So the Holiday season is upon us and since it’s 2021 instead of 2020, you may actually have guests that just drop in to wish you Seasons Greetings. In this case, you will want to have some Easy Appetizers on hand to serve them, along with wine, sparkling water or a Christmas Cocktail. I went to Trader Joe’s this week and picked up some items that will come in handy for exactly this purpose.
Cheese and Crackers
It’s a classic for a reason and the reason is simplicity. Trader Joe’s has lovely cheese at great prices. My favorite is the Toscano soaked in Syrah, but I also picked up a Brie and a Blue. The rule for cheese boards is: a Hard, a Soft and a Blue. If you want to add some cured meats (like prosciutto), feel free, or some dried or fresh fruit, nuts or olives. It’s easy to make an impressive Charcuterie Plate with items you have on hand. I love these fig and olive crackers from Trader Joe’s to serve with the cheese.
A Block of Cream Cheese and Hot Pepper Jelly
Always a crowd-pleaser, this appetizer is as easy as opening up the cream cheese package and dumping the jelly (also sold at Trader Joe’s) on top. A Southern Delight, serve with Triscuit-style crackers.
Stuffed Mushrooms
This is one of my favorite Holiday treats and if you have some leftover Sausage Stuffing (recipe shown on previous post) it’s super easy. Clean mushrooms and remove stems. Stuff with Sausage Stuffing, place on a foil-lined baking tray sprayed with cooking oil and bake in a 350 degree oven until inside is heated. Yum!
Smoked Salmon on Brown Bread
As easy as it sounds, slice smoked salmon (this one bought at Trader Joe’s) and put it on a bread smeared with mustard. Extra Credit if you top it with a Dill Sprig!
Grilled Sausage with Mustard
This is about as easy as you can get and delicious. Grill your choice of sausage- it could be Italian, Bratwurst, Knockwurst or those funky Chicken Flavors. This one- Truffle– is from Wild Fork, slice and serve with Dijon Mustard and toothpicks. This was the appetizer my Father-in-Law Mort Guilford always served at Family Gatherings at his house, along with lots of vino to drink. A family favorite!
Now we get into the Freezer Section of Trader Joe’s!
Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons with Dipping Sauce
These were from Trader Joe’s, but they have other kinds of dumplings available that would work as well, like Pork and Shrimp. Heat up according to package directions and serve, in a white serving spoon, with a splash of Dipping Sauce. Dipping Sauce is simply: 1 Tsp sugar, 1 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar, 2 Tbls Soys Sauce and 1/2 teaspoon toasted Sesame oil. Delicious and easy!
Scallops Wrapped in Bacon
These are a seasonal item at Trader Joe’s so get ’em while they’re available. Bake according to package directions and serve with Bar-B-Q or Hoisin Sauce. One of my favs!
Parmesan Pasty Puffs
Who can resist Pigs in a Blanket? And these, in the freezer section of Trader Joe’s, are a bit upscale with Puff Pastry and Parmesan Cheese. Bake according to directions and serve with mustard of your choosing. This Dill Pickle Mustard is from- you guessed it- Trader Joe’s.
Other easy ideas are: Cherry tomatoes on a wood skewer with Mozzarella Balls. Line a round tray with Basil Leaves and put skewers inside, for a festive, wreath-like, presentation.
Heat up some soup (I like TJ’s Butternut Squash, Carrot and Ginger or Tomato Basil) and serve in a shot glass, topped with a dollop of sour cream.
Pre-made Onion Dip topped with caviar and served with potato chips is also an easy appetizer that sure to tantalize the Grinchiest palates.
You know how when you go to a parties, the Caterer serve appetizers on such creative trays? Impress your guests by copying their ideas. The easiest, for me, is to cut a Banana Leaf into the appropriate size to fit in a Wooden Tray. Wash the leaf first and make sure any leaf you use is edible, not poisionous!
Herbs Lining a Tray
This oregano edging the silver tray looks like a pretty wreath to me. You could also use Rosemary, Dill or Thyme, according to the herbs you have on hand. I would put an appetizer with a tomato inside the border, for the Holiday green and Red contrast.
Dried Beans
Make a good base to served appetizers. Try to make them pop, with white spoons on Black Beans, something colorful on White Beans, a green appetizer (cucumbers with fish spread?) on Red Beans.
Starfruit
If you have a starfruit tree (I do!) the fruits turn into a beautiful decoration when sliced, especially approriate at the Holidays. I would serve grilled sausage or stuffed mushrooms in the middle of this tray.
I hope I’ve given you some easy ideas for appetizers for unexpected (or expected) guests. The Holidays are hard. Feeding friends and family shouldn’t be!
Up Next: Italian Hot Chocolate