In a time when conviviality and togetherness are central, you naturally want to impress your guests with an unforgettable snack platter. Homemade spreads are the perfect way to let your creativity run wild and create unique flavors that take your drinks moments to the next level. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey of discovery through the world of homemade spreads. You will not only discover the benefits of making them yourself, but also inspiring recipes and useful tips to enrich your snack platter. Let's dive into the kitchen together and transform your snack platter into a true taste experience!
Why choose homemade spreads?
Making your own spreads offers numerous benefits that can improve not only the taste but also the quality of your food. In this section, we will highlight the various advantages of homemade spreads, including freshness, control over ingredients, customizability to personal preferences, cost savings, and the joy of creativity in the kitchen.
Freshness and Quality
One of the biggest advantages of making your own spreads is the freshness. When you make your own spread, you have the opportunity to use the freshest ingredients. This means you can choose seasonal vegetables, herbs and spices that are at their best at that moment. For example, a homemade pesto with organic basil from De Tuinen is not only more flavorful, but also free of preservatives that are often found in commercial products.
Examples of fresh ingredients:
- Organic tomatoes
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Quality oils such as extra virgin olive oil from OliOli
Control Over Ingredients
When making homemade spreads, you have complete control over what goes into your product. This is especially important for people with food allergies or specific dietary needs. By choosing which ingredients you use, you can avoid unwanted additives or allergens.
The benefits of this control include:
- No unwanted artificial colours or flavours
- No added sugars or preservatives
- Possibility to use organic or local ingredients
Custom Flavors
With homemade spreads, you can fully customize the flavors to your personal preferences. For example, do you like a spicy hummus? Then you can add extra chili pepper. For a mild and creamy taste, you can choose a classic avocado spread with a little lemon juice and garlic. This makes the possibilities endless and you can experiment with different combinations.
Popular customizations include:
- Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch, like cashews in a tahini spread.
- Experiment with different oils, such as truffle oil for a luxurious touch.
- Use different spices such as cumin or paprika for variety.
Cost savings
Making your own spreads can also be a significant cost savings. Commercial spreads like those from Unilever or Kraft can be expensive, especially if you opt for organic or premium products. By making your own, you can not only save on costs, but also make larger quantities that you can store.
Comparison of costs:
| Product | Average price (store) | Costs for homemade variant (per portion) |
|---|---|---|
| Pesto (250g) | €3,50 | €1,50 |
| Hummus (200g) | €2,00 | €0,80 |
| Avocado spread (200g) | €2,50 | €1,00 |
Creativity in the Kitchen
Finally, making your own spreads is a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. You can experiment with different flavors, textures, and presentations. This can be a fun activity whether you’re cooking alone or with friends or family.
For example, you can combine different types of nuts for a unique nut spread or make a sweet spread with dates and nut butter. The joy of creating something unique can enrich your cooking experience.
Ideas for creative spreads:
- A sweet nut paste with cocoa and honey
- A mixed hummus with roasted peppers
- A fresh tzatziki with homemade Greek yoghurt
By choosing homemade spreads, you gain the benefits of freshness, control, customizability, cost savings, and the joy of creativity. It’s an investment in your health and well-being that will more than pay for itself in the long run.
Popular Spread Recipes
In this section we present a selection of popular recipes for homemade spreads. These spreads are not only delicious, but also easy to make and a great addition to a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to fruit platters. Below you will find recipes for hummus, tapenade and a creamy avocado spread, complete with ingredients, preparation methods and variation tips.
Hummus
Ingredients:
- 400 g chickpeas (canned or cooked)
- 60 ml tahini (for example from the brands Al Wadi or De Notenshop)
- 30 ml olive oil (preferably extra virgin, such as Casa de la Virgen Olive Oil)
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Paprika powder for garnish
Preparation:
- Rinse the chickpeas under cold water and drain well.
- Place the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor.
- Mix until smooth. Add a little water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
- Season with salt and mix again.
- Serve the hummus in a bowl and sprinkle with paprika powder and a dash of olive oil.
Variation tips:
- Add roasted red peppers for a sweeter taste.
- Try different spices like cumin or coriander for a unique twist.
Tapenade
Ingredients:
- 200 g black olives (for example Kalamata or green olives from the Oliva brand)
- 50 g capers
- 2 anchovy fillets (optional, for example King Oscar brand)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Place the olives, capers, anchovy fillets and garlic in a food processor.
- Mix everything well and gradually add the olive oil until the tapenade has a smooth consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the tapenade with fresh bread or as part of an antipasti platter.
Variation tips:
- Add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Also try sun-dried tomatoes for another dimension.
Creamy Avocado Spread
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- Juice of 1 lime
- 100 g Greek yoghurt (for example from the Alpro brand)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish
Preparation:
- Halve the avocados, remove the pit and spoon out the flesh into a bowl.
- Add the pressed garlic, lime juice and Greek yogurt.
- Puree everything with a fork or a hand blender until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving the spread.
Variation tips:
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for some extra spice.
- Mix in finely chopped tomato and onion for a fresh salsa-style variation.
Important Tips for Creating Spreads
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Using quality ingredients, like extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs, makes a big difference in taste.
- Experimenting: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures. Each recipe is a base that you can adapt to your own preferences.
- Serving shapes: Spreads can be served not only on bread, but also as a dip for vegetables, chips or crackers.
With these recipes and tips, you'll be well on your way to making delicious homemade spreads that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process and the taste of your homemade creations!
Perfect combinations for your drinks platter
A well-composed snack platter can be the star of any gathering, whether it’s a casual get-together with friends or a festive occasion. It’s all about the right combinations of spreads, bread, vegetables and snacks. Below are some suggestions to take your snack platter to the next level.
Spreads and their perfect sandwiches
There are numerous spreads available that can be a delicious addition to your snack platter. Below you will find a number of popular spreads and the best breads to pair them with.
Hummus
- Bread: Pita or flatbread
- Recommended brands:
- Maza Hummus (Original flavors with a creamy texture)
- The Hummus Shop (Organic hummus with different flavors such as beetroot or truffle)
Tips for variation:
- Add extra toppings like toasted pine nuts or fresh parsley for a fresh look.
Guacamole
- Bread: Tortilla chips or nachos
- Recommended brands:
- Wholly Guacamole (Prepared with fresh avocados and without artificial additives)
Serve with:
- Some lime and a pinch of sea salt for an extra kick.
Cheese dip
- Bread: Freshly baked baguette
- Recommended brands:
- Leerdammer Dip (Cheese dip with a creamy texture that goes well with crusty bread)
Extra tip:
- Serve with sliced vegetables like carrots and cucumber for a healthy option.
Vegetables and other snacks
While spreads are the star of the platter, veggies and other appetizers can provide balance and add extra color.
Vegetables
- For example: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, carrot sticks and celery.
- Presentation: Use a nice plate or wooden plank to arrange the vegetables attractively.
Other snacks
- Olives: For example Kalamata olives or Green olives from Olive & Olive.
- Notes: Roasted almonds or mixed nuts from Snacktastic.
- Cheese: A selection of different cheeses, such as old cheese from Beemster or letter from Campina.
Drinks that match your drinks platter
The choice of beverages can also enhance the experience of your snack board. Here are some suggestions:
Wines
- Red wine: A light Pinot Noir, like Louis Jadot, is an excellent choice.
- White wine: A fresh Sauvignon Blanc, like Cloudy Bay, fits well with most spreads.
Beers
- Light beer: A white beer like Howgarden is perfect for a summer drink.
- Craft beer: Try Brewery 't IJ for a locally brewed specialty beer.
Soft drinks and mocktails
- Soft drink: For a refreshment you can opt for an artisanal lemonade, such as Fentimans.
- Mocktail: Make a non-alcoholic cocktail with tonic, fresh mint and lime for a sparkling effect.
Example of a drinks platter
Below is an overview of an exemplary drinks platter:
| Spread | Bread | Vegetables | Beverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hummus | Pita or flatbread | Cucumber, carrots | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Guacamole | Tortilla chips | Cherry tomatoes | Craft beer |
| Cheese dip | Baguette | Celery | Artisanal lemonade |
| Olives | – | – | – |
| Roasted nuts | – | – | – |
By using these combinations, you can create a snack platter that is not only visually appealing, but also offers a range of flavors that will appeal to everyone. Let your creativity run wild and enjoy the conviviality!
The perfect finish for any drink
In conclusion, making homemade spreads is a great way to enhance and personalize your snack platter. By experimenting with different recipes and ingredients, you can create unique flavors that are sure to surprise your guests. Remember that the visual presentation contributes equally to the dining experience; let your creativity flow and enjoy making and sharing these tasty treats.
