By Chef Dez / Exclusively for Black Press Media
Whether it’s a formal champagne event or just a get-together with loved ones, delicious appetizers are essential to any successful holiday party.
In today’s market, there are plenty of outlets to buy ready-made appetizers from the freezer section, but that negates all the fun and creativity.
Preparing for a guest party should be fun, and what you prepare should be an expression of your personality.
There are tons of options that are not only delicious, but also easy to make.
For fun events, it’s a good idea to have small pieces of food that people can turn over with one hand to “throw” into their mouths.
This is very useful when a drink is being sipped on the side and there is an abundance of standing and socializing.
Appetizers are a perfect example of this. Don’t let the fancy French name scare you. They are pronounced simply (can pay) and are defined as sandwiches with an open face.
Most appetizers consist of a base, spread, and filling. Ask the baker to cut the bread lengthwise and toast these sheets in the oven. Then place small pieces of bread symmetrically on each square centimeter and cut the bread into the squares now drawn. Decorate each one and put it on a plate.
An example of butter and filling is horseradish-flavored cream cheese with small pieces of lean beef and a sprig of parsley.
Chicken wings are a popular appetizer, and the price for the already “flavored and cooked” versus raw ones is exorbitant.
A simple marinade or sauce can be made from ingredients you probably already have in your fridge, such as barbecue sauce, ketchup, or hot sauce mixed with a variety of other ingredients.
Half the fun is creating something unique to you.
Nothing is more satisfying than hearing someone say, “Wow, have you tried Katherine’s wings?” They are amazing! »
The other half of the fun is all the money you’ll save.
A very exceptional Italian starter.
This can easily be assembled as a last minute dish with a handful of pieces commonly found in an Italian pantry.
Make a quick dressing with equal parts balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for artichoke hearts, tomatoes, roasted asparagus, roasted peppers, or any other vegetables you like.
Arrange this spicy vegetable on a plate of sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto-wrapped watermelon chunks, roasted garlic cloves, Parmesan chunks, and baguette slices, for example.
The possibilities are endless, so get creative.
The options to choose from for the appetizers you’ll be serving are endless, but I hope I gave you some ideas.
Food is a great social aspect of bringing people together, and it’s even more amazing when you make it from scratch.
Dear Chief Dez:
I love making nachos as an appetizer, but they always seem to be missing something. Do you have any suggestions?
Sherry D, Abbotsford
Dear Sri:
For it to taste good, you need to stay focused on the flavor when assembling it.
A few simple changes will help you do this.
The two main ingredients in nachos are tortilla chips and cheese. Make sure the potatoes are lightly salted and of good quality, and if you are using cheddar cheese, choose the extra-plush variety for the best flavour.
Then we add delicious toppings on each layer like marinated chicken, black olives, diced tomatoes, green onions and chili peppers just to name a few.
Most importantly, season each layer of cheese with chili powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper to help bring out the flavors in everything.
Serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, and enjoy!
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Chef Dez is a food writer and cooking instructor based in the Fraser Valley. Visit him at www.chefdez.com. Send your questions to dez@chefdez.com or PO Box 2674, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6R4
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• In the kitchen: how to make the perfect meatballs
• When cooking: Cooking should be a way to connect with people
Ask the chef about the food for the birthday party
