Love cocktails? Appetizers? Stress-free entertaining? Then you will love the appetizers from my latest YouTube video, “Cocktails in the Parlor. ” The appetizers in question can all be made ahead of time. This means that you, the host who might also have to wear the hats of cook, butler, and scullery maid, can be a guest at your own cocktail party!
And speaking of parties. Fox and I have found that the easiest and often the most satisfying way to entertain a couple of guests is to invite them to our home for “Happy Hour.” Gathering for drinks and nibbles is a great way to foster conversation. And as I explained in the video, all you need is some comfortable seating, some delicious eats, and some cheeky drinks!
Bean Dip with Fresh Rosemary and Sage. Besides its use as an appetizer, this zippy lemon-and-herb dip makes a fabulous pasta sauce. Just thin it out with extra olive oil, and then toss it with linguine or some other pasta that floats your boat. The dip improves in flavor after it has chilled in the fridge for 12-24 hours. At our party, I served the dip with crackers and crudité.
Bean Dip with Fresh Rosemary and Sage
Ingredients
- 1 15.5 ounce can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 clove of garlic (or more, to taste)
- The juice of 1/2 a lemon (or more, to taste)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Grinds of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons coarsely-chopped fresh rosemary needles
- 7 medium-large sage leaves, roughly chopped
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Put the beans, garlic, lemon juice, cheese, black pepper, and herbs in a food processor. Pulse the machine a few times to break up the beans and garlic. Then turn the machine on while you add enough olive oil to achieve a thick, rich paste.
- Scoop the dip into a boil, cover with cling film, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. Serve with crudité and/or crackers.
Salami in Puff Pastry. This classic appetizer looks and tastes far greater than the sum of its few parts. You can assemble and refrigerate it several hours ahead of time, just as I do. Thirty minutes before guests arrive, simply brush the top with beaten egg, pop it into the oven, and then cut it into bite-size rectangles.
Salami in Puff Pastry
Ingredients
- 1 sheet cold, store-bought puff pastry dough
- 2 generous tablespoons (stone-ground, Dijon, or both)
- 1 generous teaspoon Herbes de Provence
- 12 thin slices Genoa salami
- 1 cup shredded Swiss, Gruyere, or Jarlsberg cheese
- 1 beaten egg
Instructions
- On a lightly-floured surface, roll the dough into an 11x14-inch rectangle. Transfer the rectangle to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the mustard over the lower half of dough, keeping a 1-inch border all around. Sprinkle the dried herb evenly over the mustard, then layer on the salami. Top the salami with the cheese.
- Paint a one-inch strip of egg wash all around the pastry. Then fold the upper half of the pastry over the filled lower half, and press the edges to seal. Pop the works in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
- When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 450°F. Paint pastry top with beaten egg, and cut three venting slits into the top.
- Bake until the pastry puffs and browns dramatically -- 20-25 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before the cutting the pastry into 15 2-inch by 1-inch rectangles. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cucumber Cups. No printable recipe required here, as Cucumber Cups are indeed easy to make! You can make them up to 2 hours ahead of serving time.
Directions: Slice a hot house cucumber into rounds that are approximately one inch thick. Use a melon baller to scoop out an opening, or “cup,” in each round. Fill with deli salad (egg, tuna, chicken) or hummus. If you are flush with cash, you can fill the cups with crème fraiche and caviar. Garnish with pimiento. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Serve cold.
Emma says
Fantastic recipes, as always! I enjoy your email updates and often find myself searching your blogs for a recipe that’s on my mind. I might also try the stuffed pastry recipe with ham simply because I have some left over!
Elizabeth says
These look yummy. I’m a big fan of the cocktail party. They tend to be less labor intensive and you can assign a specified block of time for the party right on the invite. This way, your guests know to leave the party before dinner, leaving the hosts plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the evening.
MaryB says
Not at all into cocktails, but the Cucumber Cups look like a great addition! 🙂 I often add cucumber to chicken salad and like that combo. 🙂
In 999 login says
I absolutely loved this post! The make-ahead appetizers are a game-changer for entertaining, and the recipes look delicious yet manageable. I can’t wait to try the stuffed mushrooms and the cheese board ideas. Thanks for the inspiration, Kevin!
Daman Games says
I absolutely love the idea of make-ahead appetizers! The recipes in “Cocktails in the Parlor” are not only easy to prepare but also look so elegant. Can’t wait to try them out for my next gathering! Thank you for sharing these delicious ideas!
bDg Game says
I absolutely love the idea of make-ahead appetizers! The suggestions in your post from “Cocktails in the Parlor” are not only practical but also sound delicious. Can’t wait to try the stuffed mushrooms – they’re sure to be a hit at my next gathering! Thank you for sharing these fantastic recipes!
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I absolutely love the idea of make-ahead appetizers! Your recipes are not only delicious but also so practical for entertaining. I can’t wait to try the stuffed mushrooms and the mini quiches. Thanks for sharing these fantastic ideas!
92r Game says
I absolutely loved this post! The make-ahead appetizers are a game changer for entertaining. I can’t wait to try the smoked salmon dip – it looks delicious and so easy to prepare ahead of time. Thanks for sharing these fantastic ideas!
Basant game says
I love how these make-ahead appetizers make entertaining so much easier! The recipes are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Can’t wait to try the savory bites for my next gathering! Thank you for sharing these fantastic ideas!
bdg lottery says
What a fantastic collection of make-ahead appetizers! I love how you’ve combined creativity and practicality—it makes entertaining so much easier. Can’t wait to try the stuffed mushrooms; they look divine! Thank you for sharing these delightful recipes!
lucky 97 says
I loved this post on make-ahead appetizers! The recipes are so inventive and perfect for entertaining. I can’t wait to try the stuffed mushrooms and the cheese board suggestions. Thanks for sharing these delightful ideas!
tc lottery says
I love the concept of make-ahead appetizers! Your suggestions are both creative and practical, making entertaining so much easier. I can’t wait to try the stuffed mushrooms and the cheese platter. Thanks for sharing these fabulous ideas!
82 lottery says
I love the idea of make-ahead appetizers! Your suggestions from “Cocktails in the Parlor” are both practical and delicious. Can’t wait to try them for my next gathering—especially the stuffed mushrooms! Thanks for sharing these great recipes!
vidmate apk says
These make-ahead appetizers are a game changer for entertaining! I love the variety you’ve included, and the tips on preparation really make it feel manageable. Can’t wait to try the goat cheese bites for my next gathering! Thanks for the inspiration!
99 Club says
I absolutely love the idea of make-ahead appetizers! The recipes in “Cocktails in the Parlor” are perfect for entertaining without the last-minute rush. Can’t wait to try the stuffed mushrooms and the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. Thanks for sharing such delightful ideas!
primebiome says
I absolutely love the idea of make-ahead appetizers! Your recipes from “Cocktails in the Parlor” are not only delicious but also perfectly easy for entertaining. Can’t wait to try out the stuffed mushrooms for my next gathering—thanks for the inspiration, Kevin!
ri188 says
I absolutely loved this post! The make-ahead appetizers are a game changer for entertaining. I can’t wait to try the stuffed mushrooms and the mini quiches. They look delicious and perfect for my upcoming gathering. Thanks for sharing these fantastic recipes!
dkwin says
I absolutely love the idea of make-ahead appetizers! The recipes in this post are perfect for those busy days leading up to a gathering. I can’t wait to try the stuffed mushrooms and the savory cheese bites. Thanks for sharing these delicious ideas, Kevin!
Amar Club says
I absolutely love the ideas in this post! Make-ahead appetizers are such a lifesaver for entertaining. The stuffed mushrooms look especially tempting—I can’t wait to try them out at my next gathering. Thanks for sharing these delicious recipes!