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Appetizers serve two important roles: they whet one's appetite and set the tone for the meal that follows. A stylish sit-down dinner calls for elegant appetizer recipes that look and taste special, while dips and chips are perfect for a backyard barbecue. At a cocktail party, on the other hand, the hors d'oeuvres are the meal, so you'll need to offer a tempting selection. But some of our favorite appetizers are simply snacks, nibbles, and munchies that are meant to be served without ceremony and simply enjoyed.
A good appetizer is a momentary thing, barely noticed in the gap between "here"and "gone." You can spend hours on the main course, but you'll set a mood of grace and ease with a simple starter. If an appetizer's too deliberate, it's broken its promise: to give everyone time to settle in with a round of drinks. If you have to break out a full set of cutlery, what's the point? Here is the list of simple appetizer recipes with pictures like bacon wrapped scallops, apple and Brie fondue, corn salsa and many more.
Vegetables for crudités can be prepared up to one day ahead. Wrap radishes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and celery in damp paper towels and refrigerate in plastic bags. Cut up asparagus, broccoli, green beans, and cauliflower and boil until tender-crisp. Drain, rinse under cold water, and pat dry. Refrigerate as above. Dips and spreads can often be made up to several days ahead and refrigerated. Pâtés and terrines taste best if made one to two days ahead. Meat pâtés can be frozen for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Pastry appetizers can be frozen, raw or baked, for up to one month. Layer them in baking pans, separating the layers with waxed paper, then double wrap in foil. Arrange baked pastries on cookie sheets and reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Bake frozen raw pastries as the recipe directs, allowing extra baking time. Tea sandwiches make excellent appetizers. Make them up to four hours ahead and arrange in jelly-roll pans. Separate the layers with damp paper towels, cover securely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
Little nibblers to go with cocktails, dainty canapés to be passed on a tray, colorful appetizers to serve as the first course at dinner, all reflect the skill of the cook and help create an elegant setting for the occasion. The appetizers in this page include some to be made ahead, some that are light, crunchy and low in calories and other heartier appetizers for those occasions when the party you are planning is almost a meal.
