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Fun Finger Food Ideas
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Cocktail
parties are great parties. Finger foods are so
much fun especially when your guests are
the chefs!
On this page you will
discover how to set-up an appetizer bar.
An appetizer bar is just like an omelet or salad
bar, except it is a
finger food extravaganza. Yes, your guests' finger will be all over
this one as they create their own unique appetizer
combinations. How about an appetizer bar potluck! You devise
the menu
and ask quests to bring an item such as hummus, chopped tomatoes,
sliced olives, feta cheese, etc. Be prepared to give your
friends appetizer
ideas. Just for fun, ask your guests to share their
best
culinary creations. |
| The
Set-Up |
To
set-up an appetizer bar start with a table or counter top. It's
probably best to have everything placed on one table or counter, so
guests don't have to hunt down the goodies.
Offer
both hot and cold and sweet and
savory treats.
Each
guest will then construct their favorite flavor combinations from a
selection of breads, spreads and toppings. The
possibilities are endless so encourage your guests to be
creative. Show your creativity by choosing flavor
combinations
that work well together and can be used interchangeably.
Also
have already assembled or one-bite finger foods available for very
hungry guests.
 The
foundation of all these appetizers
is the bottom layer, which can be any bread or cracker. Position
these at the head of the buffet
table along with toothpicks, skewers,
mini-pitch-forks, forks, spoons, plates and napkins.
Spreads
and dips are the glue that holds everything together.
These
will line up next on the table. Keep
in mind that some spreads can double as toppings. You can of course
layer each appetizer with as many "middles" and toppings as
your
heart desires.
There
are many incredibly good breads, crunchies,
spreads, sauces, meats and seafoods available in the
supermarket.
Look in the gourmet aisle for
something unique. Purchase as many items as can fit your
budget
and prepare as many as your time and patience can handle.
Olives,
pickles and nuts are a must. Also have on hand, vinegars, olive
oils, flavored oils, mustards, chili sauce, steak
sauce and
variety salts and
peppers.
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| The
Bottoms
Breads, Chips and Crackers
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Quality crackers;
save the saltines for the kids
Cocktail rye and pumpernickel; mini rolls
Naan flatbread
Cheese straws or breadsticks
Sesame crackers or flatbread
Corn cakes
Bagel chips
Pita chips
Melba Toast
Biscotti
Not too sweet crisp cookies or shortbread, meringue shells
Ready-bake pastry shells; brush with olive oil
Ready-bake thin pizza crusts; brush with oil, bake and cut
into 2" shapes
Or
make your own
Crostini,
Croutes, Bruschetta
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Potato chips
and potato crisps
Choose a brand
that is generally uniform in size and is sturdy. Vegetable
chips
are very good and kettle chips are thicker. Use as a base just
like crackers, especially with sour cream or mayo-based spreads/toppings
Tortilla chips
Make your own using
fajita-sized corn or flour tortillas or purchase
Vegetable bases
Use medium-sliced cucumbers,
large, flat celery stalks, large radish slices, mini potato pancakes
Baby-baked
potatoes
Polenta
Purchase ready-made and slice into rounds. Brush with oil and broil
until lightly golden and crisp, about 3 minutes
|
| The
Middles
Cheeses,
Spreads, Meats and Vegetables
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Cheeses
of all varieties; serve thinly sliced with small pieces of fruit and/or
fruit preserves
Hummus
Eggplant spread
Tapanade
White
bean spread
Whipped cream cheese; plain or flavored; mix with herbs,
dried fruits or nuts
Soft
spreadable cheeses such as Boisen or Alouette
Flavored
butters;
mix softened butter with herbs and roasted garlic
Pastry cream
Nut butter
Jams and preserves |
Mayonnaise
One of easiest and most versatile sauce base. Mayo
can
be combined with just about any herb or seasoning to
create a very easy spread or topping.
Avocado slices or chunky guacamole
Caviar
Chopped shrimp; tuna
Mini sausages or hot dogs
Mini hamburger patties; use beef, turkey, pork or chicken
Shredded or diced chicken, pork or beef
Prosciutto, Serrano or other thinly sliced ham
Thinly sliced deli meats; cut meats into 1-2" squares
Roasted zucchini, peppers, onions;
Chopped fruit; strawberries, kiwi, pineapple are good, keep pieces small |
| The Toppings |
Horseradish sauce
Sour cream mixed
with chopped fresh herbs
Sweet and dill
pickles;finely chopped
Sweet or savory
chutney
Pickled onions/vegetables; chopped finely
Finely diced fresh or roasted red peppers Thinly sliced chili peppers,
red and green
Diced onion, garlic or green onions
Diced fresh plum tomatoes; seeds and pulp removed
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Chopped black olives
Thin cucumber slices
Lemon/lime/orange; remove peel, slice, cut into wedges
Hollandaise Sauce
Sesame seeds, black and white
Finely
chopped
pecans or walnuts |
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