Always prepared

Growing up, we often had people stopping by our house because we lived in the beach and that is just the thing you do in Chile. Mom always had something to offer/ serve to our unexpected but gracious visitors.

I learn to have in stock a fruit that will pair with honey or balsamic reduction and goat cheese. A cheese that isn't too strong as blue cheese, more as smoked gauda, brie or cream cheese. Another great thing to have is some kind of marmalade, or sauce to drizzle over the cream cheese (I get hot plum chipotle by Spice Exchange) . Carbs! also get some crackers... if you have baguette you can warm it up in the over while you serve some wine to your guest.
So next time you are doing groceries, get one of each list and you will find more than one use for your everyday cooking;

Fresh produce section:

• Strawberries
• Cherries 
• Raspberries
• Red grapes 
• Cantaloupe (it taste great with balsamic reduction wrapped in prosciutto)
• Watermelon (with some goat cheese and olive oil+ balsamic reduction! a new twist to a caprese)

Cheese Section

• Goat cheese
• Brie
• Smoked gauda

Condiments/ or glazing

• Blackberry marmalade
• Hot plum chipotle sauce (this isn't too hot and you can use for grilling)
• Honey ( I drizzle honey on top of the brie with some pine nuts or sliced almonds)

** I also have dry apricots or figs. It seems to be a favorite in moms and my kitchen.

Don't forget the crackers!