When you are planning a dinner for friends or family, it can be difficult to find appetizers that are easy, delicious, and not too messy. Before you decide what foods you want to prepare you must know how many guests will be joining you. If you are having ten guests, three appetizers will be sufficient. If you are having more, just increase the number of appetizers by two. So, for 10 to 15 guests, five to seven appetizers will be plenty.
Appetizers come in a wide variety of flavors. They can be sweet, salty, hot, cold, and everything in between. The appetizers should be chosen carefully, because you don’t want them to overwhelm the meal you are serving. People usually come hungry, and the appetizers are consumed with a vengeance, especially if you choose the right ones. You’ll want to pick a variety, so that all you guests have at least one choice to eat.
Before anything else, you should choose your main course. After that, you can pick appetizers that complement the main course. Keep it simple, and save your worry for the main course. Alternate heavy, concentrated dishes with simple, fresh ones. Find ones that contrast each other in color and taste. For maximum convenience, you can serve a beautiful array of vegetables with creamy dips or cheeses with a combination of fruits and meats.
Appetizers should be lively and varied. Plan them ahead, and choose ones that you can make and freeze, making it less stressful to get them on the table in time for your guests to arrive. Take them out of the freezer in the morning, and they will be ready to pop in the oven just before your guests arrive. Couldn’t be any easier.
Now here is a recipe that Ina Garten uses in her chicken soup. I am changing that up, because I know they will be terrific for an appetizer, and they are so easy. These are a crowd pleaser for sure. The puff pastry bakes up to make these delicious little puffs of yummy bite-size treats– no soup needed! They are topped with a combination of eggs and cream, giving them a pretty shine and delightful flavor. You can add some chives, smoked salmon or scallions on top, or any topping of your choice to make them even more delectable, and perfect for any dinner party. Try cutting them out using different shapes for a beautiful presentation. Easy-peasy. These are a must try!
This recipe is loosely adapted from Ina Garten and will make 12 lovely pastries that all your guests are sure to eat up!
Ingredients for Puff Pastry Croutons:
½ (17.3-oz) pkg frozen puff pastry (such as Pepperidge Farm), thawed
Flour, for dusting
1 extra-large egg, beaten
1 Tbsp heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Lightly dust a board and rolling pin with all-purpose flour.
Unfold puff pastry. Lightly dust with flour and lightly roll to smooth out folds.
Use star-shaped or fluted round cookie cutters to cut out 12 stars or rounds.
Place on prepared pan.
Combine and cream; brush over tops of stars or rounds.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake 8–10 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Notes: Defrost puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator.
To make ahead, Prepare the pastry cutouts and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
It’s that simple!
