A delicious addition to any party, artfully planned appetizers offer guests a way to busy their hands and tide them over until dinner. They can be filling, removing the need for heavier fare at dinner. Whether for the holidays or a friendly gathering, appetizers are the finishing touch of party planning. Many are not hard to make and can be assembled days in advance to make your party planning a little less stressful.
Pinwheels
Pinwheels can be assembled days in advance of a party. Place slices of ham, turkey and chicken on top of each other with a layer of cream cheese (flavored with your favorite seasonings) between each slice. Place the layers on top of crescent roll dough, roll it and slice into bite-sized circles. Chill the assembled pinwheels for a few minutes before slicing to make them easier to cut. The pinwheels can then be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for three days. Right before serving, bake the pinwheels until golden brown.
Cheese Appetizers
Cheese appetizers are one of the simplest snacks to make. Cut various cheeses into thin squares and top with cream cheese, pepperoni, bacon or fruit. They can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to four days.
Fruit Dips
Fruit dip with crackers is a popular appetizer for parties. Combine two packages of softened creamed cheese with diced fresh fruit, sugar and spices. The dip can be assembled four days in advance in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Serve with sliced fruit and cheeses or crackers. Any crackers can be used, but whole wheat crackers are especially delicious with the tartness of the dip.
Sliced Meats
Sliced cold cuts are a favorite standby for many hosts. Roll the meats together with coordinating meats or wrapped around cheeses and vegetables. They can be stored in the refrigerator sealed tightly in plastic wrap for up to three days. To add flair when serving, spear each serving of meat with toothpicks topped with colorful vegetables.
Single Serving Cheesecakes
Miniature cheesecakes provide an elegant take on party appetizers. Using a mix-and-chill cheesecake kit is a fast way to add glamour to a party setting. Chill the cheesecake in muffin pans lined with wax paper; the cakes will be perfectly proportioned for hungry guests.
Fresh or canned fruit, chocolate glaze, chocolate shavings or nuts can be added to the top of each cake. Cheesecake will keep for three to sevens days in the refrigerator, and up to a month when frozen.
Fruit and Vegetable Tray
A mixed platter of fresh fruits and vegetables with different types of dip is simple and delicious. To jazz up this party dish, cut the ingredients into decorative shapes. Pieces of carrots and other hard fruits and vegetables can be grated and sprinkled over the platter. Storage time depends on the types of fruit and vegetables used, but ideally they should not be stored more than 24 hours ahead of the party.
Fruit and Vegetable Bowls
Fancy yet easy to create, fruit and vegetable bowls add uniqueness to the table. Cut items like watermelons or pineapples in half and remove most of the pulp and flesh. The resulting bowls can be filled with dips, sliced fruits and vegetables or punch. The fruit bowls can be stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator for three days in advance.
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