I have garnered so many compliments for the display of this plate and the joy of flavors that come together. This party tray was inspired by Mediterranean flavors rather than the Italian antipasto version.

Asparagus, Kumquat-Ginger Relish and Medjool Dates occupy this appetizer tray. Sometimes I add other elements depending on the seasonal ingredients. If you have a party to attend and it’s potluck, arrange the asparagus on a round plate or charger. It can radiate out from the center like a sun or offset it to one side of the plate making an arc with the spears. The relish can be drizzled over the asparagus in a arc that parallels the curves of the plate.

serves 10

2 bunches  Asparagus, trimmed to a uniform length

1- 2 Tbsp Olive oil

1 tsp Salt for sprinkling

Kumquat-Ginger Relish

1/2 cup Sugar

1/2 cup Water

2 tsp Ginger, minced

1/2 cup Kumquats, halved with meat, membrane and seeds removed, then finely slice the remaining skin

20 Dates halved lengthwise and pit removed

For asparagus, rinse and lay the asparagus spears out on a broiling pan. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle sparingly with salt. Set aside while you prepare your relish so that the asparagus can marinate for a few minutes.

For the Kumquat Ginger Relish, place water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil to make a simple syrup. Once sugar is dissolved, add minced ginger and the sliced kumquat rind. Simmer on medium low until the syrup is thick (2-3 minutes). Set aside at room temperature.

Arrange halved dates and asparagus on the plate. Drizzle or spoon the relish over the asparagus spears.

Optionally, I stuff each date half with a salted Marcona almond or Garrotxa goat cheese (a goat cheese from Catalonia). In the Spring,  try substituting stuffed apricots for dates using a soft goat cheese and press the stuffing into crushed, salted pistachios. In the winter, I like to add another bright color on the plate, using thinly sliced salami and Peppadews stuffed with a hard cheese or left unstuffed. Other cured meats may work well here too: chorizo or small skewered lamb kebabs….you get the idea.

Consider other flavors of your liking!