All of Europe in Four Spice Blends

We hypothesized a meal that would best represent the tastes of a continent such as Europe.
We chose 4 characteristic spice blends and developed a menu. Each spice accompanies the meal by giving a unique touch to the different courses, creating a gastronomic journey through Europe. Here is how to make this presentation special:

Appetizer - France (Herbs de Provence)
Idea: Prepare a focaccia or crostini seasoned with olive oil and a hearty mix of Herbs de Provence. Serve them on a rustic wooden cutting board with black olives, goat cheese and a few slices of ham alongside.

Presentation: For a Provencal touch, decorate the plate with small lavender branches or sprigs of rosemary, along with pastel-colored linen placemats.

Main Dish - Spain (Mojo Picon with Chicken).
Idea: Grill marinated chicken with Mojo picon and serve with roasted potatoes. Mojo picon, a spicy Spanish sauce made with peppers and spices, will give the chicken a flavorful
vibrancy.

Presentation: Plate the chicken on a large platter and use a brush to spread a bit of sauce around the edge of the plate. Garnish with a few fresh cilantro leaves or parsley for color. You could also add a small Spanish flag next to the plate to echo the theme.

Side dish - Germany (Kartoffelsalat)
Idea: Make a German potato salad (Kartoffelsalat) with potatoes, pickled cucumbers, onion and, if you like, a little bacon. Dress with the spicy Kartoffelsalat mixture and a yogurt- or mustard-based dressing.

Presentation: Serve in individual bowls or clear glass jars for modern style. Add a few sprigs of chives on top for color and, perhaps, small wooden spoons to evoke a rustic ambiance.

Dessert - Italy ( Neapolitan Pisto Cookies)
Idea: Neapolitan Pisto, a mixture of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, is perfect for spiced cookies or treats. You could make soft cookies or doughnuts, ideal for an aromatic end to a meal.

Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a cake stand and sprinkle some powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Top with a cup of coffee or a small glass of Italian amaro as a digestif to end the European meal on a high note.

Final touches
To create the atmosphere of a true European “tour”:
-Place cards: You can add place cards for each course, indicating the country of origin and describing the spice blend used.
-Themed placemats: Use placemats or plates decorated with motifs that recall the culture of different countries.
-Tell the story of the spices: If it is a meal with friends or family, you could tell the origin of each blend and explain why you chose that combination for the dish.

This menu not only represents a variety of flavors, but also celebrates the idea of unity and diversity in Europe. Enjoy!