In Search of Party Foods Inspiration
With a plethora of holiday parties on the calendar, hors d’oeuvres are on my mind. Are you hosting a bash or invited to one that requires you bring some nibbles? Well, if you’re stumped on what to whip up, here is a sampling of my tried and true favorites:
Blue Cheese and Bacon Purple Potatoes
Sausage and Cherry Stuffed Mushrooms
Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppadew Peppers
Beef and Gorgonzola Toasts with Herb Garlic Cream
Now that I’ve given you a little inspiration, I need your help. This weekend is our 2nd Annual Nashville Food Bloggers Holiday Shindig, and I’ve signed up to bring a savory appetizer. Lately I’ve just had too many things on my mind and this little party sorta snuck up on me.
Stress is starting to set in because I have no idea what I’m going to bring and little time to figure it out! Sure, I could throw together something I’ve made before, but what fun would that be? I want something new, exciting and of course, delicious. This is a group of food bloggers that will be eating it…. the pressure is on.
Would any of you like to help a girl out and share with me your go-to party food recipe?
If so, just leave me comment below with the entire recipe or a link to where I can find it online, or email me at betheats@gmail.com. I’d be forever grateful!
PS: If I do end up making your dish, there’s a very good chance it’ll show up here and I promise to give you full credit!
Well…if you want to feel better, I have absolutely NO idea what I’m bringing either!
how about a kicked up version of deviled eggs? i’ve never been to a party where deviled eggs weren’t the first thing to go. everyone loves them. there are lots of twists on the traditional recipe out there. maybe try your hand at recreating the great ones from The Wild Hare?
Wow. Great minds really do think alike. That is actually the ONLY idea that I’ve had so far! R & I had 3 incredible deviled egg variations at Holeman & Finch in Atlanta this weekend, and last night I went to bed thinking of them.
The only thing holding me back from running with that thought is that I don’t own any sort of deviled egg serving platter, so I’d have to go shopping for one. I really detest shopping this time of year!
A link probably isn’t necessary for this, but you could make mini quiches. Using phyllo dough is a good shortcut for that.
Make flat bread – shredded chicken, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and TRUFFLE OIL!! :-)
Stuff cherry tomatoes with olive tap. and top with goat cheese (just a bit). You can also top with a small piece of basil.
Just go with a typical platter for deviled eggs. When they sit in those egg shaped bowls, I always end up making a mess trying to get one out. If on a platter, you’re able to get your fingers under them. Then agian, i’m in the country and we don’t have egg platters. :)
I’m glad I’m not the only one that has no idea what they’re bringing. i thought about stuffed mushrooms but I don’t want to bring chafing dishes to keep them warm. too many decisions this week.
I like to make a roughly chopped (not pureed) tapenade with kalamata & green olives, capers, roasted garlic, olive oil and S&P. Serve with crackers or home-toasted pita chips; you can also do a platter and add a goat cheese spread and hummus.
Now I’m starving.
I make a goat cheese with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and rosemary marinated in olive oil on top.
Want to see a picture?
I should do a post on this. I’ll put a picture up on my wall on Facebook.
Are we facebook friends?
Cheese straws!!! http://lesleyeats.com/2010/12/08/cheese-straws/ (better you than me, though I do have the food processor in the dishwasher right now).
Also, inspired by the Silly Goose, I will be serving goat cheese with arugula/walnut pesto at a fete just after the holidays (with some Silke’s bread). Never would have thought of the combination(s) myself, but it worked really well. Let me know if you need the recipe, though I plan to post it soon. After Tomato Week, I guess. :)
Times like these call for Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/misslyss/eat-drink-be-merry/)
Lots of party food there. Basil zucchini tart with creme fresh? Bloomin cheesy onion bread? Stuffed shells taco style? Ham and Cheese pretzel bites? Pizza bites served in mushroom tops? That whole board is dinner party ideas.
I wish I could make it :*( I’ve got a work thing and my best friend’s Christmas party the same night. Eat for 3! You, the baby and me!
One of my go-to party appetizers that is always a big hit and is on the lighter side (which to me is a happy reprieve from all the decadent bites on the table!) are cucumber salmon bites. Below is the recipe. If you don’t try it for this party, try it another time and let me know what you think!
Serves 8
1 cucumber, seedless
8 oz smoked salmon
2 Tbsp finely diced red onion
1 Tbsp roughly chopped capers
1 tsp fresh chives, plus extra for garnish
1 Tbsp olive oil
Cracked pepper to taste
Wash cucumber, trim and discard ends. “Stripe” the cucumber, and cut into slices and place on single layer on paper towels.
Dice salmon into medium sized cubes and transfer to bowl. Add remaining ingredients and lightly mix with fork until olive oil is distributed.
Arrange cucumber slices on serving platter and top each with tsp of mixture. Garnish with snipped chives and serve!
Hot Bacon Swiss Dip… Easy to make and will disappear from the dish
Your cookies sound amazing! I hope you enjoyed the ones I sent:-)
I make this around the holidays a ton because it is so easy and is always a hit!
http://www.thefoodgospelaccordingtoruth.com/2011/04/marinated-jalapeno-shrimp-appetizer.html
These are a favorite in my family!
http://www.thefoodgospelaccordingtoruth.com/2011/02/olive-cheese-balls.html