Yeah, you read it right. I don’t know how it works in everyone else’s family, but in mine we rotate the Thanksgiving and Easter dinners so the same person doesn’t always have to host. Someone has to bring the veggie tray; I’m guessing it is usually the person that a) doesn’t cook b) shouldn’t cook c) can’t cook. I’m not sure, but in my family I am the person that is assigned the veggie tray.
Now that I think about it, even when I host, I still bring the veggie tray.
Anyway, if you are the chosen one in your family to bring the ever so complicated and intricate veggie tray, try not to look like such a slacker and make the damn thing. Sure, it’s easier to buy one than to cut up and clean an entire produce section of the grocery store, but compared to the work that the turkey bringer, green bean casserole provider and pie bakers are putting in, it’s nothing.
Here are some things to make sure you include in your veggie tray, with interesting alternatives if you should decide to be the crazy-auntie-that-brings-the-veggie-tray.
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Baby Carrots
Black Olives/Spanish Olives
Dill pickles/sweet pickles
Sliced Cucumbers
Celery
Optional: Red and yellow peppers, snap peas, grape or cherry tomatoes, radishes. Sometimes the person responsible for the veggie tray is also responsible for the cranberries or cranberry sauce as well. Or if just you need to fill in an empty space of the veggie tray, use the cranberries (no one’s going to eat them anyway).
Of course you will need to provide the veggie dip as well, but don’t freak out, in this case everyone will be more than happy with Ranch dressing squirted into a cute little dip dish. If you really want to impress everyone with your veggie tray skills, try one of these spinach veggie dips from cooks.com. Pretty sure it involves mayo and some spinach mixed together, but being the underachiever that I am I couldn’t tell you for sure. I squirt the Ranch into a small bowl.
Anyway, when your family members are raving about what a fantastic veggie tray you make, be sure to let them know where you got the recipe.
Or not. I’m thinking about experimenting with fruit trays one of these days. Not sure I’m ready for that though.