Simple Appetizers

I love appetizers. Its the first bite reminding you of the amazing meal to come. They stretch out conversation and entertain your tummy. The appetizer portion of the meal is sometimes my favorite part. As my dad says I'm a "bird-like eater", I like to think of it as slow and intentional bites. So for me picking at a few appetizers while a group chats away is really comfortable for me. No one judges how slow you eat and no one notices how much you eat. Plus appetizers are usually built only to be one or two bites, less chance to make a mess.

Okay enough of my rambling about why I love appetizers. I made a few yummy things for a Thanksgiving meal that Paul and I hosted this year for a few friends that were staying in town for the holiday. As much as I enjoy spending the holiday with family, working in a retail, I don't really have that option. As it is I am staying up for over 24 hours to make and eat Thanksgiving dinner and then going to work for 12 hours (9p-9a). I don't say this to get pity, I actually received enough sympathy for my schedule to go around (which I appreciate by the way). Its just to give perspective that I didn't anticipate having much energy to put into for this particular part of the meal. So I needed some quick and easy ideas. I wanted to share these ideas and recipes for some easy apps that Paul and I came up with this year.

Creamy Parmesan Spinach Dip
by Skinny Ginny


10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess liquid squeezed out
1/2 cup light sour cream
5 tbsp light mayonnaise
1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
1/4 cup scallion, chopped
fresh pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. This can be made one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Makes about 2 cups. Serve with tortilla chips or pita or even fresh veggies.



Cheese and Meat Plate

Colby Jack
Butterkasie cheese
Chedder cheese
Pepperjack
salami
pepperonis
dill pickles
crackers

This idea is all about what you and your guests like. These are some of our favorites plus a few classics. Just cut up cheese and roll up or spread out the meats. I did this the night before and artfully displayed it on a plate. That's the fun part for me, well and eating it.

Spicy Hummus
by Rachel Ray

1 (14.5 ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
2 rounded tablespoons tahini sesame paste, found in both dairy and dry specialty foods sections
A drizzle extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 clove garlic, crushed
Coarse salt
1/2 lemon, juiced

Combine beans, tahini, oil, pepper flakes, cumin, coriander, garlic, salt, and lemon juice in food processor bowl and grind into a smooth paste. Transfer to a small dip dish and surround spread with warm pita wedges. 

Though we did not make our own hummus. I could have and this is a pretty basic recipe that I thought would be tasty had I chosen to make my own. Although I don't usually use the tahini, mostly because I'm cheap and its just an added cost.

It might not be the most exciting spread but it was tasty and everyone seemed to enjoy it all. Don't forget to have fun with the plating. Sure its going to be destroyed when people dig in, but that's no reason not to wow your friends and family if even for a moment.

What are your favorite apps for a party or holiday event?