Yeah, There’s an App for that!

We certainly enjoy surrounding ourselves with a plethora of delectable delicacies to eat during the holidays, and appetizers reign supreme as the food that is perfectly suited for holiday entertaining.

From crudités to canapés, to hors d’oeuvres to appetizers, these lovely little food bites can be creatively concocted in so many ways that are endlessly satisfying. Hot or cold, hearty or light, sweet or savory—with so many options you can declare with confidence “yeah, there’s an app for that!”

Do you know your crudites from your canapés? A crudite is a traditional French appetizer comprised of raw vegetables. While canapé was once a French reference for the couch, some people thought a piece of toast topped with a savory food looked like a couch, and so “canapé” took on an additional meaning.

Feed the eye and the stomach…Flavor matters, but we also taste with our eyes so increase the visual experience of your appetizers by presenting them in attractive ways.

A single serving of celery, carrot and bell pepper sticks standing upright in shot glasses or votive candle holders with a spoonful of dip in the bottom is a unique presentation and easy for guests to handle.

Use interesting containers like martini glasses for olives or shrimp and hollowed out gourds, peppers, pumpkins and pineapples to serve dips.
 

Decorate your delicacies…Use simple garnishing techniques to compliment your appetizers and bring your presentation to a whole new level. Depending on the appetizer, garnishes can range from a bed of greens to curls of cheese or chocolate, to tiny fruits or sprinkled sugar or coconut powder. Garnish a dish according to its flavor and/or color (i.e. sweet or fruity garnish with a sweet dish). For other great garnishing tips go to: http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/how-to-garnish-cooking.htm

With just a little effort, appetizers can be as special, unique and beautiful as everyone and everything included in your holiday celebrations!

Here we offer a few of our favorites
to get your holidays off to a delicious beginning.

Individual Veggie Pizzas with Two Squashes

Cuban Quesadillas with Smoked Ham and Pickled Peppers

Holiday Brie en Croute

Candied Walnut-Camembert Puff Purses

Piadina with Fontina and Prosciutto

Blue Cheese and Pecan Stuffed Dates

Ham and Roasted Pear Crostini

Seafood Cucumber Stacks with Lemon Cream and Chives