Posts tagged under Appetizers. Show all posts.
Every busy mom needs a few quick and easy appetizers in her back pocket, don’t you think?
I first spotted these in Martha Stewart’s Weddings magazine and was relieved to find a recipe for something fun and simple that didn’t require me to spend my day in the kitchen.
Using nothing more than a large baguette, some favourite dips and spreads and a few chopped veggies, these little nibbles will make a great starter for any event. They’re a hit with the ladies, hearty enough for the men and they work for the kids too. In fact, I’ve offered these up to my boys for an after-school snack, and they devour the veggies far quicker then if they were just set out on a plate.
Tell us, what are some of your back-pocket appetizers for entertaining?
Individual Crudité in Bread Bowls
You’ll Need
Prep and Cook
I’m a big fan of staying in on New Year’s Eve. With the frigid temps, there is something warm and cozy about staying indoors with friends and family to celebrate the end of the holidays, while simultaneously ushering in a new year.
There may not be confetti, or a party of epic proportions, but there will certainly be food, and lots of it. I almost like cooking for New Year’s Eve more than I do for Christmas. There’s less pressure, and I can be more creative as there are no expectations for the foods that will grace the table.
I almost always try to assemble a platter of dips for the occasion. Self-serve food is a must-have at any casual gathering, and I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t like to put together a small plate of assorted dips, accompanied by crackers, crisps, breads and vegetables.
Feta Salsa is one of my personal favourite dips to serve. There is no cooking involved, and it can be made hours, or even a day, in advance. In fact, the longer the dip rests, the better it tastes, which makes it ideal for a fuss-free evening. We have a few other dips on the SavvyMom site if you’re looking further for a little celebration inspiration:
For presentation, one of my favourite ideas is the individual crudité we featured earlier in the year. Tell us, do you prefer to go out or stay in on New Year’s Eve? If you stay in, do you have special foods you like to prepare?
To see the full printable recipe, click here: Festive Feta Salad.
The last time I wrote about serving food in jars, I was asked to keep the ideas coming. With the Super Bowl only a few days away, I thought it might be fun to add a twist to my traditional chili and cornbread recipe. It’s great for the big game day, weekend entertaining or even regular weeknight dinners.
The assembly couldn’t be easier, which makes them a perfect option for entertaining. Make the chili in advance and scoop it into the jars. Then, assemble the cornbread topping, pour it on top of the chili and bake it just before serving. The time in the oven will ensure the chili is warmed through evenly, and the glass vessels will keep your mess to a minimum.
Baking time for the cornbread will depend on the size of jar you use. Large 500 ml jars make a ‘man size’ serving, but small 125 ml jars are the perfect addition to a buffet filled with other foods, or even as an appetizer before the main course is served.
Tell us, do you like to do food in jars? If so, what’s your favourite meal to serve this way?
Any of these chili recipes would work well for this idea:
To see the full printable recipe, click here: Easy Chili & Cornbread
