Samhain’s Black Plate Special: Nutritious Nibbles of
Fruit and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

When CPC started having its day long Samhains, it occurred to me that someone ought to provide something for nibbles for both children and adults.

I’m not exactly certain when, but at some point I came up with the idea of “Black Plate Special” for something I saw in a photo in a Martha Stewart magazine. The photo showed black pumpernickel bread, black fresh and dried fruit, and white cheese, artfully arranged on a black platter.

To create the Black Plate Special:

• Large black platter or plate
• A mixed assortment of black fruit, including any or all
  • black seedless raisins
  • dried black figs
  • dried black dates
  • fresh black mission figs
  • fresh black seedless grapes
• One loaf dark pumpernickel bread
• White processed American cheese slices
• Butter

To make the grilled cheese sandwiches:

Melt butter in frying pan. Arrange several slices of pumpernickel bread with slices of white cheese. Top with another slice of pumpernickel bread. On medium heat, lightly grill both sides. Remove from pan and set aside. Cut finished sandwiches into quarters. Put into a plastic container with lid to keep fresh until serving.

Presentation:

When you arrive at the location of the community Samhain event, place sandwiches on black platter. Arrange with black fruit. Set out any extra cheese slices for those children who might prefer plain cheese.

These nutritious nibbles should help keep children grounded in the healthy seasonal spirit of fun, rather than crashing from a sugar rush prior to the official Samhain feast. Adults have also commented that they enjoy these noir (black) nibbles, elegant and appetizing.

Copyright 2011 Myth Woodling

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