Last Minute Holiday Hors D'Oeuvres

December 24, 2008

During the busy upcoming week, if you run into a bind for a quick-serve, but tasty appetizer try these ideas:

1- Serve a small bowl of olive oil with a cut up baguette, italian bread, etc.. There are tons of flavored olive oils available everywhere from the super market to specialty stores like William-Sonoma. It is a great idea to keep one on hand for emergencies or if you just have any regular old olive oil, add your own flavorings- a little salt and pepper, crushed red pepper or even parmesan cheese. The good thing about this is that it can be left out for an extended time.

2- One of my favorties: spread soft brie cheese on petit toasts or the cracker or bread of your choice and top with a slice of strawberry. This goes particularly well with a celebratory glass of champagne or white wine.

3- Similar to the brie and strawberries, top petit toasts, baguette slices or crackers with softened goat cheese and a sliver of roasted red peppers* for a delicious treat. (*roasted peppers from a jar work great)

4- For a hot appetizer, bacon roll-ups are such a crowd pleaser that I hesitate to even share the recipe!!

Ingredients: package of bacon or turkey bacon, small loaf of wonder bread (crusts removed), spreadable cream cheese and toothpicks.

After removing the crusts from the bread, spread slices of bread with cream cheese on one side. Bread slices should be large enough to cut into 3 smaller slices (I use a scissor to make it easier). Next, cut each slice of bacon in 1/2. Line bacon up on the side of the bread WITHOUT the cream cheese and roll. Secure with a toothpick. Bake at about 350 degrees for about 20 to 30 minutes but keep a close eye on them. Bacon should be on the crisp side and when the bread is becoming toasted on the inside, that will be an indication that they are just about finished. A 16 slice package of bacon will yield about 32 pieces (in which case you probably won't need the whole loaf of bread).

Enjoy and let us know if you try any of them!

FOODIE FAVORITES WISHES YOU A SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!