Gathering around for a holiday feast is something we all look forward to during these chilly months. However, keeping guests entertained and sustained during pre-dinner drinks and events is crucial.
Hors d’oeuvres can be just as much the star of the show! A clear tray on the nibbling table will always make a host smile, knowing everyone’s appetites are whetted and all of the dedication has paid off.
These recipes are simple to make yet will look very impressive set out with holiday party decor, and the flavors will put a smile on everyone’s face!
Stephanie Westbrook
Baked Brie
The combination of creamy brie, fruit and nuts is a perfect and impressive starter for any holiday party! Making multiple is a good idea, because these disappear fast.
Ingredients:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
8 oz wheel of brie cheese
3 tbsp raspberry jam
1/4 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup candied pecans, coarsely chopped
1 beaten egg
Cooking spray
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
Lay a sheet of puff pastry on the foil.
Cut a thin slice off the top of the wheel of brie. Spread the jam on top of the cheese, then place the fresh raspberries and chopped nuts on top as well.
Wrap the puff pastry around the brie and pinch the edges shut.
Brush the beaten egg over the pastry. Bake for 20 minutes until pastry is golden brown.
Let cool for at least 5 minutes. Serve with crackers and/or sliced apples.
Notes: Use any type of fruit, such as cranberry, fig, or pomegranate.
Avocado and Smoked Salmon Bites
This smokey, creamy and slightly crunchy appetizer has a bright and fresh flavor, is quick to make, and can be easily made in large quantities!
Ingredients:
10 pieces of cheese crisps, such as Whisps brand
1 package smoked salmon
1 avocado
1 tsp finely diced onion
2 tbsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt
2 slices of lemon
Instructions:
Grind the cheese crisps in a food processor.
Scoop out half the avocado and slice it thin. Squeeze the lemon juice over the avocado to prevent it from turning brown.
Scoop out the other half of the avocado into a bowl. Mash it with a fork and mix well with lemon juice, onion and salt.
Lay out cut strips of smoked salmon. Layer with the avocado mash and a dusting of ground cheese crisps. Carefully roll the strips into pinwheels. Secure with a toothpick.
Serve with sliced avocados and lemon wedges.
Notes: Adjust recipe to match however many bites are needed.
Garlic Tomato Bruschetta
This is a simple dish, but every time I make it, I watch it disappear quickly. It cuts the traditional richness of holiday food with bright, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp fresh basil
3-4 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 medium Roma tomatoes
1 loaf French baguette
Shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil, set aside
2-3 minced cloves garlic, set aside.
Instructions:
In a jar, combine the set aside 1/4 cup olive oil and garlic. Cap the jar and set aside at least one hour.
Chop the tomatoes and clear out as much of the juice and seeds as possible.
Mince the garlic extremely fine. Roll the basil leaves together and coarsely chop.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Chill in the fridge.
Cut the French baguette into slices and place on a baking sheet. Brush the slices with the garlic infused oil. Top with shredded Parmesan, and bake at 350 F for 5-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve the bruschetta and crostini together.
