Best appetizers

[Trellis]

I am hosting a party in June and am looking for some great appetizers. Anyone have specialty they would love to share for an outdoor party? My main course will be pork tenderloin. Thanks!

[Jenny]

I LOVE appetizer-snacky foods. It has taken me so long to answer this because I need to narrow down my choices to ones that are fairly easy and hold up well (you don't want to be fiddling with itty-bitty nit-picky nonsense for your party)

I would suggest you select five categories or hors deorvres, like Hot, Cold, Veggies, Cheese and Bread.

Crudite (Veggie Platter)
Fruit Platter
Cheese Tray
Parmasan Puffs
Stuffed Mushrooms

This covers all the food groups and can be made ahead of time -- the last two require a bit of time in the oven -- you don't want to be timing five different dishes.

If you need recipes let me know.

Jenny

[coco]

These are really good! They're basically spinach & artichoke dip on pastry. Travel well too.

Spinach Artichoke Bars

1 8 oz can refrigerated crescent rolls
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 egg
1/2 cup sour cream
10 oz thawed frozen chopped spinach, squeezed until dry
14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
* Optional - 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Unroll the crescent dough and place in a 13 X 9 inch pan. Gently press dough evenly into the pan and 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan to form a crust, paying special attention to seal the roll perforations. Sprinkle the dough with 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven.

2. While the crust is baking, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, sour cream, and remaining Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. Fold in the spinach and artichoke hearts. Spread the mixture evenly over the prepared crust. Bake for an additional 13-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Cut into squares and serve hot or cool to room temperature.

3. Can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, bake at 375 degrees for 5-10 minutes, or until piping hot.

Makes 30 appetizers

[sararose]

I went to a brunch a couple of years ago where the hostess served pork tenderloin. For appetizers, she served quiche, fresh fruit (melon, strawberries, and grapes), and assorted sweet rolls. Coffee, water, juice, and mimosas (oj and champagne, I believe) were also served.

If your party is later in the day or in the evening, this menu may not work for you. But fruit is always a hit. One year I made fruit kabobs for a potluck--strawberries, pineapple, melon, and grapes on skewers--and there were literally people running to the tables to get one. All of the kabobs were gone in five minutes. For some reason people like to eat things off of sticks, go figure!

[Lucille1963]

One year I made fruit kabobs for a potluck--strawberries, pineapple, melon, and grapes on skewers--and there were literally people running to the tables to get one. All of the kabobs were gone in five minutes. For some reason people like to eat things off of sticks, go figure!

This is what I was going to say!!
I love fruit skewers as an appitizer. They're easy to make, delicious, pretty on a platter and diet friendly. As a bonus, in my head it will even out the dessert I'll be eating after dinner!!

[Trellis]

Coco - those spinach artichoke bars look great! I'd like to try them in the phyllo cups.