Cooking Resources

doe1260 · 06-18-2007, 09:31 PM

Hi all -
We're hosting an after work party. Menu (as it stands today) is:
- ribs
- Burgers
- Sausages (sweet and hot)
- Baked Beans
- Cole slaw
- buffalo Chicken dip
- Layered Taco dip
- Veggie platter
- Cheese platter

Deserts will be whatever guests bring....

I'd like a unique appetizer that's easy and good... I always make the taco dip and buffalo chicken (folks expect it), but I'd like something new.

Any good ideas?
thanks so much!

SierraCook · 06-22-2007, 12:15 AM

Here is a great recipe originally posted by jkath. It is one of my favorites.

Jack Daniels Kielbasa

1 kielbasa (the real stuff, no turkey, no light....)

Boil in water 20 minutes to get the fat out. Dry on paper towels & cool. Cut into large-ish bite sized pieces.

In a pan, stir 3/4 cup ketchup, 3/4 cup light brown sugar & 1/2 cup Jack Daniels. Cook on low to med-low. When it's bubbly, add kielbasa. Cook, stirring about every minute or two for at least 45 minutes. (You don't want to scorch it) so it cooks down to a nice saucy consistency.

These are great appetizers. However, they are just as good if you make it the day before, keep in the fridge & then heat & serve.

Barb L. · 06-22-2007, 05:07 AM

Slices of cantaloupe and watermelon would be refreshing, hence - fruit platter.

obiwan9962 · 06-22-2007, 05:28 AM

an extention of barbL's suggestion:

slices of various melons: cantaloupe, honeydew, juan canary, crenshaw, etc.... wrapped in prosciutto or spanish ham or even black forest ham
serve with wedges of lime

obiwan9962 · 06-22-2007, 05:29 AM

asparagus marinated in olive oil, lemon zest and mint
grilled then chilled
and finally wrap two or three with smoked salmon

obiwan9962 · 06-22-2007, 05:30 AM

cut figs in half and stuff with either sweetened ricotta or gorgonzola (per your preference)and top with a toasted hazelnut

*amy* · 06-22-2007, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doe1260

Menu (as it stands today) is:
- ribs
- Burgers
- Sausages (sweet and hot)
- Baked Beans
- Cole slaw
- buffalo Chicken dip
- Layered Taco dip
- Veggie platter
- Cheese platter

Hi doe. Looking at your menu so far, I might include a big green salad (as a starter), potato salad or cold macaroni salad & keep the appys simple for this menu -- also, because, you already have two dips. Just my opinion.

Big Green Salad
(include any ingredients you like)
i.e. mixed greens, mandarin oranges, black olives, slices of red onion rings etc.

Spinach Strawberry Salad

Deviled eggs

A different take on deviled eggs - Prepare hard-boiled eggs, cut in halves, scoop out the inside (yellow/yoke), and save for another use. Fill egg halves with guacamole

Stuffed mushrooms

Hot (chicken) wings

Loaded Baked Potato Skins
(cooked crumbled bacon, melted cheddar cheese, sour cream & chives)

Fried Mozzarella Sticks
w Marinara Dipping Sauce

Shrimp or crab cocktail

Coconut Shrimp

Bruschetta

Watermelon Feta Salad

Chunks of watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, sliced black olives, sliced red onion rings, with evoo drizzled over the top. Add fresh mint if you like.

Pear halves stuffed w cream cheese and chopped walnuts

Cherry tomatoes stuffed with herbed cream cheese

Fruit kebobs
(Honeydew, cantaloupe, strawberries, red and green grapes, sliced kiwis)

love2"Q" · 06-22-2007, 05:43 PM

hard to go wrong with grilled quesadillias ...

doe1260 · 06-23-2007, 07:47 AM

All great ideas! Since my schedule this week is starting to look "nasty", I think we'll add the "big green salad" suggestion, and likely some fruit.

THANKS SO MUCH!

middie · 06-23-2007, 09:09 AM

Another dip you could try...

A can of black beans, drained and rinsed
A can of corn, or you can scrape it off the cob
A can of diced tomatoes, drained
A bunch of chooped cilantro
Some salt (though I omit it) and some pepper

That's it. Easy and yummy. I eat it with some
tortilla chips.

Marcus · 06-23-2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doe1260

Hi all -
We're hosting an after work party. Menu (as it stands today) is:
- ribs
- Burgers
- Sausages (sweet and hot)
- Baked Beans
- Cole slaw
- buffalo Chicken dip
- Layered Taco dip
- Veggie platter
- Cheese platter

Deserts will be whatever guests bring....

I'd like a unique appetizer that's easy and good... I always make the taco dip and buffalo chicken (folks expect it), but I'd like something new.

Any good ideas?
thanks so much!

How about hot dogs?

Marcus · 06-23-2007, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amy123

Fried Mozzarella Sticks
w Marinara Dipping Sauce

I have two recipes, one for battered and fried mozzarella sticks, and one for battered and fried onion rings. Want to see them?

ClevelandRob · 06-23-2007, 04:41 PM

If you are looking for a hit of the party appetizer, you should try making BLT Dip. It is AWESOME! Everyone at the party will end up asking you for the recipe!

Interested?

*amy* · 06-23-2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus

I have two recipes, one for battered and fried mozzarella sticks, and one for battered and fried onion rings. Want to see them?

Sure would, Marcus. You can never have too many mozzarella sticks.

(My recipe is similar to Giada's - except for the Parmesan cheese.)
Mozzarella Sticks

kitchenelf · 06-23-2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by middie

Another dip you could try...

A can of black beans, drained and rinsed
A can of corn, or you can scrape it off the cob
A can of diced tomatoes, drained
A bunch of chooped cilantro
Some salt (though I omit it) and some pepper

That's it. Easy and yummy. I eat it with some
tortilla chips.

Middie - can I add a big fat squirt of fresh lime to this?

Oh boy, I know what I'm making tomorrow for a munchie!

JoAnn L. · 06-23-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClevelandRob

If you are looking for a hit of the party appetizer, you should try making BLT Dip. It is AWESOME! Everyone at the party will end up asking you for the recipe!

Interested?

Would you please give us your BLT recipe. Thanks.

ClevelandRob · 06-23-2007, 11:41 PM

BLT RECIPE

What you need:

1 lb. of REGULAR sliced bacon (coarsely chopped)
2 medium vine ripe tomatoes (diced)
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of mayonaise
1 leak (optional)
1-2 loafs of baggette style or french bread

Fry the whole pound of bacon (cut the strips in thirds) to desired crispness.
Drain fat and coarsely chop the bacon up
Combine all ingredients and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

When serving, cut up the bread in slices and spread the dip on the bread.

AWESOME RECIPE!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me know if you have any questions.

middie · 06-24-2007, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitchenelf

Middie - can I add a big fat squirt of fresh lime to this?

Oh boy, I know what I'm making tomorrow for a munchie!

Oh I don't see why you couldn't Elfie. I never have but I bet it would be great !

Btw, BLT is awesome !!!!!!! I don't add leeks to mine though.

obiwan9962 · 06-24-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by middie

Oh I don't see why you couldn't Elfie. I never have but I bet it would be great !

Btw, BLT is awesome !!!!!!! I don't add leeks to mine though.

then there is no L in your BLT
lol try it with the leek it's great
my recipe is very similiar only i add a ton of fresh black pepper to mine

velochic · 06-26-2007, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by obiwan9962

an extention of barbL's suggestion:

slices of various melons: cantaloupe, honeydew, juan canary, crenshaw, etc.... wrapped in prosciutto or spanish ham or even black forest ham
serve with wedges of lime

And an extention of this... skip the acid and top with crumbled roquefort or other delicious blue cheese. Blue cheese and canteloupe... yummmmmmm!