Finger foods an easy way to feed a crowd on the big night

Appetizing tipsPlanning the best easy party appetizers to make well in advance of the party can make all the difference. Preparing food should be relaxing and enjoyable rather than stressful and rushed. Here are some ideas from easyappetizerrecipes.net:* Plan your appetizers and the ingredients you need to get, rather than leaving everything until the last minute. Be creative and thoughtful, and choose easy party appetizers rather than something complicated.* Don't forget about the garnish. Your appetizers might be simple, but a sprig of parsley, a pinch of paprika or a couple of slices of lemon or cucumber can turn a dull-looking appetizer into a dazzling one.* Make sure to provide nonmeat dishes for vegetarians.* Always provide nonalcoholic beverages for minors as well as adults who do not wish to partake. Stock the bar with plenty of sodas, and fill a punch bowl with an easy, colorful nonalcoholic punch.

While some may celebrate the new year with a full dinner, many hosts will be offering nibbles that can last through the night -- from the start of the evening to the wee hours of the morning.

Joe Fidelibus, executive chef at Eleven inside the DoubleTree Hotel, said keeping the table well-stocked with snack-style foods is all about timing.

"Choose recipes that you can make ahead of time," he said.

The beauty in serving appetizers, he said, is that it allows guests to get a variety of tastes; it's a good way to show off your versatile culinary skills; and it's a chance to bring out all those beautiful serving bowls and trays that seldom see the light of day.

"And people love to graze," Fidelibus said. "We have a big island in our kitchen at home, and we'll lay out a big spread of different foods so people can stand around, fill their plates with finger foods and chat."

It's a great way to entertain rather than having a sit-down meal, he said.

Here are some quick and easy solutions from Fidelibus' files. Keep in mind that even the simplest food can be gussied up with decorative platters and festive garnishes.

Easy Roll-Up Sandwiches

Tortillas

Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Filling:

Thinly sliced ham, turkey and/or roast beef

Thinly sliced Romaine lettuce

Diced (small) tomatoes

Sprouts (optional)

Using your favorite tortilla, preferably a 10- to 12-inch size, spread dressing over one side, place a thin layer of lettuce or sprouts, layer the lunch meat and sprinkle the diced tomatoes. Roll the tortilla tightly and wrap in plastic film for an hour (or longer if you are not going to slice until later).

Unwrap the roll and trim both ends, then slice into 1/2-inch sandwiches. Arrange on a decorative platter; garnish as desired.

Easy Warm Spinach Dip

This is a versatile dip to which a number of ingredients may be added, such as artichokes or shrimp.

2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, room temperature

1 (8-ounce) container sour cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Dash red pepper flakes

1 small package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and all of the liquid pressed out

Round bread loaf

Crispy pita bites, bagel bites or tortilla chips

In a deep-bottom saucepan, heat cream cheese and sour cream. Using a whip, cream the mixture. When warm, add the cheeses and red pepper flakes. Mix well, and add the chopped spinach. Serve warm in your favorite round bread loaf hollowed out or slow cooker. Serve with chips.

Lit'l Smokies in Sauce

This is a great comfort food, and it couldn't be simpler to make and serve.

1 package of Lit'l Smokies sausages

1 can of Sprite

In a deep-bottom saucepan, add the sausages and can of soda. Cook on low until a thickened sauce is complete. Serve with frilled toothpicks.

Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6285.

Upcoming Events