Looking for "Fancy" Appetizer Ideas

[Bren's Mom]

Baked Brie Bites

Use the pre-made frozen Filo dough cups

http://www.athensfoods.com/products/consumerproduct.aspx?id=12

Warm a little apricot preserves in a small pan, just until it's liquidy.

Chop some pecans or walnuts.

Cut up a wedge of brie into little cubes, just big enough to fit the little cup.

Spray a pan with Pam. Place the cups into the pan. Add a cube of cheese, a sprinkling of nuts and a drizzle of the apricot preserves. Bake for about 15 mins until the cheese is melty.

I just made these for a baby shower and they were devoured. I only made 1 package, next time I'll make at least 2. (15 per package)

I would also do a fancy cheese board, with grapes and fancy crackers.

And another favorite is filo wrapped asparagus. These are super easy also, and really delicious! I usually skip the red pepper aioli and make the Tastefully Simple spinach and herb dip...just because it's quicker.

 

[Nette]

Easiest "fancy" app ever....

Parmesan Bread sticks:

Take a package of puff pastry and unfold it and thaw it out. Slice it into thin strips (about 1/2" wide) with a pizza cutter.

Brush with an egg white and sprinkle on fresh grated Parmesan cheese (I'm generous with the cheese because I love good stinky cheese).

Carefully lift each strip and give it a few twists and place it on a baking sheet (I like to line with parchment, but you could just grease it). Bake following the instructions on the puff pastry.

These things NEVER last long at our parties. A perfect app for a wedding/baby shower, and they look really pretty standing up in a large glass vase.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

For nicer parties, I like to make Rumaki.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/rumaki...rumaki&e8=Quick Search&event10=1&e7=Home Page

However, I've found it prudent to also make an equal selection of "not-quite-rumaki" (eliminating the chicken livers) because some people don't like liver.

 

[mommytotwo]

Quiches

 

[clh2]

This is a super-easy brie cheese recipe:

http://www.thespicehouse.com/recipes/baked-brie-with-apples--cranberries-recipe

And then there are "Cheddar Shrimp Nachos"

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cheddar-Shrimp-Nachos

My last idea - also one of my favorites - because you can make it a couple of days in advance - and any leftovers will last for a few days after the event - Spiced Nuts:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/emerils-spiced-nuts-recipe/index.html

(Now - I only used pecans...and I didn't double any of the spices as was recommended by some of the reviewers.)

I'm also interested in some of these ideas...I have a monthly book club that i refer to as competitive appetizering.

 

[Bearvet]

The engagement party was last night and I want to thank everyone for their suggestions - it was a big help. We had
Shrimp cocktail
Bacon-wrapped scallops
Asparagus-goat cheese-proscuitto bundles
Raspberry-brie bites (in puff pastry)
Mini quiches (from BJs)
Chicken wings - Buffalo sauce and garlic parm
Caprese skewers - tortellini, cherry tomato, basil and marinated mozzarella balls
Sausage stuffed mushroom caps
Cheese and fruit platters
Spinach tortilla pinwheels (filling similar to spinach dip recipe)
Turkey, boursin cheese and lettuce tortilla pinwheels
Devilled eggs with shrimp filling
Pulled pork sliders

For dessert:
Fruit trifle
Bakery cake - chocolate with strawberry filling - incredible!
Chocolate fondue

The food was amazing and received many compliments. Although we didn't use all of the suggestions here (we did use quite a few!), I plan to make them another time. Thanks again!

 

[scbelleatheart]

For nicer parties, I like to make Rumaki.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/rumaki...rumaki&e8=Quick Search&event10=1&e7=Home Page

However, I've found it prudent to also make an equal selection of "not-quite-rumaki" (eliminating the chicken livers) because some people don't like liver.

Love this recipe minus chicken livers! I bake them in the oven.