appies - easy, cheap...but classy? can it be done?

[dani_k]

ok, so i admit my brain is not working. normally, this is an area i can do fine in. however, too much on the plate lately leaves barely enough room to figure out dinner day-to-day, much less plan for an event. *sigh*

anyway, i am having a bunch of women-friends over next wednesday (the 27th), and i am doing appies/hors d'oeuvres for them. not sure how many, i am hoping for around about a dozen. tastes range anywhere from mcdonald's regulars to foodies, so i need to have some variety or things with a wide range of appeal.

and i don't have a big budget. haha. so....... ideas? recipes? links?

[dani_k]

thanks for all the help! i ran out of time, and just threw stuff together from what i had on hand... i didn't manage to pair flavours with my limited time and supplies, so it was a random hodge podge. people seemed to enjoy it, nonetheless.

- veggies & dip
- cantaloupe (was supposed to be wrapped in prosciutto, but ran out of time)
- sliced baguettes with choice of cream cheese & jalepeno jelly or roasted garlic
- mini Vietnamese salad rolls (i tossed shrimp in peanut sauce to make these self-contained, instead of serving a dip on the side)

there was something else, but for the life of me i can't remember what it was......

[alkapal]

and i'll bet you had a good time with your friends!

[dani_k]

yes! it was fun. i have to remind myself sometimes that it isnt really about perfect food. haha.

[alkapal]

more incredible ideas than you can have parties in a year! fun to read (be sure to keep your notepad handy, cause there are so many delicious ideas from all our talented and creative hounds)....

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/547739
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/543662
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/541161
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/278744
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/480082
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/343218
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/435126
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/451326

all of these just from my "favorites" bookmarks...

[poptart]

Check out this thread:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/539162

In it there is a link to a NY times article "101 Simple Appetizers in 20 minutes", you're sure to find lots of ideas there!

let us know what you end up making.

[gmm]

When I don't have a lot of time, I love the frozen appetizers from Trader Joes. They have mini-quiches, spanakopita, party meatballs, mini-tacos, raspberry and brie in phyllo, samosas and more. They also have a great bruschetta in their deli case that I serve with baguette slices and mini-mozzarella balls.

[Vetter]

The TJ's spanikopita is a guilty pleasure of mine. They do take longer to brown than the package would have you believe.

This is one of those situations where I go to my cheesemonger and pick up a large (looks generous) but relatively inexpensive piece of cheese & baguette. You can splurge for a nice honey or not. You can make onion jam dirt cheap to serve with, or roast some figs, or just do the cheese and a lovely fruit and nut cracker/bread.

Wrapping yummy savory cheap anything in phyllo makes people happy.

Nice bread, olive oil, and nice or (very reduced cheap) balsamic is yummy!

[smile81]

melon prosciutto skewers http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo...

and my new cucumber pitas. Toast a pita/flatbread, cool, spread really good whipped cream cheese, thinly sliced english or lemon cucumbers, salt and pepper
these two appetizers seem to please a range of people, including "kids menu" type adults

[oakjoan]

I always love (and so do guests) the olive, fennel, cumin, feta, orange zest mixed with olive oil app. You need to mix the "dressing" with the olives at least an hour before (better if overnight) serving. Just did it again last week to great acclaim.

It's on the epicurious website if you search for "olive fennel orange feta" (there are several other recipes which are somewhat similar so be sure there's orange zest in the recipie).

I also usually buy some hummus and mix in a little extra tahini and some pressed garlic and serve with crackers or pita.