Housewarming party/food question

[wdw_dine_junkie]

I'm usually hanging out on the Restaurants board, but I knew that you wonderful people would know the answer to this question.

I'm having a housewarming party in a few weeks. I'm sure people will be in and out all afternoon so I could use some suggestions for food that will be good out at room temp for a couple of hours. If there is anything I can make in advance and freeze the week before that would be a great timesaver too.

Also, I do have a crockpot to use for meatballs or something. I also have a Kenmore roaster that has inserts for a buffet steamer. The bins are fairly deep so any hot food suggestions would be great for there.

I am planning to get a few trays of sandwiches and drummettes from the local Publix grocery store.

Thanks in advance. I know I'll get some great suggestions.

 

[mcnuss]

How fancy?

For an open house, I usually make a mexican 7 layer dip that tastes best at room temp. I also put out hummus and pita chips.

My other big party favorite is to go to Costco or BJs and get the huge box of hors d'oeuvres that get heated up in the oven. Every half hour, I put in a new batch.

 

[wdw_dine_junkie]

Nothing too fancy. I love taco dip, that's a good idea. I have a Sam's membership, so I'll have to check out what they have in the freezer section.

Anyone have any ideas on what I could keep in the steamer bins besides meatballs? Mini eggrolls? I wonder if they would stay crispy or just get mushy after an hour of so.

 

[pumba]

in my crockpots......meatballs ....sweet and sour kielbasa.....also those mini hotdogs with grape jelly and mustard.....I love foods like this and it keeps well in the crocks......have a great time.....dont' forget dips with chips and also veggies...make the veggies one bites.....like carrots....celery....brocolli florets.....cauliflower......sliced mushrooms....radishes.....also chips from the local mexican restaurant and salsa.....all good things that will not go bad for a few hours
have fun

 

[inky dinky doo]

How about cubes of ham and different cheeses, especially for those (like me) who are doing low carb. It's amazing how popular that's become, lately. I think a fruit tray would be nice, too. And, if you wanted to get fancy, you could put the fruit on bamboo skewers -- sorta like fruit shishkabobs. We did that for a reception, one time, and it was really pretty.

You could also use your steamer inserts to create a baked potato bar. Baked potatoes in one or two bins (already baked, just keeping them warm), cheese sauce, broccoli, bacon bits, chili. You're limited only by your imagination.

Pat

 

[mommytotwo]

Chicken wings, bbq sticks, spinach rolls, and finger sandwiches.

 

[panfan]

The last few parties I have had the hot item was the chicken fingers!! I just made enough for the kids but guess who was eating them...the adlult!! They can be left in a steamer or even left cold ...with some honey mustard or dip of your choice. ( I am talking the good kind...chicken tenders)

Also I love to do BRUSCHETTA.... it is easy and everyone loves it...just buy some italian bread and slice down ...bake on cookie sheets untill crispy ( like toast) with olive oil and garlic if you like. then top with the mixture of , really what ever you like, but I do tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, garlic , olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, thyme and cucumber...ALL CHOPPED FINE. and then just arrange on the tray, supprisingly it doen't cause the toast to become soggy...yummy ! ( also you could add anything you like to the mixture, olives and peppers are good too!)