Unexpected dinner guests showing up in an hour? Not an issue. Your friend that is hosting book club comes down with a stomach bug, and it is now at your house…in 20 minutes? No problem.
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| photo via here |
This list will help minimize the stress of a quick party menu, and you will know that you have the ingredients on hand to make something delicious regardless of the time you have.
1. PITA BREAD: Pita bread is very versatile. Think quick pizzas, wraps, and a great dipping alternative to crackers.
2. CANNED DICED TOMATOES: Canned diced tomatoes can be used for a quick bruscetta or pasta sauce by just adding in what Italian herbs (basil, oregano, garlic salt) you have in your spice drawer. For extra pizzazz, add in fresh basil and some good quality olive oil, and you have something easy and delicious.
3. CRACKERS: Crackers of any variety are essential. The uses are endless.
4. JAR OF ROASTED RED PEPPERS: This little gem will go far for you in pinch. Use it
on a pita pizza with grated Parmesan; puree it with quickly sauteed yellow onion and two cloves of garlic, stir in some heavy cream and salt and pepper, and you have a red pepper soup; top a cracker or toasted french bread with sliced roasted peppers on top of creamy goat cheese…the list goes on and on.
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| recipe here |
5. OLIVES: black, green, pitted, unpitted. Keep a few varieties on hand. These are always appreciated.
6. SALTED MIXED NUTS: Keep a can of salted or other flavored mixed nuts in your pantry. Easiest appetizer there is.
7. YELLOW ONIONS: Sweet yellow onions are the base of much of what I cook. There are many ways to quickly use onions to your advantage: grilled on a pita pizza or french bread, roasted then baked in ramekins with cream cheese creates a light and creamy dip, or finely chopped on top of any bruscetta or quick taco.
8. GARLIC: Chop off the top of a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and place in a preheated 450 degree oven. In 30 to 45 minutes, a delicious sweet smell will be coming from your kitchen. Remove from the foil and serve with warm bread and room temperature cream cheese. It is so good, no one will care what else is available.
9. CREAM CHEESE: Cream cheese is such a great base for many easy dips. Like I mentioned above, it is great smeared on bread with roasted garlic or baked with roasted onions. In addition, you can pour salsa, jalapeño jelly, or even sweet and spicy chili tai sauce on top, and you have an instant delicious dip.
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| recipe here |
10. FROZEN SHRIMP: Thaw in cold water in the fridge, peel, and saute in butter and/or olive oil. Then toss in pasta, dip in easy cocktail sauce, throw in a quick corn tortilla, or even on a pizza. This quick ingredient goes a long way.
11. FROZEN CHEESE TORTELLINI: Boil some water. Toss in the frozen tortellini. When cooked, toss with pesto or just plain olive oil. People will eat it up.
12. AN ASSORTMENT OF CHEESES: Keep a classic cheddar, a soft brie, and a smooth goat cheese in your fridge at all times. As you can see from the photo above, an elegant cheese tray doesn’t need to be fussy. Throw the cheese on a cutting board with crackers, dried cranberries, and some mixed nuts…and you have a beautiful cheese platter. Remember that cheese tastes better at room temperature, so try to pull it out of the fridge before guests arrive. Any cheese you have left over in your fridge that you didn’t use, make a delicious mac and cheese or gourmet pizza over the weekend!
13. HUMMUS: Scoop out pre-made hummus into a beautiful bowl, and you have an instant app. Almost any veggie you have in your fridge – or any bread product you have in your pantry – will complement the hummus. Done and done.
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