Archive for February, 2011
Appetizers: Easy and Gourmet
Hosting a dinner, game night or cocktail party can leave you scrambling over the details.
Creating gourmet but easy appetizers to save time is a breeze if you have the right ideas. With just a few ingredients, you can give your friends a fine dining experience in the comfort of your home.
These are some simple but impressive (not to mention, delicious) options that will wow your guests and please their taste buds.
Tomato and Bacon: Cook 1/2 inch cubes of bacon until crispy brown. Pair with a cherry tomato and serve on toothpicks.
Cantaloupe and Prosciutto: Cube a ripe cantaloupe (or use a melon baller if handy) and wrap the cantaloupe pieces in prosciutto. Skewer and serve, peppering if desired. The contrast between sweet and salty is a perfect combination.
Roasted Red Peppers: A jar of roasted red peppers in oil should be available at any grocery store. Spread cream cheese or goat cheese on butter crackers and top with a slice of roasted pepper. Colorful, fast and tasty.
Asparagus Asiago: Brush phyllo dough with butter, sprinkle with asiago cheese and wrap around asparagus spear. Place each rolled up asparugus seam side down on a baking sheet and sprinkle with more asiago cheese. Bake for 15 minutes at 375 until dough is golden brown.
Mozzarella Mushrooms: Remove the stems and wash your button mushrooms. Pair mushrooms with a fresh mozzarella ball on a toothpick. Drizzle with olive oil and a balsamic vinaigrette. Sprinkle with basil for a finishing touch.
Kielbasa: This is simple but oh so good. Slice a gourmet kielbasa and cook in oil until browned on all sides. Simply serve on toothpicks and these are sure to be a hit. You can serve with a mustard dipping sauce but the meat is flavorful enough to stand alone.
Presentation is key! These appetizers require little preparation but do so with care. A good-looking appetizer will give the gourmet flair to your party.