Christmas hors d'oeuvres ideas?

[yannie]

I'm charged with bringing hors d'oeuvres to my family's Christmas dinner for about 20 people. About half the family is pretty foodie, including this year's hosts, who have requested something "not boring" (i.e. not raw veggie sticks and dip). The other half, however... The only other hors d'oeuvres planned are Samosas. Dinner will be grilled fish, steak, daal, some green vegetable casserole, and something potato. Anyhoo, I'd love any recipes/suggestions for something meatless and delicious that I can make ahead of time (I will probably be able to successfully fight for some brief oven time once arrived, 20 minutes or less).

[kramos]

There are some great meatless options on CHOW that can be made ahead, some of my favorites are Endive with Figs, blue cheese and pecans: http://www.chow.com/recipes/10447, if you can't find figs this time of year, fig jam works really well. Also the black pepper lavash: http://www.chow.com/recipes/11118 with watercress dip: http://www.chow.com/recipes/11114 is really yummy.

[katecm]

I like a roasted tomato bruschetta in cooler months. I use fresh tomatoes, but they sweeten in the oven so they don't need to be as good as my typical tomato bruschetta.

Slice and toast a baguette and set aside. VERY thinly slice red onion and toss it with tomatoes (I usually halve grape tomatoes, but use what looks good), olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast until they sizzle. Stir in some chiffonaded basil and finish with about five minutes more in the oven.

All of this can be done ahead, if you need.

To serve, top each bread slice with a spoonful of the tomato mixture. Crumble with goat cheese, pop back in the oven for a few minutes to warm and just melt the cheese, and serve.

Other options would be a nice stuffed mushroom, a caramelized onion dip or endive leaves stuffed with apple, celery, pecan and parmesan chopped salad.

[Roxxy]

I just watched the Barefoot Contessa Holiday Show and she had a no stress Holiday Party. She took slices of melon and wrapped with Prosciutto and also made small potato pancakes that she topped with creme fresh and cavier. I liked the potato pancake idea and could vary the toppings.

[JungMann]

Pav bhaji croquettes with yogurt "aioli"
Manchurian cauliflower
Tandoori prawns
Blinis with salmon roe and raita
Roasted sweet potato matchsticks with tamarind sauce

[jules127]

Is there an indian theme? If not, mini goat cheesecakes or baby blue cheese popovers?

[yannie]

No Indian theme, just an Indian uncle.

[scuzzo]

Butterfly large shrimp, and stuff with a mixture of finely chopped broccoli, grated swiss, ricotta, and garlic, then wrap with bacon, and grill or cook otherwise. I guess there's meat in that. Anyway, there you go.

[dolores]

The artichoke dip that was talked about here awhile ago sounds outstanding.

[SusieS]

I've always been curious about bacon wrapped scallops, oysters, and/or shrimp. Anyone have any feedback on these?