Pomegranates, Dates, Figs, Barley, Wheat, Olives, and Grapes

Pomegranate Salad

2 bags of pre-washed, mixed greens
1 thinly sliced red onion
½ cup chopped walnuts
vinaigrette of your choice
1 large pomegranate

In a large bowl, toss first 3 ingredients with enough vinaigrette to lightly moisten. Cut pomegranate in half. Holding cut side down over the bowl, whack the back of the pomegranate to release seeds and juice. Repeat with the other half. Toss again and serve.

Stuffed Dates and Figs

whole, pitted dates
whole almonds, may be raw or roasted and salted, you choose
dried figs
goat cheese (or other favorite soft cheese)
cinnamon

So easy—stuff almonds into dates, arrange on one half of a serving tray. Cut figs in half (or quarters if large) and dollop with goat cheese. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for color. Arrange on other half of tray.

Baked Barley

1 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons butter
1 cup barley
2 cans vegetable stock
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
Sliced almonds or chopped fresh parsley
Sautee onion in butter until softened and golden. Combine all ingredients and bake, covered, for 40 minutes at 350. Remove cover and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes. Fluff with fork and garnish with toasted almonds or chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Wheat and Olives Couldn’t be Easier

Swing by Trader Joe’s on the way to services and pick up 4-5 baguettes and a couple of jars of their good Black Olive Tapenade. Stash the bread in a warm oven during services. When it is time to eat, slice up the bread and pop spoons in the jars.
Or Just Olives For That Matter
Several places around town have impressive selections of olives. One of my favorites is Aladdin Market over here on Packard. Just pick up several different kinds of olives and make a beautiful tray of them. If you are at Aladdin Market, go ahead and grab some of their good pita and serve that, too, ripped into quarters in a basket alongside.

And Everyone Likes Grapes

If you are really pressed for time, a selection of red, green and black grapes on a pretty glass tray is a lovely thing. Add some nuts (almonds, pistachios) and you have a very nice potluck contribution.