I am the queen of reusing most things. Very little ever gets tossed away. And with good reason.
Do you ever buy trays at the deli? I have. What do you do with the tray at the end of your event? Rather than send the trays off to a landfill, I first washed them, then wiped them down with bleach, then washed them again. I’ve got all sorts of trays that work well for dips or salads or anything cold. Some of my favorite deli trays are the ones with little compartments. They are great for setting up a taco bar. Chop tomatoes, diced onions, lettuce, sour cream, shredded cheese and whatever else. Do the prep work in the morning, pop the lid on the tray, stick it in the fridge until you’re ready to have your guests build their own tacos at the taco bar. Taco bars are a Cinco de Mayo must in our house.
Having the divided compartments is also great for a deli sandwich bar. Pick whatever cold cuts or cheese you like, and set up the tray well in advance of serving. Cover, refrigerate, then pull out the tray when it’s time to set up the buffet. Mini Bread rolls or Slider Buns, some condiments and it comes together in a snap. Great for just about any sort of casual entertaining. Or a Super Bowl gathering.
Remember, it’s your platter so fill it with the things you like. This is what I did, just to get things started.
Classic Cold Cut Platter
Cold Cuts
4 oz Classic Salami
4 oz Peppered Salami
4 oz Smoked Turkey
4 oz Honey Ham
4 oz Provolone Cheese, sliced
4 oz Sharp Cheddar, sliced
4 oz Pepper Jack Cheese, sliced
Arrange salami as desired on a large serving platter or divided tray. Roll the slices of turkey, arrange on the platter or tray. Roll the slices of ham, arrange on the platter or tray.
Cut the various cheeses into thin slices, then cut into squares. Arrange as desired on platter or tray.
Cover and keep cold until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Assorted Crackers as desired
Mini Rolls or Slider Buns as desired
Sandwich Condiments as desired
Transform the cold cut platter into a sandwich station simply by added some small bread rolls and condiments or serve more traditionally with assorted crackers.
It is really good to reuse stuff, and I love little compartments for everything, not just food!
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I know what you mean. I like that everything can have its neatly organized place.
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I like using deli trays, too. It just makes sense.
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For so many things.
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