Selecting Your Party Appetizers
Posted by Christine Szalay-Kudra on August 30, 2010
You want to throw a party and now it is time to plan the food. What do you serve? How will you get everything prepared? You want your guests to be satisfied with their snacking choices. You decide that appetizers will be the way to go.
What kind of starters should you choose? Let us take a look at the kind of party you are planning. Will it be for your department at work or a friendly get together in front of the TV? The formality level of your party will make a big difference in whether you serve chips and dip or rumaki. Once you have pegged the kind of party you are hosting, your menu will be easier to fill.
Make some of your appetizers ahead of time if you can. There are many types that let you do so without compromising the quality of your food. Hot dishes can be reheated just before the party. Make sure you have enough space to store your hors d’oeuvres until the party. You may need to clean out part of your refrigerator or freezer.
When you choose your hors d’oeuvres, consider how they contrast in texture, temperature, and flavor. Your guests will most likely become restless if all your appetizers are similar. Offer some vegetarian options as well as some with meats and cheeses. For texture, consider offering some dishes that are creamy and others that are crunchy. Do the same thing with mild and spicy dishes.
Take into account how large your party will be. For ten guests or less, prepare at least three or four different kinds of hors d’oeuvres. If your party will be larger and ranging up to 45 guests, think of at least six or seven kinds. For even larger parties, plan on eight or more dishes to keep your guests happy. It is much better to have too much food than to run out in the middle of the party.
For cocktail parties, you can figure that each guest will eat at least twelve or so. Remember that hot hors d’oeuvres will fill your guests better than cold ones, but they will also be eaten more quickly. Plan accordingly so you do not run out. By providing both hot and cold dishes, your guests will have more choice.
It is simple to find many appetizer recipes online. You can easily fill out your menu in a few moments of browsing the many recipe sites that exist. Do all of your shopping at least two days before the party. This gives you time to prepare some ahead of time. It also gives you plenty of time to thaw ingredients if need be.
Finally, use your imagination. Do not stick to the same old boring appetizers that everyone serves. Provide some traditional options but add an exotic dish or two for excitement. Something like mango salsa instead of the same old every day variety really livens things up. These kinds of dishes will impress your guests and keep them eating throughout the party. These kinds of hors d’oeuvres will make your party memorable for a long time to come.
Summer appetizer recipes are always fresh and delicious. You should strive to use the freshest ingredients that you can. In this abundant season for fruit and vegetables, there is much to choose from. Berries, zucchini, lettuce, cucumbers, and more will vie for your attention at the market.
