Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello

Michael Chiarello shares great tips for a simple cheese plate and great wines to make you the most sophisticated, relaxed host around. Throw open the doors and let them come!

Gameplan
Day Before Party:

• Mix beginnings of focaccia together, let stand for 15 minutes to rise


• Make white bean puree for bruschetta, refrigerate


• Add rest of flour to risen focaccia dough, mix fruit topping


• Mix half of fruit topping into dough, knead with hands into ball, refrigerate overnight.

2 Hours Before Party:

• Take focaccia bread dough, mold into baking pan, cover and set aside to rise again.


• Slice bruschetta for white bean dip, bake in oven


• Assemble, puree and refrigerate Melon soup.


• Finish bruschetta by coating with garlic and extra virgin olive oi


• Bake focaccia in oven till light brown

1 Hour Before Party:

• Top focaccia with fruit mixture, bake for 7 or 8 more minutes


• Set up cheese course on tray with fruits, breads, garnishes and crackers. Leave it out to get it to room temperature.


• Roast and bake almonds


• Set out wines

Wine Recommendation
Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand or California Central Coast); Syrah (Napa, Rhone, or Australian)