Pine Forest Winter Mezze (Print Version)

A vibrant winter spread showcasing roasted vegetables, herbed labneh, marinated mushrooms, and a pine nut tapenade.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Roasted Vegetables

01 - 2 small beets, peeled and wedged
02 - 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
03 - 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
06 - 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

→ Herbed Labneh

07 - 1½ cups Greek yogurt
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
11 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Marinated Mushrooms

12 - 1 cup cremini mushrooms, quartered
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Pine Nut & Olive Tapenade

18 - ⅓ cup green olives, pitted and chopped
19 - ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
20 - 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
21 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
22 - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
23 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Accompaniments

24 - 1 cup baby carrots, raw
25 - ½ cup pickled red onions
26 - ½ cup dried cranberries
27 - ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds
28 - ½ cup assorted crackers or flatbreads
29 - Sprigs of fresh rosemary and pine (for garnish only)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss beets, fennel, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, turning once, until tender and golden. Allow to cool.
02 - Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, parsley, and salt in a bowl. Transfer to a serving vessel and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
03 - In a bowl, stir together mushrooms, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
04 - Combine chopped olives, toasted pine nuts, capers, parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly.
05 - Arrange roasted vegetables, herbed labneh, marinated mushrooms, tapenade, raw carrots, pickled onions, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and crackers attractively on a large wooden board. Garnish with fresh rosemary and pine sprigs, ensuring pine is not consumed.
06 - Present immediately, encouraging guests to combine flavors as preferred.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Robust flavors and earthy vegetables
  • Perfect for cozy gatherings
02 -
  • For a vegan board substitute plant-based yogurt for labneh
  • Add smoked cheese or charcuterie for non-vegetarian guests
03 -
  • Toast pine nuts lightly for enhanced flavor
  • Marinate mushrooms overnight for deeper taste
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