Good outdoor party foods?

[Anna Low]

We are having a party (yay!) in a few weeks and I have been searching for easy to fix appetizer-like foods that won't wilt and get gross. Any ideas, other than the standard deli-type things or dips?

[taragiraffe]

The only recipe I have is stuffed mushrooms:

24 large fresh mushrooms
1/2 chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 c fine bread crumbs
1/2 c shredded cheese (I use mozarella)

Remove stems from mushrooms and chop enough to make one cup. In medium saucepan, cook stems, onions, and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in crumbs and cheese. Spoon mixture into mushroom caps. Arrange in baking pan; bake at 425 for 8-10 minutes.

*I also melt a little bit of mozarella on top of them.

T

[kemaji]

Grilled shrimp are a good finger food, a crudite plate or bruschetta would work too.

[ssstephanie]

I take a Seven-Layer Bean dip in a nice glass serving dish plus a huge bag of Tostitos to every casual shindig I go to. It has never failed!!!! If you want the recipe, let me know. It's super easy.

[JRPAGV]

Bump :)

[JRPAGV]

Found this on Kraft's website. I haven't tried it, but it looks good. :)

Roasted Pepper and Basil Skewers (http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=64873)

http://www.kraftfoods.com/images/recipe_images/Roasted_Pepper_and_Basil_Skewers.jpg

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 30 min
Makes: 16 appetizer servings, 1 skewer each

1 pkg. (16 oz.) POLLY-O Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese, cut into 16 cubes
16 fresh basil leaves
2 medium yellow or red peppers, roasted, cut into 16 small squares
16 small cherry tomatoes
16 toothpicks or small wooden skewers
1/3 cup KRAFT Special Collection Classic Italian Vinaigrette Dressing

INSERT 1 cheese cube, basil leaf, pepper square and tomato onto each toothpick; place in small shallow dish.
POUR dressing over skewers. Let stand 20 min. to marinate, turning occasionally.
REMOVE skewers from marinade just before serving. Discard marinade.


KRAFT KITCHENS TIPS

How To Roast Peppers:
Arrange whole bell peppers or large chile peppers on foil-lined baking sheet. Place under broiler 2 to 4 inches from heat source. Use kitchen tongs to turn peppers as skin becomes blackened. Continue rotating peppers until skin is entirely blackened. Using tongs, put blackened peppers in a paper bag; close bag. Keep peppers in bag until cooled completely, about 20 minutes. Remove peppers from bag. Peel away blackened skin using a small knife; discard skin. Cut peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds, using knife edge. Then, use roasted peppers as directed in recipe.

Great Substitute:
Prepare as directed, using KRAFT LIGHT DONE RIGHT! House Italian Reduced Fat Dressing.

[KrissyCat7]

How about a fruit salad?

[Mommy2Gabi]

Glad you posted this thread! :) Ssstephanie--could you post the recipe for the bean dip pretty please? :) Thanks!!

[Surftraitor]

Bacon-wrapped steak bites are always a hit!

Cut steak into 1-1.5 inch cubes. I've used London broil, sirloin. Whatever...
Roll onto a slice of bacon. I usually wrap the steak once around and cut remaining bacon. Pepper bacon is great!
Pierce thru with toothpick
Throw them in a disposable aluminum pan and grill. Alternatively, you could broil in oven.

The reason I use a disposable pan is that it gets soooo greasy with all the bacon. Its easier to just toss the pan than have to deal with cleaning it.

I've also used shrimp instead of bacon. Everyone loves them and they're super easy!

[Reenie]

Ssstephanie I also take a layered bean dip, and everyone LOVES it. It's always the first thing gone.

As for bruchetta, Trader Joes has a frozen bruchetta that has maybe 10 in a box... they are AWESOME! And also they have tons of finger foods that are frozen and take ~10 minutes to bake, so if you have one around you, check them out- they're not pricey, and it'll save you a ton of time and work. I also love their frozen vegetable samosas, beef taquitos, and vegetable goyoza (potstickers).

Also, what about a big platter of cut slices of seedless watermelon? Can't go wrong there! :)