Holiday Hors d'Oeuvres

[jane jane]

Hello MWO friends---

With the party season upon us, I thought we might share our favorite nibbly-bits (yes, Brits, I know what "bits" means Over There but I mean the little edible appetizers---oh wait---double entendres abounding---!)

Here's one I served last night when Little Jane arrived home from college for the weekend, with boyfriend in tow. I made it up out of things I found in the fridge! Big hit by the fire with wine (for Mr. Jane and kids) and club soda with lime (poor me...)

SPINACH FETA TARTLETS in PHYLLO

2 bags organic baby spinach leaves
2 T olive oil
1 small jar (about 1/2 cup) commercial tapenade or olive spread
1 package feta cheese crumbles
1/2 cup pine nuts (extra for garnish)
1 egg
30 tiny commercially-packaged phyllo pastry cups ('Athens' brand here in the USA)

Saute' spinach in oil. When wilted, stir in tapenade and cheese, nuts, and egg. Spoon into little shells and bake until set, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately, but also good room temperature.

Really satisfies that salty craving!

[lushy]

I love phyllo but have never tried the cups. Sounds much easier.

Here is one of my favorites that is so easy. Now it sounds weird but it is heavenly. And not at all healthy.

Shrimp Butter

In a food processor blend together equal parts baby shrimp and butter. Spread on good french bread or nice crackers. It is always a hit when I bring it.

[jane jane]

Now, Queen Lushy, that sounds right up my alley. Do you get the baby shrimpies already cooked? We boil big pots of shrimp in the summer, and this sounds like a delicious way to use up some leftovers. My sister's Brit in-laws serve something similar, but call it "potted shrimps."

As a matter of fact, you may have solved a problem for me. I am giving a Christmas open house for "ladies only" (sort of mother/daughter afternoon thing) and needed something to serve alongside demitasse cups of curried courgette bisque. Little mini-baguette slices slathered with "Shrimp a la Lushy" may be just the thing! Yummmm! Hey, maybe one day you and I need to write a cookbook...

[lushy]

Yes, I just buy the baby bay shrimp. I am sure leftover cooked prawns would work as well. It would be so good with a bisque.....

[jane jane]

I'm going to "audition" this combo tomorrow, then freeze the bisque for my party. May change to a butternut squash recipe, though, for brighter colour. Sure sounds like a hit to me. You are just full of great ideas! I'm telling you, the "Lushy and Jane Jane Cookbook" may be next year's big publishing sensation...

[jane jane]

Fabulous appetizer alert! If you live near a Sam's Club, go look in the fancy-cheese aisle and get a "Meza" brand bruschetta topping---chopped Roma tomatoes, basil, and onions. Absolutely delicious on a crostini with a smear of goat cheese.

[lushy]

Did you try the shrimp butter?

[Accountable for Me]

I want to try the shrimp butter spread. I think it would be great. Thanks, Lushy. I needed an appy to take to this thing tonight, next door. A bunch of old people....... why do I get roped into this stuff? Anyway. Great, great idea for an appy!

[jane jane]

I did try it, and it's wonnnnnderful. So simple! The best kind of appetizer...

[Preciouspinot]

These sound like great recipes but, I need more ideas. Christmas day we invite everyone to my house and I end up feeding about 40 people throughout the day. They come and go at different times. Usually we do the entire meal by scratch but, the apps end up being store bought. This year I want to have the apps be homemade as well. I need apps that I can do ahead of time and will keep throughout the day.

Thanks in advance!