Party Appetizers

We love to host wine tastings and try to come up with unique appetizers that are easy to eat with your fingers, that go well with wine. We made five appetizers for this wine tasting and topped it off with a chocolate mousse with a sprig of fresh mint leave later in the evening. Since several of our guests were vegetarians, I kept that in mind and used vegetarian refried beans in the Mexican party cups. I made sure the summer sausage was at the bottom of the skewer on one of the appetizers so it could easily be left on the plate, to be scooped up by one of the ominivores. I started making these appetizers at noon and didn't finish until after 5:00, so make sure you allow plenty of time for preparation. I forgot to take a picture of the chocolate mousse that I scooped into small martini glasses.

Crab and Mango Cups

 

 

 

 

This appetizer was inspired by Ellie Krieger in The Food You Crave cookbook. I substitued Filo cups for the wonton cups that she called for. It was quicker, crunchy and pre-baked, which I love.

2 boxes of Filo pre-baked cups (15 cups per box)

DRESSING
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 Tablespoons olive oil

CRAB SALAD
1/2 lb fresh lump crabmeat
1 stalk celery, diced
1/2 cup ripe mango, peeled and finely diced
2 Tablespoons green onions, sliced thin, green and white parts
1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped fine

Whisk together the lime juice and zest, seasonings and olive oil until well combined.

In a medium bowl, gently toss the crabmeat, celery, mango, onions and cilantro. Add the dressing and toss.

Fill each cup and serve immediately.

PEPPERY FETA CHEESE SKEWERS

These appetizers will wake up your taste buds in a hurry! The feta marinates in a peppery orange sauce for three hours while you prepare your other appetizers. Pop the quartet of tastes in your mouth all at once for the full flavor. This was also inspired by Ellie Krieger's cookbook.

1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces Feta cheese (cut into 1/2" cubes)
24 fresh mint leaves
12 pitted green olives, cut in half
1 cucumber, cut into 1/2" chunks

Combine fennel seeds, orange zest, juice and pepper in a shallow bowl, gently place the feta cheese in bowl and marinate for 3 hours in refrigerator.

When marinated, place a mint leaf on a skewer followed by a chunk of cucumber, an olive half and gently place a cube of cheese on the end. The feta cheese can crumble easily, so you have to treat with care.

Summer Sausage Skewers

SUMMER SAUSAGE SKEWERS

This is an easy appetizer that can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for a few hours.

1 summer sausage log
8 large fresh basil leaves
18 pitted kalamata olives
18 cherry tomatoes

Layer, starting with the olive, then follow with the basil, tomato and finally the summer sausage.(I added a touch of spicy mustard on the summer sausage, but you can omit this)

Mexican Party Cups

 

 

 

This is a layered spicy dip that needs to be made shortly before your guests arrive to insure the cups remain crispy.

1 (15 ounce) can Refried beans
1/2 cup medium black bean and roasted corn salsa

1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 drops hot sauce
Tostito Scoops (makes 30)
15 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 (4 ounce) can sliced black olives
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream

Mix beans, salsa onion, cilantro and hot sauce in medium bowl. Place a spoonful into each scoop. Place half a tomato and a  black olive on top, then shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.

Sausage Balls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is an old favorite that tastes like a sausage and cheese biscuit from your favorite fast food restaurant.

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)  (keep on counter for 20 min. before mixing)

Dash of hot sauce

Dash garlic powder

1 egg

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese finely grated

3/4 cup Bisquick

MIX SAUSAGE with Bisquick THEN add cheese to avoid a white appearance.

Use a food processor. Blend all ingredients together until fully incorporated. Shape mixture into 1 inch balls. Put on a sprayed cooling rack on top of a baking sheet before placing in oven so the grease drips into the pan. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Turn balls over half way through cooking. Makes about 16 balls. Cover while cooling to retain moisture.