I can't decide if you (collective "you") voted for apps because you love a party with a wide variety of munchy food and a dessert bar -- skip the main dishes -- or you just think it will be fun for me to scramble around getting a party of appetizers ready. ;-) I admit, I almost didn't put appetizers on the poll, because making a party out of all apps is difficult to manage, and time-consuming. But people like them, don't they? A full half of the people who voted, chose appetizers and dessert bar over the other four choices.
The pro to an appetizer party is most people can manage a plate of appetizers while standing, or sitting without a spot at the table, and since we'll probably have a houseful, that's a nice pro. The con is an appetizer party is a lot of work. The major downside to all the work, is that my party has been moved to the Saturday after Thanksgiving. That's two big food events in three days. Yikes!
I've been thinking about my menu over the last few days, and want to get as much done in advance, as well as try to plan dishes that don't need constant attention. I decided to add mini pulled pork sandwiches to the appetizer buffet because I know people enjoy them. What do you think?
Red Sangria
Assorted beer
Assorted soda pop and bottle water
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Assorted beer
Assorted soda pop and bottle water
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Caprese Salad Skewers
Antipasta platter
Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
Pulled Pork and Cole Slaw mini sandwiches
Hot Crab Dip and crackers
Shrimp Cocktail
White Bean Dip and Veggies
Spinach Dip and Rye Bread
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Fresh Fruit and Fruity Yogurt Dip
Pumpkin Roll
Coconut Chocolate Chunk Blondies
Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake
Lemon Buttermilk Cake
Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Snickerdoodle Bars
assorted candy in bowls
my favorite coffee and maybe some Bailey's and whipped cream to top it off
.
Antipasta platter
Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
Pulled Pork and Cole Slaw mini sandwiches
Hot Crab Dip and crackers
Shrimp Cocktail
White Bean Dip and Veggies
Spinach Dip and Rye Bread
~~~~~~
Fresh Fruit and Fruity Yogurt Dip
Pumpkin Roll
Coconut Chocolate Chunk Blondies
Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake
Lemon Buttermilk Cake
Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Snickerdoodle Bars
assorted candy in bowls
my favorite coffee and maybe some Bailey's and whipped cream to top it off
.
7 comments:
Can I come? Please?!
I think everyone voted for the apps because all of the other choices were for menus that you have previously used for family dinners and get-togethers. The apps menu was more festive than everyday food. :)
-Linda
Sheila,
Absolutely!
Linda,
Are you saying my choices were unoriginal? Just kidding. I admit I do gravitate to "safe" menus for crowds, i.e. known to be good recipes and popular with family. I also admit that lasagna is not very original, but easy to do for a crowd and always tasty. I know my family and friends will enjoy appetizers -- who wouldn't? There's got to be something you'll like, right? My husband and I have been to a few events for his work recently that were all apps -- catered, of course -- and they were a lot of fun.
No, I didn't mean "unoriginal." I meant safe. Being a daredevil myself, I often use brandnew dishes for company and special occasions. My family enjoys the surprise element, and I am kept on my toes so I don't become complacent. And I notice that your "apps" menu has quite a few safe dishes...hmmm, this is a pattern! :)
Linda,
Yes, safe! I have burned myself (not literally) with new recipes and crowds. With 50+ people invited, I am making sure everyone gets fed quality food! I try new recipes on my immediate family first!
You can so pull this off Barbara. My aunt used to throw a Christmas party for her husbands firm every year and she did this exact same theme. She made EVERYTHING in advance and froze it. Then she had a friend help bartend and myself and another friend cooked all the apps and got them on the hot trays as guests ate them, we replenished by pulling things out of the freezer and baking them in the oven. We did this for years and it was a HUGE success. So see what you can make ahead and maybe try some new appetizers. Let me know if you need any... I inherited all of my aunt's menus from these parties along with all of her recipe boxes/books when she passed away.
blessings!
Barbara, I know that your family and your guests will enjoy a truly lovely occasion right after Thanksgiving...because you have planned it out so well and you are such a good and creative cook. I love your blog, your food, your comments and especially that you are a devoted and proud Catholic mother showing us the way. May God bless you always.
-Linda
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