#theplatterwhisperer — BLOG

Today we're back visiting my new friend, Casey Repetti, Hoboken Native, Personal Chef, Caterer and the woman behind Casey2Cook. Not only did she KILL IT with her Welcome Platter (#theplatterwhisperer), but she's upped her game by bringing a FULL ITALIAN FEAST!!

Not only did she show me how to make these simplistically perfect Black Pepper Crackers with Goat Cheese, Proscuitto and Kiwi, but she brought her Five Star Meatballs, Cilantro Marsala Smothered Chicken (which I believe I could eat every day for the rest of my life), and Bucatini with Spoon Lickin' Red Sauce along for the ride.

Let's talk about this cracker with goat cheese, prosciutto and kiwi, shall we? If you're looking for an easy appetizer that will wow your guests with its perfect combination of bright, creamy, sweet and smokey flavors and textures, then I URGE you to give these bad boys a try.

1 package Carr's Black Pepper Crackers
1 package Goat Cheese
Proscuitto
Kiwi cut into small wedges
1 bottle White Balsamic Reduction

Smear goat cheese onto cracker.
Place slice of prosciutto off center on the cracker.
Place kiwi wedge on top.
Drizzle lightly with White Balsamic Reduction.
STEAL THE WHOLE PLATTER OF CRACKERS, RUN TO THE NEAREST PRIVATE ROOM, EAT THE WHOLE TRAY AND DON'T FEEL BAD ABOUT NOT SHARING. ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE.

For the recipes for Casey's Five Star Meatballs, Cilantro Marsala Smothered Chicken Thighs, and Bucattini with her Spoon Lickin' Red Sauce, click on the links or check out her blog!

Don't forget to follow Casey on Instagram and Facebook, and check back on our own HudsonCounty60 Instagram for another episode with Casey!

Meeting Casey Repetti is a breath of fresh air. It's like meeting a long lost Hoboken sister, as she's a born and bred Hoboken girl, who's lineage goes WAY back. She can tell you where to get the best of anything in town, and frankly you rarely meet a native around here anymore. Speaking as someone who pretty much grew up in town (6th-12th grade counts IMHO), she should've been someone I went to school with, and would've likely stayed in touch with. We bonded over Italian delis, local restaurants, the best pizza, and let's be honest, she could've called my baby ugly and I'd still would love her because she cooked for me, and she cooked WELL.

Along with being a realtor and a mama, Casey is a personal chef who's been featured on ABC's, The Chew several times, and WON Food Network's, Cooks vs Cons (Season 4, Episode 11), so needless to say, SHE IS QUALIFIED. Can you say #momboss?

You may be saying, isn't a personal chef a luxury that only celebrities can afford? Well, not necessarily. Let's say you're planning a girls night out. You'd be paying for transportation to and from, a likely pricey meal, alcohol (which if you're doing it right, it's at least half of the bill) and likely more drinks wherever you go after, plus you have to deal with other people and the possibility that you'll be disappointed that you paid for a lackluster meal. Hiring a personal chef means it's all happening in your home, the food is catered to your needs/likes and dislikes, and everything is left clean for you.

When she shows up at your house not only does she bring ALL of the food needed for the event, but she also walks in with a Welcome Platter so phenomenal it's earned her the title of #ThePlatterWhisperer. Seriously, look up the hashtag on Instagram! In our first episode, Casey teaches me how to build the platter of my dream. Are you seeing the cheese?! The fruit?! The nuts?! The Pearls Olives?! The MEAT!!!

This platter made me and my belly so incredibly happy that I actually asked Casey to marry me. While she's mulling it over make sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook, plus check out her Blog with her recipes.

Check back on our HudsonCounty60 Instagram later this week for more videos with Casey, and back here on this very blog for the recipes you'll be seeing!