The cost of eating out has increased substantially over the past few years and as a result, many people are entertaining at home instead. One of the popular ways to entertain a bunch of friends at little cost to you is to hold an appetizer party.
There are lots of appetizers that you can make up to a month or more before the party. Just freeze them and pop them into the oven the night of the party. The added bonus is that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.
A very popular make ahead appetizer is a Mushroom Roll. These are great to keep in your freezer ready to be baked when wanted.
MUSHROOM ROLLS
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, chopped fine
- 1/4 cup butter
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 loaf of sliced white bread
- Melted butter for brushing
Directions:
- Put onion, mushrooms and butter in frying pan. Sauté until soft and onions are clear. Add cream cheese in chunks. Add worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and garlic powder . Stir until the cream cheese melts. Let stand until the mixture is completely cooled.
- Remove the crusts from bread slices. Roll each slice thin using a rolling pin.
- Spread mushroom mixture on each slice, roll up like a jellyroll and cut each roll into 4 equal pieces.
- Brush with melted butter and arrange the rolls on a baking sheet. Freeze in a single layer and place into a freezer bag once frozen.
- To cook, use an ungreased cookie sheet. Place in a single layer and bake in 400° oven for 10-15 minutes until toasted and hot.
- Pate is another appetizer that you can makeahead and freeze for up to 3 months.
PEPPERY HAM PATE
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons margarine or unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pound baked ham, sliced thin
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon or Spicy brown Mustard
- 1 Tablespoon Cognac or Brandy (or use brandy extract)
Directions:
- Blend the peppercorns, butter, garlic and cinnamon in a food processor or blender for 1 minute or until smooth. Add the ham slices one at a time and process until minced, about 15 seconds after each addition.
- Add the mayonnaise , mustard and Cognac/Brandy or Brandy extract .Transfer to a freezer proof container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, defrost overnite in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature with french bread or Crackers.
By taking the time to make some of your appetizers in the weeks before your party, you will be able to save yourself the stress of last minute preparations. You will be able to relax and enjoy your party along with your guests as well be able to offer them a variety of different appetizers.
Della Sussums - I am a "downsized" professional Purchaser with experience in a number of industries. Approx 4 years ago, I started my own company. Within ...
