do ahead appetizers...

If you've been reading for awhile you know I love entertaining,

but only if I can join the fun with my family and friends!

Hanging out in the kitchen cooking while everyone else is mingling is not my idea of fun!

Solution:

Simple Do-Ahead Menu for Parties

Followed by my favorite tips for having it together...ahead of time!

Click on title for recipe.

                                                                                             

Giada's Italian Chicken Salad in Lettuce Leaves

Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce

Marmalade Meatballs

Stilton Stuffed Dates wrapped in Bacon

Individual ~ Giada's Mac 'n Cheese

Molten Chocolate Cake

I use main dish recipes served in individual ramekins, cups, tasting spoons or shot glasses,

because preparing hundreds of little appetizers is time consuming.

 

These tasting spoons from Crate & Barrel are great for serving small portions,

I use them for warm Molten Chocolate Cake!

~   Italian Chicken Salad - Prepare morning of party, assemble a couple hours before.

       Cook chicken and toast almonds day before.

~   Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce

        Prepare morning of party and refrigerate.

        Cocktail sauce can be prepared a couple days before.

        Assemble in cups a couple hours before and store in covered plastic container

~   Marmalade Meatballs

        So easy!!  Place ingredients in crockpot 3 hours before party.

        Transfer to lettuce lined plate.

~   Stilton Stuffed Dates wrapped in Bacon

        Pit dates and cut bacon morning of party. Assemble 2 hours before. Bake during party.

~   Giada's Mac 'n Cheese

        Grate all cheese the day before and refrigerate. Assemble a couple hours before party.

        Bake in 9x 13 pan right before party, transfer to ramekins and keep warm.

~   Molten Chocolate Cake

         Prepare day before party and refrigerate.

         Transfer from fridge to oven 30 minutes before you're ready to serve.

         Remove from oven and turn out onto large platter, allow guests to self-serve 

         with tasting spoons and small dessert plates. 

          

 

Bar

I like one signature drink and/or beer and wine all set out for self-serving.

Plan your music and most importantly your outfit in advance.

Set up your buffet early in the day with all serving pieces labeled.

Light the candles, have a little wine before anyone arrives and...

                                                    

have a great time!

(if you missed my Christmas party go here)

Sharing at Mangia Mondays stop by to check out the recipes!