Mash up some avocado with lime, salt, pepper and jalapeno to make guacamole.
If you're itching to throw a casual get together or elegant soiree but are short on cash, cut back on expenses by featuring an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre party instead of an entire meal. You don't have to worry about organizing a pot luck, and guests will appreciate the class your tidbits bring no matter how inexpensive they are to make.
Deviled Eggs
There's no shame in falling back on a classic. Deviled eggs provide some protein and just enough kick, and you only incur the cost of the egg, some mustard, pepper and perhaps onion, pimento and paprika. You also can make them ahead of time and be economic with your time as well. For a more elegant look, use a decorating bag or make your own by snipping the corner off a sandwich bag. Spoon the egg mixture in and squeeze it out slowly like toothpaste. You can get fancy cake decorator's tips to use with pastry bags, or just make a swirl pattern with your homemade bag.
Quesadillas
Wow your guests with some savory quesadillas without spending too much dough. A pack or two of tortillas (corn or flour) or some pita bread paired with a Monterey jack or cheddar cheese is about all you need. Prepare condiments like diced tomato, onion and sour cream. If you're willing to spend a little more, or avocados are in season, you only need to smash them up with some fresh lime, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and pepper to taste for an authentic, zesty guacamole dip.
One or Two Appetizers
Typically, you save money purchasing larger amounts of one item than buying a variety of ingredients. Exploit this by featuring one or two enticing hors d' oeuvres at your party. Make some miniature crepes with one or two flavors of fruit compote. Use what's in season, as those fruits will be cheapest. If you want to splurge, use only one expensive ingredient, like chocolate hazelnut spread. Pair it with another ingredient to make it go a long way (like strawberry compote or bananas). You also can pair shredded wheat and water crackers with a homemade artichoke dip. Tubs of sour cream are mixed with a couple cans of artichoke bits or hearts and add grated Parmesan or another hard cheese and melted in the microwave. Keep these warm so they don't clump up.
Tags: salt pepper, sour cream, with some, with your
