One of my favorite things is to entertain. When my boys were young there was nothing more gratifying than having umpteen sneakers at the front door. Whether it was the annual Super Bowl party, basketball carbo-load, or just a bunch of kids hanging out, my desire to be the pretend chef to dozens of hungry kids was fulfilled. Although I am no gourmet cook, they never seemed to mind the crazy creations.
Ever since I was young, during the holidays, it’s been a family tradition to have at least one evening where we simply enjoyed appetizers and small plates with family and friends. Sounds dainty, right? Not so much. I grew up in a household where food was not just plentiful, it was over-the-top abundant. The kitchen was flooded with dozens of appetizers, charcuterie (before it was a thing), traditional dishes, deserts and what my Dad calls, “sore throat medicine.” A frozen concoction of vodka, orange juice and lemonade. It was created in an empty plastic gallon ice cream bucket and stored outside in the snowbank. The medicine was served in fancy holiday glasses with a splash of generic Sprite or Ginger Ale and a straw. He said it would cure any ailment. The feast was accompanied by an evening of playing cards or board games and hours of laughter.
In honor of our family tradition, I’d like to share my favorite toast inspired appetizers. These work well for crostini or bruschetta and pair nicely with sore through medicine. Enjoy!
Mock Rumaki: Take on the classic bacon wrapped dates and goat cheese.
The Whiz: Oh-so gooey pasteurized cheese spread with a pop of pepperoncini
Horsey Beef: Classy rare beef, arugula, and horseradish.
Blue Bayou: Saucy blueberry. Lemon zest, and whipped cream cheese.
Leave me in Tuscany: Prosciutto, burrata and aged balsamic.
Honey your Hot: Blue cheese, candied pecans, and hot honey.
Take me to Church: Church basement potluck egg salad.
Fancy Pants: Pomegranate seeds, orange, pistachios, and cream cheese.