It seems appropriate for my 500th post to talk about party food!
I must confess that even though I have taken classes on how to make fancy appetizers, I tend to stick with pretty basic items. Why? Because I have discovered that it doesn’t matter if you throw out chips and salsa or pear slices wrapped in stinky expensive imported cheese and bacon. The most successful party is the one where the hostess is relaxed and having fun. Seriously! You set the tone for your party and if you are stressed your guests will pick up on it. So either go with easy appetizers or items that can be prepared in advance.
Fruit platters always disappear. If you want to make your fruit platter look a little more elegant, cut melons, apples or pears crosswise then use a metal cookie cutter to cut them into a unique shape.
Vegetable Trays go together fast and are always popular. I always cut extra and keep them in the fridge so I can replenish the tray as necessary.
Pizza flavored anything is always popular. You can make a square pizza, cut it into 2” x 2” squares and provide tooth picks. But you don’t have to go to that much work. You can top just about anything (mini bagels, French bread, broiled zucchini, etc.) with pizza sauce and cheese, bake at 350 degrees until the cheese melts and you will have a hit!
Popcorn is inexpensive and easy, but be prepared for requests for more!
Chips and Dips are a party stable at our house. I like to offer both traditional chips as well as some unexpected varieties like black bean chips or sweet potato chips. I also enjoy creating uniquely flavored dips. I always make my dips the day before so the flavors can blend, plus it is one less thing to worry about on the day of the party.
Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day brings good luck throughout the year. This is a tasty way to get your yearly dose of black-eyed peas!
These stuffed mushrooms are a delicious way to use up leftover cornbread!
More Delicious Appetizers:
Apple Dip
Broiled Cherry Tomatoes
Eggplant Pizza Bites
Fall Party Mix
Hummus and Pita Bread
Potstickers
What are your favorite appetizers?
Anonymous says
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your site by accident, I bookmarked it.
Christy says
500 posts = what a great roundup for it!! I love party food – especially appetizers. I am with you – easy peasy is my favorite way to go. I always thaw a bag of shrimp, put it in a pretty bowl and open a jar of cocktail sauce – it is always a hit! Hoping your New Year is filled with many blessings!
Elsa says
500 posts? Wow! Congrats! It doesn't surprise me that you've been blogging this long though, you have a great blog. I definitely decided to start blogging because of your blog! Great stuff! 🙂
Colorado Girl says
Congrats on your 500th post! Those appetizers look so yummy. We are having a kiddee New Years party, so appetizers here look more like: chips/avacado/salsa, Lil Smokies in the Crock Pot with bbq sauce, home made taquitos, popcorn and punch. Not as fancy. =)
Rebecca says
I haven't ever posted this one (maybe I should!) but we like taking dried beef, spreading softened cream cheese on it, and wrapping up a small slice of pickle. When I tell my daughter we're going to have "pickle spears," she loves to be in charge of this simple appetizer!
The beef is thin-sliced, packaged dried beef by the lunchmeats (Buddig is a common brand); and the pickles are traditionally dill but we have used sweet. I cut whole small (not baby) pickles into fourths.
Thanks for the shout out, Alea. The cream puffs are something I haven't made in a while, so maybe I'll have to whip up some this weekend. If you plan to fill them with a meat salad, make them just a little larger and fill gently after they have completely dried out.
21st Century Housewife© says
Congratulations on your 500th post! And it is a great one too – lots of excellent advice and wonderful recipes! Thank you for sharing some new favourites to add to my appetizer repertoire. Wishing you and yours a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!