There are some pretty handy things to have for appetizers, like mini fillo cups. They are pre-made small flaky shells that you’ll find in frozen foods or sometimes on the shelf. You can fill them with all kinds of wonderful things. So let’s talk about some of the fillings you could make. You might want to use a food processor to make some of them.
- smoked salmon – mix cream cheese, a little cream, capers, dill, thinly sliced green onions, lemon zest and smoked salmon (drizzle in a little honey if you want a slightly sweet flavor)
- mushroom – saute 1/4 lb of finely chopped mushrooms and 1/2 of a medium onion, finely chopped, in 2 TBSP butter – add 1/8 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper – when cooked stir in 1/4 cup sour cream and 2 TBSP soft cream cheese
- mix diced tomatoes with feta, lemon zest, pepper and dill (also a little lemon juice and olive oil, if you like)
- mix grated mozzarella cheese with basil pesto and or diced sundried tomatoes or sundried tomato pesto
- mix diced ham, softened butter, grated swiss cheese, chopped chives, and dijon mustard
- mix diced rare (or medium rare) steak, blue cheese, softened butter, and garlic powder
- mix softened cream cheese, diced roast beef, and horseradish
- creamed spinach, try Emeril’s recipe
- I do try to stay away from mayonnaise-based or egg fillings, unless they are going to sit out 2 hours or less.
Some other appetizers to consider:
- make bite-sized salmon croquettes
- No cook meatballs – Grind 1/2 lb smoked chicken meat in the food processor, mix with 1 stick softened butter, finely chopped green onion, 1 tsp dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Form small meatballs and roll in toasted bread crumbs or crushed pecans.