Easy Party Appetizers - What to serve?

Last night my wife hosted a Bunko party for seven of her girlfriends. She knew that the focus was on fun and the dice. But, who can play on an empty stomach?

What should she serve? A few bottles of wine were a definite, but what appetizers go with Bunko? Anyone could display a cheese platter with some colorful fruit and call it a day. Or fill some bowls with assorted nuts. But not her. She wanted a spread that was easy and would impress. Because our kitchen is storage challenged, we have basic cutlery (santuko and paring knives), a few stainless steel pots, a copper sauté pan, and a couple of cookie sheets. So, she couldn't be too elaborate.

Bruschetta perhaps! Puff Pastry Squares with assorted toppings. Parmesan Crisps with Pesto. The ideas started flowing, and the shopping list began to grow. The three focuses were: pretty food, bite size portions, and repeating ingredients.

In the end she decided to go with all three of the appetizer ideas. The trick to doing a bigger menu and staying within your budget is getting creative with the same ingredients. This will make shopping fast and cost efficient, and your guests will never know about the repeating treats.

Shopping list: · Frozen puff pastry, Parmesan cheese, Fresh Basil, Walnuts, Onions, Cream cheese, Tomatoes, Olive Tapenade, Basil Pesto, Semi-sweet chocolate chips, Honey, French Bread Baguette

Appetizer 1: Bruschetta

Slice French bread baguette into ½" slices. Place on stainless steel cookie sheet, brush with olive oil and bake at 350 until golden brown about 15 minutes.

Toppings: 1. Cream Cheese, basil leaf and sliced tomato, 2. Cream Cheese and Caramelizd onions, 3. Sprinkled Parmesan cheese, 4. Olive tapenade mixed with cream cheese, 5. melted Chocolate Chips chips spread on toasted bread sprinkled with chopped walnuts, 6. Cream Cheese spread with walnuts and honey drizzle.

Appetizer 2: Parmesan Crisps with Basil Pesto

Ingredients: 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme or ½ teas. Dried, 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients together. Use silicone baking sheets for this recipe because nothing sticks to them. Or place on a baking sheet coated lightly with cooking spray. Place tablespoonfuls of the mixture with a couple inches between each, and spread them out into ovals about four inches long and two wide. (You should have about 12 crisps.) Bake in the oven until they turn golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool crisps flat on a metal rack. Topping: Store bought basil pesto

Appetizer 3: Puff Pastry Squares

Thaw puff pastry and cut in to 2"x2" squares. Brush with egg wash (1 large egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and bake at 350* until golden ~20 minutes.

Toppings: 1. Basil Pesto and Olive Tepanade from Trader Joe's, 2. Cream Cheese and Caramelized Walnuts (see recipe), 3. Grated Parmesan Cheese and Caramelized Onions (see recipe).

Caramelized Walnut Ingredients: 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water, 2 cups walnut havles, Cooking spray or silicone sheets

Preparation Preheat oven to 325°. Combine sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add nuts to pan, and cook 22 minutes or until sugar mixture thickens and coats nuts, stirring occasionally, watch carefully. Immediately spread nut mixture in a single layer on a edged cookie sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 325° for 20 minutes. Separate nuts with 2 forks. Cool completely.

Caramelized Onions Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds onions, peeled, halved, and thinly slivered, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon olive oil, Salt and pepper

Preparation In a 3- to 4-quart pan over medium-high heat, frequently stir onions and garlic in oil until onions start to become limp; reduce heat to medium-low and stir frequently until onions are very soft and browned, 40 to 45 minutes. If onions start to stick to the pan, reduce heat further and stir in 2 tablespoons water. Add salt and pepper to taste.

All of these dishes were delicious and beautifully plated. But most importantly, they left for her time to socialize with her girlfriends. Food always makes a party better. So she kept it good and simple and all were impressed with the edible easy treats.