With awards season in full swing, you have the perfect excuse to host an elegant cocktail party with your friends and watch the stars in action!
You need something a little hearty, so try this simple bruschetta. It’s easy to prep and just fancy enough. Here’s what you need:
I don’t know why exactly, but having seafood on the menu really ramps up the swank factor. Kick it up a real big notch with this idea: Roasted Shrimp with Pomegranate-Orange Salsa. Click here for a salsa recipe, but try this easier plan for the shrimp from my cooking blog, Kitchen Mischief:
Last week, Leslie told you how to bling it up — this week I’m going to share a few tasty and elegant appetizers that will make a Hollywood-style impression with your guests.
Before we begin, you need to know what beverage to serve. To me, there’s only one answer — champagne, and lots of it! Prosecco, Cava, whatever you want, as long as it’s cold and bubbly! Here's a few of my faves...
And now, without further ado, on to the menu!
I’ve made this recipe before and trust me — it’s very tasty. Endive by itself is WAY bitter, but the goat cheese smoothes it out and the balsamic cuts right through it. The result is an easy-to-eat, elegant finger food that tastes almost as good as it looks! Click here to get the recipe.
Serving Ideas: Villa Appetizer Tray, Dress Me Up Platter
You need something a little hearty, so try this simple bruschetta. It’s easy to prep and just fancy enough. Here’s what you need:
Roast Beef Bruschetta
Deli roast beef (Boar’s Head London Port is great)
Deli roast beef (Boar’s Head London Port is great)
Fresh baguette
Spreadable gourmet cheese (Boursin or Alouette)
Arugula
Slice your baguette in quarter-inch portions. Spread about two teaspoons of cheese on each piece, top with a few sprigs of arugula, then drape a piece of beef on top, accordion-style. Finish with a sprinkling of kosher salt and fresh pepper.
Serving Ideas: Belle Meade Entertaining Stand, Kensington Large Platter
I don’t know why exactly, but having seafood on the menu really ramps up the swank factor. Kick it up a real big notch with this idea: Roasted Shrimp with Pomegranate-Orange Salsa. Click here for a salsa recipe, but try this easier plan for the shrimp from my cooking blog, Kitchen Mischief:
Easy Roasted Shrimp
2 pounds shrimp (frozen is OK)
2 pounds shrimp (frozen is OK)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
zest of 1 lemon
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp. Pat them dry with a paper towel then spread them in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and then zest the lemon over the shrimp. Use your hands to give them a good toss to make sure they’re coated evenly with the seasonings. When the oven’s ready, pop them in for 8-10 minutes.
Truth be told, I haven’t actually made the pomegranate-orange salsa yet, but doesn’t it look gorgeous? Remember, folks eat with their eyes first, so try out this impression-making dish.
Serving Ideas: Ruffled Glass Bowl, Adair Upside Down Cake Stand
It seems you can hardly go to a party these days without encountering hummus — it’s the ranch dressing of the 2000’s. But just because it’s overdone doesn’t you can’t take it over-the-top. Check out this tasty recipe for Sweet Potato Hummus.
It’s not going to taste like a Thanksgiving casserole, I promise. There’s just enough sweet potato to give your hummus a vibrant orange glow. Just promise me you won’t top it with marshmallows. Promise me! Instead of scraggly pita bread, dress it up by serving with carrot and celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, and flatbread crackers.
Serving Ideas: Riverstone Tapas Set, Stiletto Pedestals
You can’t have an elegant cocktail party without an equally dazzling dessert. Might I recommend chocolate truffles from the Barefoot Contessa? I’ve made these many times...in fact, I even blogged about it...visit Kitchen Mischief for an easy step-by-step walkthrough.
Serving Ideas: Take a Villa Dinner Plate and top it with the Villa Petite Pedestal and voila — an instant serving stand!
I hope you enjoy making these swanky dishes and having a very glamorous time with your friends! Just in case you missed it, check out Leslie’s post about what to wear for your Red Carpet Party!
Have a great weekend!