note; don't be tempted to skip it.
03 -
  • Arrange this no more than 30 minutes before serving so the meats stay tender and the platter looks fresh and inviting.
  • If you're nervous about the meats drying out, keep them slightly overlapped and store them in a cool place until the last moment, then arrange them just before guests arrive.
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