What is a Mezze Board? 

You might have heard the term Mezze before, and if you haven’t then I’ll explain it. 

A Mezze is simply, a giant appetizer platter! Commonly put out before a meal in Middle Eastern or Mediterrean countries, very similar to the Antipasto of Italy. 

Truth be told, it can definitely substitute as a whole meal if you make yours hearty! A great way to get people around the table, a perfect ice breaker and definitely a low maintenance meal! You can prep this in advance so all you have to do it set it out with plates and everyone digs in. 

What’s on a Mezze Board? 

First, I’d say, always cater to your crowd. If you have folks with dietary restrictions or allergies, make sure you keep them in mind so no one feels left out. If you have a mostly vegetarian crowd, then maybe leave the meat items out or to one side of the board. If you’re not sure, I’d opt to go totally vegetarian especially if there are other courses following this! 

Some Examples are : 

Spreads such as Hummus, Babaganoush and tapenade for savory. Think quince, fig and orange jams or pastes for a sweet option.

Bread Items like pita, lavash, flatbreads, crackers and crusty breads 

Vegetables can be grilled like eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, peppers, or fresh ones like cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans or other pickled veggies 

Marinated items add depth of flavor and variety like artichoke hearts, peppers, and olives 

Cheese choose cheeses that fit the regional cuisine and some crowd favorites for variety 

Meats that are cured, fritters and lamb chops are customary, but you can add your own ideas or omit altogether 

Other items you can add to your platter are nuts, dried fruits, honey and anything else you want to add! Composed salads like tabbouleh are great accompaniments to any Mezze. 

Made a platter? tag me @gourmetwitch on Instagram with #WitchesGottaEat so I can be a part of your magical food experiences!

In my previous Post Who is Bast? I mentioned that she had a duel nature like day and night. You can see a lot of that present in the types of offerings you can give her. She is a very friendly Goddess and I’ve noticed that she really just wants your time and attention, so if you want to say prayers to her, go for it. Have a poem or something you wrote to or about her? Read it aloud! Want to have a chat? Pour a glass of wine or brew some tea and sit with her energy. She has brought some memorable moments into my life, reminds me that we have to STOP and just ENJOY what’s going on around you and nothing screams BAST like a great party!

Below are some offerings you can put out in her Honor

Perfume bottles and (decorative) Jars made from materials such as glass, clay or ceramic 

Oil lamps (a great spellwork medium) 

Sun and Moon Symbols

Cat Statues 

Candles 

Daggers 

The Eye of Ra 

Incense – Kyphi ( ancient egyptian offering) or resins, burning Cannabis 

Musical Instruments : bells, windchimes, sistrums 

Stones : Malachite, copper, gold, lapis lazuli, gold stones, onyx , jet , 

 Flowers,Herbs and Scents : Roses, morning glory, honeysuckle, Ivy, catnip , mint , musk, lemon balm

Food Offerings for the Cat Goddess 

Beer, Red wine, Mead, Teas, Milk

Onions , Grains ( Barley, Oats, Wheat, etc) , lambs tongue (lettuce) 

Pastries, Chocolate ,Honey 

Beef (Raw, or a cooked dish) and Fish