If you’re having a hard time keeping up with our living arrangements, you are not alone. So am I.
Earlier this year we were renting a house, which the owners then announced they wished to move back in, and now we are in an apartment, but only for six months because with any luck our loan will be approved and we will move into a little pink house that we are due to close on in a few short days.
The absolute best part of the apartment is a lovely, well-kept swimming pool that is almost always empty of people where the kids have more or less lived since we moved in.
The thing about pools and swimming, is that it makes you HUNGRY!
So if the upside is having a pool then the downside is my grocery bill has increased significantly this summer.
This weekend Louisa turns 10 and we are going to have a couple of her friends over for a pool party and to keep those tummies full I’m going to put out the ultimate pool party platter.
One full of not only dips and veggies and fruit and snacky, pretzely carbs, but lots of protein too.
HOW TO PUT TOGETHER THE ULTIMATE POOL PARTY PLATTER
The first place to start is the basics: fruit, veggies, and dips.
I decided to do a two-sided platter with a yogurt dip to go with fruit and a savory avocado hummus to go with everything else.
As far as produce goes, my advice is always to choose what is ripest and at best wherever you are.
Fruits + Veg
- Watermelon, strawberries, cherries, oranges, peaches, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, spring onions, carrots, and radishes
Dips
Buy your favorite store-bought dips like hummus, salsa, sour cream dip or make your own.
- Yogurt Fruit Dip
- Mix together about 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, a couple tablespoons smooth peanut butter, and honey to taste.
- Roasted Tomatillo and Avocado Hummus
Snacky-Snacks
Clearly the skies the limit in the snack aisle but I like to keep in mind health and dietary needs.
It’s nice to have a gluten-free option like tortilla chips along with whole wheat pretzels. Here’s some of my favorites:
Power Up
Having a good selection of protein keeps everyone satisfied and energized.
You could have any number of things from jerky to nuts.
Obviously the dips also serve this purpose loaded with chickpeas and yogurt but I also added hard-boiled eggs (I put sal de gusano on mine), roasted almonds, and Babybel Cheese.
Other ideas:
It goes without saying that this would clearly be devoured at any summer party.
You most certainly don’t have to have a pool to whip one up.
A beach would do, or a campsite, a park or even a backyard. No one will turn down delicious snacks.
NEED MORE?
The Ultimate Summer Fruit Board
YOUR TURN
What’s your favorite poolside snack or drink? A canned cocktail perhaps?
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