Cost efficient appetizers- PLEASE HELP??

[Half Baked]

Originally Posted by SignoraEdie

Hummus mixed with Italian Olive Salad
(easy and cost efficient!)


I will purchase a container of hummus (either from a specialty shop like Trader Joe's or at a middle-eastern store) then fold in about 1/4 c of an Italian Olive Salad. Chill and serve with fresh vegetables...carrots, celery, slices of red, green & yellow bell pepper, slices of cucumber. It is refreshing and unique. I always get comments.

Boy this sounds really wonderful!

[SignoraEdie]

Originally Posted by lyndalou

My newest and lately a favorite is creamy gorgonzola cheese served with fig preserves or pear preserves with toasted baguettes or crackers. They are always a hit. You could substitute another blue cheese, but it should not be crumbly.

Reminds me of a favorite appetizer when figs are in season and you have a neighbor who is begging you to take some...wash the figs and cut them in quarters but not all the way through, so it opens like a flower. Then place a piece of gorganzola cheese in the center and wrap the entire stuffed fig with a piece of thin prosciutto. Place on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven...about 350 degrees until the prosciutto is crisp and the cheese very soft. Then stand back...these go quickly!

[SignoraEdie]

Originally Posted by GotGarlic

Put a block of softened cream cheese on a plate and pour about 1-1/2 - 2 cups of jarred or homemade chutney over it. Serve with stiff crackers like Melba toast or Triscuits.

Amazing how versatile a block of cream cheese is...or even the whipped cream cheese in a pretty bowl. You can top it with all kinds of things. For a summer BBQ I like to use a pineapple or mango salsa on top of it with corn chips.

[larry_stewart]

mashed potatoes ( on the thick side)
Large ziti ( already cooked )

Stuff the ziti with the mashed potatoes
place on baking sheet
spray with pam
bake ( i think 350F for about 10 minutes or so, id have to double check this)
and serve with sour cream, mustard, or cheese sauce to dip in

Kinda like mini potato blintzes.

simple, quick and inexpensive

[BBQ Mikey]

BBQ Chicken Pizza. cut pieces small. top with red onion (or red onion chutney). Serve hot or at room temp.

You also can't go wrong with mini smokies wrapped in dough. w/ ketchup/mustard.

Always nice to have fresh fruit with a creamy white and or chocolate dip.

Wasabi Peas intrigue people, no preparation neccessary.

If you are serving wine before dinner, cheese and crackers is a must.