We've been invited to my husband's boss' Christmas party on Dec. 16th. Last year was the first time we received an invitation, and I spent much of the evening marveling at their house (especially the incredible kitchen with dual Viking ranges and a butcher block island larger than my dining room table). Once I had a drink, relaxed a bit by the massive fireplace, and talked with some of John's co-workers I only knew by name, it was a wonderful evening with some very smart, interesting, and accomplished people.
We have been asked to bring our favorite hors d'oeuvre, main dish, or dessert, so that is where my request comes in. Last year I took a sausage, apple, and brie quiche which I thought was delicious, but it just didn't seem quite special enough, and I'm not sure other guests loved it as much as I did. I would love to hear your recommendations for something delicious that can be transported fairly easily. It doesn't have to be a fancy or fussy showstopper, just something you make that your family and guests love. The kind of thing that people ask you for the recipe, and you come home with an empty dish because it just tastes so good.
Last year there were amazing chicken wing appetizers, meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, curried chicken salad, a seafood salad, and loads of tasty brownies, cakes, and pies. John's suggestions were spinach dip with some homemade rye bread, or maybe cinnamon rolls. The cinnamon rolls are delicious and not too difficult, but I can't decide if they are Christmas party fare. A friend suggested honeyed cashews or Christmas crack, but I'm just not sure.
So, I would love to hear your thoughts, recommendations, and recipes. Thank you in advance, and I really appreciate your help. Even if I do end up just taking spinach dip, I look forward to trying your delicious suggestions.
(But no cookies with gumdrops and ketchup, lime jello with crab, or leftover turkey cheesecake, please.)
(But no cookies with gumdrops and ketchup, lime jello with crab, or leftover turkey cheesecake, please.)
I am hardly an expert on taking food to a party, but I have learned a few things along the way, as I am sure you have. Here is my best advice. Don't take anything too exotic or unrecognizable. Take something that everybody generally likes. My biggest hits are favorites, sometimes OLD favorites. I have taken freshly boiled shrimp, placed them on a block of cream cheese and poured cocktail sauce over the top, served with some very good crackers. You would have thought I had served something special the way everyone ate it up. I have taken cheese puffs and warmed them up in the hostess's oven when I got there. I find that old standbys like artichoke dip, spinach dip, etc. go over very well, especially when served with very good bread or crackers. I will scan a buffet and always take the familiar first, don't you? I like simple, and I think most people do. What does your family really love and demolish when you make it? I bet you will get some great suggestions from the ladies who read this blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your tasty ideas and good advice! I think I was leaning too much towards exotic, but you make a really good point about choosing the familiar first. I like the shrimp and cream cheese idea - simple, delicious, and I may even serve it as an appetizer here for dinner this week. Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment; I appreciate it!
DeleteThe big hit at our Holiday party is a round of brie or camembert baked with garlic slivers and rosemary sprigs pushed into the top. It only take 10-15 minutes to bake (at your hosts). Easy, tasty, and unique. https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/cheese-recipes/beautiful-baked-camembert/ (we don't bother with cranberries or nuts)
ReplyDeleteHoneyed cashews! I'd stand by the bowl and eat them all.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of afraid to try the recipe at home for fear I would do the same thing!
DeleteHmmm, so many options. I can't wait to hear what you decide. I know those pumpkin dips (generally served with ginger snaps) are always popular. I would lean toward something that is bite-sized so it's easy to eat at a party with fingers or maybe just one fork. There is a pumpkin hummus I'm also fond of. Apparently I have pumpkin on the brain today!
ReplyDeleteOh rats, my favorite Christmas cookie (anytime cookie) is a family recipe for Pineapple oatmeal cookies and they have 3 gumdrop halves pressed onto the top! I came in 2nd at a Christmas themed cookie contest once with them...A Mickey Mouse gingerbread cookie won and as the theme was 'Disney christmas' I think it was only because mine didn't quite fit 'disney'. lol
ReplyDeleteHelen
There is nothing wrong with pineapple cookies with gumdrops (they sound good!); I just found that weird recipe I linked while I was searching for ideas. I could hardly believe that it called for ketchup in cookies! Why?!
DeleteJoining in with all the advice to stick with something familiar ... and make a wonderful version of it. My go-to party recipes are all easy. 1. marinated goat cheese (http://mere-et-filles.blogspot.com/2013/11/basil-citrus-goat-cheese.html) 2. rosemary cashews (barefoot contessa rosemary cashews) 3. ricotta toasts with roasted grapes (even better if you make the ricotta! - it's easy! - http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/ricotta-and-roasted-grape-crostini) 4. french chocolate bark (https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/french-chocolate-bark - I follow the instructions for the chocolate, but buy a nut and dried fruit mix at costco ... works perfectly!).
ReplyDeletep.s. I find it really interesting that the boss is asking her employees to make the food for her party?!
So many good recipes here Bonny! I’ve made the Barefoot Contessa French chocolate bark many times and it’s easy and always a hit!
ReplyDeleteI always like things that are easy to grab & hold -- stuff on a skewer/pick -- especially because these are rarely "sit down" affairs and it's a game of balance & control. While drinking. Caprese, sausage & cheese, fruit. Amp it up with good quality or something different -- smoked mozzarella, for instance -- or play with color.
ReplyDeletep.s. I'm with Mary...
Wow, these are all some great recipes! And, I am sorry that I have been somehow missing from comments!
ReplyDelete