Appetizers

[Cathie]

I am just wondering do most of you gals ask your guests to bring an appetizer to the exchange, or do you find you do most of the cooking yourself? The first year of my exchange everyone brought wonderful appetizers and last year only 4 girls brought one. I truly don't mind cooking, but I am looking for appetizers that I can possibly prepare the day before.

Thanks in advance.
Happy Halloween!!!!!!!
Cathie

[Ellen]

Hi Cathie,
This will be my 5th year doing an cookie exchange and each person that comes brings an appetizer. This way I can find time to relax too and also we have quite the display of food! I usually make a couple of appetizers and I also make a punch. My friends and I love this party and we look forward to it every year. We each also buy a $10 gift and play the chinese auction game. Hope this helped..
Ellen

[Ellen]

Oh- I almost forgot-I also buy each person a cookie tray to make thier cookies on. I don't spend a lot on the trays-they have real cute ones at the dollar stores every year.

Ellen

[Susan]

I'm asking people to bake 6 dozen cookies, bring a Yankee Swap Gift, and bring a donation for the food pantry.

I think it would be too much to ask them to bring an appetizer as well. I don't mind doing it. It's my part in preparing for the party. (I also bake cookies, set up prizes, make drinks and decorate the house, but hey, it's my party....)

If someone asks me if they can help or bring an appetizer, I probably won't turn them down. My party is this Sunday (12/11) and I had one guest ask me this week if she can forego the cookies and bring an appetizer because she's on Jenny Craig (she's single, no kids). I think that's fine.

I do think it's important to make some things ahead, on Friday and Saturday, so I'm not stuck Sunday morning doing prep work.

[Natalie]

I'm actually looking for appetizer ideas. I make my own. This is my second annual exchange and I love it. It is so much fun.

I'm having a hot chocolate bar but what food can I serve that won't clash with all that sweetness?

Natalie

[Ellen]

I am looking for appetizer ideas too...I have been looking all over the internet for some good sites with new ideas. There is one that I make that goes over real well-its asparagus dip. My husband hates asparagus but likes this dip. All you do is get a pie plate, empty a can of drained asparagus into the pie plate, mix in a cup of mayo, a 1/2 cup grated parm cheese, an 8 oz bag of mozz cheese, mix it up and bake it on 350 for about 30 min or so. Its done when it starts to bubble a little and the top gets browned. I cut up pita bread in triangles and that is what you use to dip. It isnt thin like a dip though. It is so darn good! I had said that at my party everyone brings an appetizer but I should have added that I am the type that never expects anyone to do anything but with this party-everyone insists-I used to argue it but they really all like to bring a dish. The first time they did, I felt funny about it but now I just relax. I still make quite a bit of food, punch, decorations, and I get everyone a cookie tray. I go to a party at my mother in laws too and its the same idea-she has much more fun that way. When I do Christmas eve I do it all-I love it though. If anyone has any different appetizer ideas, I would love to hear them.

[Old Savannah Sue]

I just hosted my first Cookie Exchange yesterday. I decided to make holiday quick breads and some flavored butters. I made banana nut bread, pumpkin bread, cranberry orange bread, and lemon bread. I made them early and froze them all until the night before. I also served mixed nuts, cheese balls and crackers, and some fruit tea punch. The breads were a big hit. We didn't taste any of the cookies, only swapped them. I also had my party on Sunday afternoon, 2 pm.

[charmed654321]

What about something slightly exotic? Hummus or Baba Ganoush with pita bread triangles, some heady green and Kalamata olives, stuffed grape leaves, perhaps some spinach and feta cheese squares, and some chopped moroccan style salad?

I think that would be an excellent contrast to the sweets.

Or perhaps some platters of different types of bruschetta? (sp? I'm too lazy to look it up) Maybe with some caponata (sort of an eggplant caviar), and some sliced good italian bread?

I'd be happy to share some recipes with you if you'd like.

I'm also assuming you prefer cold or room temperature foods you can simply leave out. Are you interested in any hot appetisers also?