Today’s topic: Veggie Trays
The primary purpose of the veggie tray is provide hungry dinner guests with a simple-to-prepare appetizer. Veggies are served because they are healthy and every responsible host wishes to provide his/her guests with good options. The trouble is that the veggie tray is not about the veggies. No matter what good intentions may lie behind the preparation and serving of a veggie tray, the focus always becomes the dip. Regardless what type of dip is served, the veggies simply become a variety of vehicles to shovel more dip into the eaters’ faces. It struck me today (while transferring mass amounts of ranch dressing from the tray to my mouth), that while all veggies are able vehicles for dip transfer, some are obviously better than others. Below is my analysis of several veggies I sampled and their ability to carry ranch from serving dish to gullet.
Carrots
Well rounded performer. Stick formation allows for deep dipping and copious coverage. Surface texture is smooth, but enough to grip the dip. 3/5 stars.
Broccoli
The big dipper! Voids between the florets, turn this heady veg into a sauce sponge. Stem acts like built in handle. 5/5 stars.
Cherry Tomatoes
Not a team player. While delicious on their own, this slick sphere is hard to grip and sheds dip. Enjoy them sans ranch unless you’re willing to dive in after them. 1/5 stars.
Celery
Step up to the trough! Like the carrot, this stalk is easily handled and dipped, but holds a distinct advantage: the U-shape, which proves great for shoveling fattening dairy product. 4/5 stars