FEEDS: 2-20

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 fresh cucumber
• lemon slices
• fresh rosemary sprigs
• fresh thyme sprigs
• small varietal peppers in various colors

LET'S COOK

The next time you entertain, consider adding a bit of flair to your water. Begin by washing a fresh cucumber. Use a zester to score lines from one end of the cucumber to the other about a 1/4-inch apart around the whole thing. Slice the cucumber in half, lengthwise. Use a melon baller to scoop out the seeds, which you should just discard. Drop the cucumber into a pitcher of cold water, drop in a few lemon slices and place the whole thing on your dinner table.

If you’re serving canapés prior to dinner, a garnish on the serving tray is mandatory. Use sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme as a base for a cluster of small peppers of various colors as the accent on the trays. The herbs won’t wilt as quickly as parsley and they and the peppers can be salvaged after service for seasoning dishes at future meals.

MORE IDEAS:

Score the lemon when it’s whole with the zester for more visual appeal. A sprig of fresh mint in the water adds even more palate appeal.