Holiday Appetizers

I will be serving finger foods for an event this weekend and I am searching for ideas.

These are several appetizers I am considering.

Roasted Red Pepper,

stuffed with a Mozzarella bite,

toasted on a baguette,

with a garnish of green onion.

Goat Cheese Stuffed

Bacon Wrapped

Dates

Use a broiler pan to allow grease to drain.

Boursin, Prosciutto Fillo Cups

1 Package Athens mini Fillo Shells (makes 15)

(1) 5.2 oz. pkg. Garlic & Herb Boursin Cheese

6 slices Prosciutto Diced and crispy fried

1/2 cup sliced green onions, more for garnish.

Mix Prosciutto, Green onion and Boursin.

Fill thawed Fillo cups, garnish with more green onions.

Refrigerate until serving.

Spinach Artichoke Fillo Bites

6 oz. Cream Cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese

(1) 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, cooked drained and liquid squeezed out

1 cup quartered artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, roughly chopped.

1/4 Teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt & Pepper to taste

45-60 Athens Mini Fillo Shells (3-4 packages)

Mix cream cheese, parmesan cheese, sour cream, drained spinach, chopped artichokes, and cayenne pepper.  Salt & pepper to taste.

When you are ready to serve, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fill Fillo shells with heaping teaspoon, rounded on top. Bake 10-12 minutes or until heated through and golden brown on top. 

English Muffin Appetizers

1 Jar Old English best (or 6 oz. Cheddar Cheese)
½ C Butter
1 ½ Teaspoon Mayo
1 ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
1 Can Crab Meat
Spread on 6 English Muffins (12 halves)
Broil till Crusty – Allow to cool – Cut to bite size

These are all tried and true.  Hope you enjoy.  ~~Shelly

BLUE MONDAY Cocktail

Sept 4, 2017 is Labor Day, and on this day many will be getting together to enjoy food, drink and the waning days of summer.  A celebration of the America worker, Labor Day was first celebrated in 1882 in New York City. By 1885, municipal ordinances were passed declaring the day an official celebration. By 1887, Oregon had become the first state to pass legislation declaring Labor Day a holiday.  In 1894, the U.S. Congress made it official.  

Like most national holidays in America, the driving force behind the celebration is food.  Say goodbye to summer with the season's bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. That means sun-kissed tomatoes, sweet corn and juicy berries, as well as other warm-weather favorites like lobster, steaks, ribs and anything else you can throw on the grill, of course purchased from your local neighborhood Harter House Supermarket.   Kebabs are a great way to combine your favorite meats and veggies in a cool, colorful package. Served with a few simple sides like orzo salad and cucumber salad, they're easy to prepare and to clean up. 

Dessert could be a messy but delicious make-your-own-sundae bar, a fresh fruit cobbler or a berry crisp. 


Blue Monday (serves 1)
* 1 oz vodka
* 1/2 oz Triple Sec
* 1/2 oz Blue Curacao
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice. Shake, then strain into a cocktail glass. 



In the spirit of Labor Day, encourage your guests to really relax by filling your outdoor area with hammocks, comfortable lounge chairs, lawn blankets and lots of pillows.  Like 4th of July, patriotic decorations dominate for Labor Day, but in addition to the stars and stripes, the slight chill in the air means you can also decorate in warm, earth tones and rich oranges, golds and yellows.   Tiki torches, twinkle lights and candles in hurricane lamps keep things bright if your party lasts into evening. And don't forget the citronella candles to keep any flying critters away.