NowB次元官网网址檚 that time of the year when it feels like someone has pressed the time-lapse button and everything is moving at triple speed.
Many of us are feeling the pinch: not having enough hours in the day yet also wanting to slow down and spend time with people we love (or at least like a lot).
And then there is the meal planning. And maybe the party planning. And perhaps for the holidays.
Anyway, you donB次元官网网址檛 need me to tell you how busy you are. SoB次元官网网址� how can we do some light entertaining, without a whole lot of fuss or time?
A little appetizer spread is just the thing. Simple bites you can put out while the main meal is being prepared. Or maybe the appetizers are the whole of it, a nice chance to clink glasses with the neighbors or some old friends passing through town.
But appetizers can be tricky. They SEEM like a simpler alternative to a full meal, but if you arenB次元官网网址檛 careful, they can become toilsome.
LetB次元官网网址檚 start with the easiest option B次元官网网址� the cheese platter. If you take a few extra minutes and add a few extra ingredients, you can pull together a cheese (or charcuterie or grazing) board that looks photo-worthy.
Plan on a few different types of cheese; play around with hard and soft cheeses, cowB次元官网网址檚 milk vs. goat vs. sheep, mild mixed with pungent. Layer in some crackers or sliced baguette, fresh and dried fruit, olives, nuts, a condiment or two (think preserves, tapenades and so on). Take a moment to Done!
DonB次元官网网址檛 for a moment be hesitant about putting out store-bought nibbles. In fact, take a beat and check out the prepared foods section at your grocery store, or explore a prepared food market. Look for things like grilled artichoke hearts, stuffed pepperoncini, cooked shrimp, cheese straws, savory tartlets, focaccias or little phyllo pastries.
Stock the pantry for last-minute spreads and surprise guests. High-end nut mixes (check on allergies first), jarred bruschetta, pestos, stuffed olives, marinated and pickled vegetables, stuffed grape leaves, gourmet crackers. If you tuck away a little supply of these special items, you can pull them out at a momentB次元官网网址檚 notice.
And stock the freezer! There are loads of precious little frozen appetizers available. Yes, pigs in a blanket, but also spanakopita, cheese puffs, mini quiches, crab cakes, bacon wrapped scallops, empanadas, dumplings, mini pizzas, jalapeno poppers and so on.
Also, many frozen appetizers can be made in the air fryer, so if youB次元官网网址檝e been looking for ways to put that appliance to work, nowB次元官网网址檚 the time.
Keep a well-wrapped, good bread in the freezer too, and some sort of bruschetta or crostini is waiting to happen. Bread defrosts very quickly.
Some ideas for pull-together appetizers:
B次元官网网址� Spread baguette slices with softened butter mixed with sea salt and minced fresh dill. Drape a piece of smoked salmon over the top, add a few capers and serve with lemon wedges and dill sprigs.
B次元官网网址� A quick, fresh herb dip. I always have extra fresh herbs around, especially during the holidays, left over from one recipe or another. Make the easiest herb dip ever by mixing 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, chervil and parsley. Add kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve with cut-up raw vegetables (crudit茅) or baby roasted potatoes or pita chips for dipping. Or, spread the dip over toasted Italian bread slices and top with slices of roast beef or turkey.
B次元官网网址� Roasted Chickpeas. Toss a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas with a tablespoon of olive oil and some kosher salt. Add some dried herbs or spices if you like, like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, Italian seasoning. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for about 20 minutes, until they turn golden brown. Serve warm or at room temp.
B次元官网网址� Quick Guacamole: Mix together 2 diced ripe avocados with half a minced onion; 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped; kosher salt and pepper; and the juice of a lime. Add some minced jalapeno and chopped cilantro if you like. Serve with lots of tortilla chips.
B次元官网网址� Cheddar Popcorn: Make some homemade popcorn, and when itB次元官网网址檚 hot and freshly cooked, drizzle some hot melted butter over it, and add a couple of handfuls of finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, a bit of salt and maybe dried oregano or paprika. Toss well.
B次元官网网址� Keep some sparkling water, wine (regular and sparkling), beer and soft drinks on hand.
Also, letB次元官网网址檚 remind ourselves that our family and friends came over to see us B次元官网网址� the food is secondary!
Five more easy appetizers:
B次元官网网址擪atie Workman, The Associated Press
