What could be more fun—and entertaining—than an appetizer dinner with friends? Last night we hosted some of our favorite pals and started things off with Rachael Ray’s Garlicky Holy Guacamole and blue corn chips. This guac was a huge hit—the recipe was simple, but the flavors were of this world. Next, I brought out Ina Garten’s Rotisserie Chicken with Satay Sauce (outrageously good!), followed by Spicy Cocktail Meatballs. Frozen, pre-cooked meatballs from the grocery store kept it simple, but the jazzy sauce kicked things up—a combo of ketchup, chopped onions, lots of crushed red pepper flakes, brown sugar and a splash of red wine vinegar.
A bit later, we were enjoying the third round of hors d’oeuvres: Crabbies (from the freezer, leftover from a previous party) and Plantation Andouille Sausage and Pecan Tarts (recipe on the back of the Athens mini fillo shells box). This sweet/savory layered mini cup combined bacon, sausage and onion (first layer); cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, fresh thyme leaves and chopped pecans (second layer); topped off with grated hot pepper jack cheese!
We ended our appetizer dinner with Ina Garten’s Sun-Dried Tomato Dip—a wonderful blend of cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, hot pepper sauce, green onions, sun-dried tomatoes, salt and pepper—perfect with chips, crackers or fresh veggies.
Plan an appetizer dinner party with your best friends. Many hors d’oeuvres can be made ahead of time and frozen, while others can be put together in a snap if ingredients are prepped in advance. What a fun way to spend an evening!
