Summer allows for exploration in the culinary arts. It is a special time to plan a Treasure Hunt Progressive Dinner. Michael and I just planned a Surprise Treasure Hunt Progressive Dinner for our dear friends’ anniversary to surprise them. It was so much fun! The objective is to have each destination for each course pre-planned until the meal is complete. This is done by creatively planning the different courses you wish to have served at different restaurants within walking distance. A treasure map with hints will lead the way since you have pre-arranged the timing for the courses. I made the treasure map with the venue locations, limerick poetry for clues, a compass and indicators to mark the spot. The map was printed on parchment paper with the edges singed to looked antiqued. The map was then rolled up with a ribbon and inserted into a gift sack. A dinner treasure hunt can also be done as a progressive dinner from home to home instead of restaurant to restaurant. Just pre-assign different friends the different courses they are to serve and the timing. Be sure to have a map… So, no matter how you stack it, friendships abound. It is an international trend to stack food designs too; thus, enhancing the presentation. Here are some stacked food ideas:
Appetizer – Line a cylinder shape with plastic wrap and fill the cylinder with layers of avocado and crab meat. Invert the cylinder onto a plate for a tower shaped starter.
Main Course – Instead of spreading the entree all over the plate, cut it so that it becomes a stack. This can be done with lattice weavings of salmon and tilapia topped with julienne of vegetables. Ravioli can be stacked and topped with half of a meatball. Shrimp, on a pick, can be set onto a base of polenta for another stack concept.
Dessert – Mini pancakes stacked high and decorated with fresh fruit and whipped cream are an unexpected treat. Another fun concept is to stack a cupcake onto a waffle cone for a summer treat. The cupcakes look like ice cream but don’t melt.
May your summer be filled with treasure hunts and friends to stack the amusement! Kelly McBride Loft ©