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Another menu to critique
We're having some friends over for a Christmas open house that starts around 7pm. The invitation stated that it would be some appetizer/finger foods. In our circle of friends everybody BYOB so I don't need to worry about alcoholic drinks.
Here's what I have so far for the menu:
Spinach artichoke dip, guacamole, (I'm putting out tortilla chips and flatbread for the spinach dip & guacamole) cheese & crackers, veggie tray, olives/pickle tray, chips 'n' dip.
Cookies: snickerdoodles, chocolate chip tea cookies (from Brown Eyed Baker), chocolate crackles and maybe some oatmeal/coconut/chocolate chip with red & green smarties.
How does that menu sound? I was thinking of doing spinach dip with pumpernickle bread but I wasn't sure if that would be too much with all the other dips, especially the spinach-artichoke dip. I thought of doing meatballs in the slow-cooker but my husband doesn't think that is considered an appetizer/finger food.
Can you ladies think of anything else that needs to be added to my menu?
Also, we would have the standard bottled water/pop, should I do a punch as well?
Thanks!
Re: Another menu to critique
Agreed with pp that you need a little more nibbles. I'd skip the chips and dip, and possibly even the guac- it sounds odd with nothing else mexican. I also wouldn't add the other spinach dip.
I would add some pinwheels (tortilla, sauce, meat, cheese; roll and slice) or a shrimp cocktail, meatballs, mini puffs filled with chicken salad, little phyllo cups with something.
Finger foods aren't limited to dips and spreads. You can pull up entire cocktail/hors d'oeuvre menus on epicurious.com, if you need some inspiration. Some kind of protein and substantial vegetarian option (stuffed mushrooms, latkes, spanakopita, etc) are a must.
For the desserts, you've got snickerdoodle, then chocolate, chocolate and chocolate. Vary it up. Do one that's fruit based and one that's nut based.
Is it understood that everyone will BYOB or are you going based on an assumption? It wouldn't hurt to have some bottles of wine or an alcoholic punch on standby.
I also think meatballs or shrimp cocktail would be good.
Stuffed mushrooms would be good as well.
I wouldn't add spinach dip since you'll already have spinach vegetable dip.
I agree with kimnels- vary the cookies a little. One with a nut or one with a fruit would be good.
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You don't need another dip, you have plenty there. But I disagree with your husband about the meatballs. If you make them in the crockpot (or really anything) you can put them in a bowl and put a cup of toothpicks next to it. Then you're all set.
I think you need to have a different cookie than the oatmeal/coconut/chocolate chip one though. Almost all of your desserts have chocolate in them. Try this one: http://youngbrokemarried.blogspot.com/2010/05/quite-possibly-best-dessert-youve-ever.html every time I make it people go insane over how good it is.
Tea Time for Lulu
Personally I would add more protein to the menu but just remember that your guests are there for you and hopefully not just for the food. With that said, make sure to have a menu that is easy on your time, talents and budget.
Most of the time when I have appetizer parties I will serve various kinds of chicken wings (BBQ, sweet-sour, orange-garlic, etc); bacon wrapped water chestnuts (or scallops for a real splurge); buffalo chicken wing dip and/or chicken enchilada skillet dip; and things that I can whip up in my sleep rather than trying new things out.
I do think that a punch would be a great addition and there are so many types of alcoholic or non-alcoholic available to you.
Make sure to consider food allergies or medical conditions to avoid offerings that are high fat, high calorie, high carb, etc. Mainly take a deep breath and enjoy a relatively stress-free party with those you've invited. Have a great time!!!