Piglatin Plate Food

COTTAGE-CHEESE TZATZIKI MEZZE PLATE

Steps:

• Combine the cottage cheese, cucumber, 1 tablespoon of the oil, vinegar, garlic, mint, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. (The tzatziki can be made to this point and refrigerated overnight.)
• Divide the tzatziki evenly among 4 bowls. Dividing evenly, arrange the pita chips, tomatoes, stuffed grape leaves and olives around the tzatziki. Whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil with the lemon juice, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, and drizzle all over the tzatziki and accompaniments. Garnish with dill.

WATERMELON PLATES

Steps:

• Prepare the ginger simple syrup: In a small pot, combine the water, sugar and ginger. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat, cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain. Stir in the lime juice. Set aside.
• Prepare the lime salt: Mix the lime zest with salt together in a small cup or bowl. Rub the zest into the salt until completely mixed.
• Prepare the watermelon and toppings: With the tip of a paring knife, make an outline on the top of one watermelon slice that is 1/4-inch from the edge and 1/4-inch deep. Make a pocket in the slice by sticking the knife in the side of the slice 1/4-inch deep. Lift out the cut piece on top of the slice. Enjoy the cut piece as a chef's snack or save for another use. Repeat with the remaining watermelon slices. The prepared watermelon slices are now watermelon plates.
• Using a skewer, poke 6 to 8 holes halfway through each watermelon plate. Set aside.
• Prepare the strawberry-peach topping: Combine the strawberries, peaches and about 2 tablespoons of the ginger simple syrup in a medium bowl. Add the basil and gently toss.
• Prepare the radish topping: Combine the radishes, red onions, jalapeno, olive oil and vinegar in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add the mint and gently toss.
• Sprinkle the watermelon plates with the lime salt. Top half of the watermelon plates with the strawberry mixture. Top the remaining half of the watermelon plates with the radish mixture.

CAVIAR PLATE

Steps:

• Place the caviar tin in a small bowl of ice, to keep cold. Peel eggs and separate the whites and yolks. Chop yolks and whites separately. Place caviar on a platter and surround with small bowls of chopped egg yolks and whites, lemon wedges, red onion, chives, creme fraiche, melted butter, blini, and toast points.