Finger food appeitzers
The best finger food appetizers are prepared easily, served easily and are unique to the ubiquitous pigs-in-a-blanket. Ultimately, it depends on your party atmosphere to choose appetizers that encompass the above qualities, but also fit into the party's theme. An outdoor barbecue party will have "best" finger foods that are different from a luau or upscale cocktail party. Fortunately there are many possibilities for simple appetizers to fit any occasion.
Antipasto Platter
Antipasto literally means "before the meal" and is quintessential Italian fare. If your party has an Italian theme or is a casual get together, an antipasto platter will satisfy your guest's appetites despite the easy preparation. This platter is essentially a combination of meats and cheeses and is usually served with wine. Make sure that you have toothpicks and small napkins on hand for the guests.
Examples of antipasto platter combinations are marinated artichoke hearts served with water crackers and Camembert cheese, shaved prosciutto with fresh cantaloupe chunks and a bowl of mixed nuts and toasted focaccia bread with sardines and sweet onions. Olives, capers, sweet pickles and salami are often seen on a traditional antipasto tray.
Spinach-&- Brie-Topped Artichoke Hearts
These little delicacies play on the classic appetizer, spinach and artichoke dip. They are compact and easy to eat, especially with a toothpick. Because of their size, they can be served among standing guests and will work well as cocktail party appetizers. The combination of sweet brie cheese, the savory/salty taste of spinach, and the texture combination of all three ingredients is for adult taste buds.
Making these appetizers is easy. Season spinach with lemon pepper, place it on top of thawed artichoke hearts, top with the cheese and place in your broiler.
Mini Portobello Burgers
If wine, cheese and cocktail parties aren't for you and your set of friends, you may want to try mini portobello burgers. As they are without meat, you don't have to worry about juices dripping, and they work well for both vegetarian and omnivore partygoers. These will complement a backyard get-together that has beer on the beverage menu
These will be easy to make, especially if you have a counter top grill at home. You will need portobello mushrooms, brioche buns, eggplant, zucchini, Swiss cheese and salt/sesame oil to taste. Grill the vegetables, layer them on the bottom half of the bun, top with cheese and broil for approximately 1 minute. Put the bun tops on and serve them to your guests.
Tags: antipasto platter, artichoke hearts, cocktail party, served with, These will, with cheese, work well