Holiday Appetizer Recipes

If you are planning a cocktail party, these are perfect hors d'oeuvres to serve to your guests. First, let's look at some basics to put those favorite spreads or toppings on.

Little Toasts and Crackers

Crostini Recipe

Crostini is Italian meaning "little toasts". Traditionally, crostini is made with white bread. For small round crostini, try using a long, thin baguette loaf. For light and crispy toast, cut the baguette in 1/4 inch slices. Place slices on baking sheet and rub with sliced garlic clove. Brush slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven. Letting the oven preheat for at least 15 minutes will help to brown all slices evenly. Bake for about four minutes, turn sheet and bake another four to five minutes. Slices should be browned around the edges and light golden in centers.

Crackers

For the best crackers, choose ones that are crisp and delicate in flavor.

Fresh Breads

Party rye, white or wheat bread all make a nice base for a finger sandwich tray.

Spreads and Toppings

Spreads and toppings are what makes the appetizers score big. Flavor is top priority, and color is very festive. For any spread that is a bit lacking in color, place a bright green stuffed olive in the center, or just a slice of pimento. Garnishes should be colorful to add that pizazz to your presentation of delectable taste treats.

Tapenade Recipe

Tapenade is a rich olive spread that is popular in the Mediterranean.

1 cup Nicoise olives, pitted
1 cup small green French olives (Picholine), pitted
1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 clove garlic
1 anchovy fillet
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/4 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Place all ingredients except olive oil in a food processor. Pulse till coarsely chopped and well mixed. Slowly add the olive oil, using the pulse button, until mixture is well blended. Place in a bowl, cover and refrigerate till ready to use. Serve on crostini with herbed goat cheese.

Herbed Goat Cheese

2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (7 or 8-ounce) log goat cheese

Combine the parsley, chives, thyme, and pepper and place on a flat surface. Roll the log of cheese in the mixture, coating all sides and retaining the shape of the log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed. This can be served with the Tapenade spread on Crostini. Place a thin slice of cheese on the toast and cover with the tapenade. Top with a green olive.

Tomato, Cheese and Herb Topping

Crostini slices
6 roma tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, packed in oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven broiler for at least five minutes. Combine all ingredients except cheese in large bowl. Mix and allow to set for at least ten minutes so the flavors blend. Arrange crostini slices on cookie sheet. Top each slice with the tomato mix. Top with the cheese. Broil for about five minutes till cheese is melted. Serve warm.


Finger Sandwiches

Cream Cheese and Tuna Spread

2 large cans white albacore tuna, drained
8 ounce package cream cheese, softened

In medium bowl, mix tuna and cheese till thoroughly blended. Remove crusts from white bread. Spread tuna mix on one slice. Top with another slice of bread and cut sandwich into four squares or triangles.

Ham Salad Spread

1/2 pound deli sliced ham
1 small can chopped black olives
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard

Chop ham finely and mix with other ingredients. Spread on party rye bread and top with a green olive.

Egg Salad Spread

6 hard boiled eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
powdered nutmeg

Eggs can be boiled the day before and refrigerated. When ready to prepare, peel eggs and chop finely. Mix with mayonnaise. Remove crusts from wheat or white bread. Spread egg salad on one slice of bread, sprinkle lightly with nutmeg and top with another slice of bread. Cut into four squares or triangles.


Quick and Easy Hot Appetizers

Crab and Cheese Diamonds

2 sheets of puff pastry
2 cups crab meat or imitation crab
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

Place crab meat in blender and pulse till very crumbly. Empty into bowl and mix with onions and cheese. Place one pastry sheet on non-stick cookie sheet and roll out till fairly thin. Spread crab mixture over pastry. Roll out other pastry sheet on wax paper, gently flip it over on top of crab mixture, peel off wax paper. Bake at 350 degrees till pastry is done and light golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for at least five minutes, till cheese sets a little. Slide onto bread board and cut in a diamond pattern with pizza cutter. Arrange on a platter and serve warm.

Stuffed Mushroom Crowns

Clean and remove stem from large mushroom caps. Hollow out the cavity with a small spoon and fill with shredded Monterrey Pepper Jack Cheese. Place on non-stick cookie sheet and broil till cheese is bubbly. Serve as soon as cool enough to handle.


Cheese Boards

These are always a welcome sight at any party. Simply arrange small slices of cheeses (the more flavorful, the better), and crackers. Add a few small clusters of green and purple grapes. Place little handfuls of cashew nuts in empty spots. Adding sliced salami gives a little spice. Have a few cheese boards with different presentations for variety.


Mints and Fresh Fruits for a Refreshing Finish

It is always a good idea to serve some after dinner mints, sliced apples and oranges, and grapes when the party is winding down. The apples and oranges arranged alternately on a round tray with a sprig of parsley in the center is very attractive. Not only is this a refreshing taste after all those seasoned and highly flavored appetizers. This can be a subtle yet polite signal to everyone that the cocktail party is nearing the end. People will begin to wrap up the evening when the appetizers are depleted and the fruit and mints are served. It might be a good idea to have a freshly brewed pot of coffee for those who would like it.
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© Copyright Phyllis Doyle Burns 2012

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