The Original Relish Tray
There was a time, not so long ago, that many “well to do” restaurants began your dinner service with a complementary tray of pickled vegetables, occasionally even accompanied by some cheese nibbles and a small basket of crackers or bread sticks.
They became known as “relish trays” and were as much part of the dining experience as the entrees and desserts that followed. Awaiting that compartmentalized tray or lazy-Susan of pickled treats was all part of the dining experience. With the passing of time and cost cutting, you rarely see the classic Relish Tray in restaurants now. Instead, their legacy is carried on at weddings and special event buffets, old fashioned “supper clubs”, country clubs, and in our own homes, particularly during the holidays.
Relish Trays are different from what is known as a charcuterie board or charcuterie tray. Charcuterie boards, by their very definition, feature charcuterie: cured or smoked meats, sausages, terrines, galantines, pates and such. Pickled vegetables are almost always included as a secondary complement to this meat centric tray as their tartness pairs so well with the savory and sometimes spicy meats. Don’t worry, we’ll be featuring charcuterie boards in an upcoming post.
The Modern Relish Tray
The modern relish tray, has morphed into a selection of both picked and raw vegetables (crudité), as well as spreads (usually cheese), hummus, and or course crackers, small pitas, or toasts.
Generally speaking, no meat spreads or meat products are on a relish tray. Though you will occasionally see a smoked fish or crab meat spread.
The main feature of a relish tray is centered on the vegetables. You should see lots and lots of vegetables on a relish tray! But these vegetables want to be shown off, leading to another important feature of the relish tray in its presentation. This is where your artistic talents and creativity can be showcased.
Making a Relish Tray for the Holidays
Step 1) Choose a tray or platter to display your pickled vegetables.
No matter what the shape or material, the relish tray is a presentation/display piece, and as such, should be much larger than a dinner plate with a minimum size of 16” x 16” to allow some space between the different offerings.
Step 2) The motto: include something for everyone!
You should include at least a half dozen different items on your relish tray, all of slightly different shapes, colors, textures and flavors. This brings both added visual interest as well as a choice of different flavors.
While creating your relish tray, one strategy is to place some of your pickled choices in their own small vessels nested here and there amongst the arrangement. This not only keeps the composition organized, but eliminates the possibility of the pickle brine / pickle juice, mingling with the other items on the tray. Or worse yet, soaking into any crackers, breads or spreads that may be nearby.
Step 3) Decorate your tray (optional, but fun)
Relish Trays can be decorated with a base of leaf lettuce, doilies, or even an attractive napkin. They are usually built on porcelain or pottery tray; unlike a charcuterie board, which is typically displayed on a wood cutting board.
One of the good things about relish trays for the holidays (when you may have many other kitchen tasks on your to do list), they can easily be built a day in advance, covered with plastic film and refrigerated. You’ll just want to hold back any crackers or breads until you’re ready to serve your tray.
Relish trays are a natural fit for the holidays and are a delicious and traditional culinary welcome for your family and invited guests.
Don’t lose track of time, it’s so easy to do these last months of the year. Be sure you stock up on all your favorite flavors of Great Lakes Pickling Company pouches so you’ll be good to go when it’s time to make a relish tray for the holidays.
They also make great gifts for all your pickling friends and family who will be anxious to make their own pickles once they sample your delicious holiday offerings. With our easy-to-make pickling pouches, pickles are easy to make for anyone and everyone, making them an even better gift!