With Thanksgiving next week and my co-worker’s “Friend’s Giving” this weekend it’s time to start brainstorming what to whip up! Although every family event I seem to master the salad (typical go-to= spinach or arugula, goat cheese, silvered almonds or walnuts, dried cranberry, avocado, tomatoes, purple onion, with a raspberry balsamic and a dash of oil), when it comes to Thanksgiving the green bean casserole is one of my faves. Since I’m letting my brother’s fiance take the reins on my casserole this year (vegan style!) as well as it already being claimed for Friend’s Giving (so popular!) I figured I would tackle a beloved appetizer for both events. Since I’m a huge snacker and have a love for variety and finger foods I figured why not? The only downside to apps is I’m the one typically full before the meal even starts… My dad’s clam dip makes its long-awaited appearance every Thanksgiving and we never have a family holiday without my aunt and uncle’s famous baked brie– so with those off the table I’ve been scouring my Pinterest board devoted solely to finger foods and the options are endless. One goal– something not to heavy so I still have an appetite by dinner!
Here’s a few I’ve narrowed it down to:
5 Layer Greek Dip
Via: The Lovely Cupboard
[Pretty simple- just layer hummus (homemade or store-bought) with diced red pepper, kalamata olives, cucumber and topped with feta and fresh dill– served with toasted pita]
Cucumber Cups Stuffed with Spicy Crab
Via: Domestic Fits
[Light and small but the key to these little guys is a small melon baller]
Drunken Grapes with Wine Poached Shrimp
Via: Show Food Chef
[4 ingredients only!! Shrimp, grapes, chardonnay, water (doesn’t count!), then fresh parsley or dill]
Italian Skewers
Photo Via: Party Frosting
[I got this recipe from a gf a few years back and always manages to be a big hit! Layer to your liking: Olives, pepperoni/salami, mozzarella, artichoke hearts and tomatoes (options may very) but the key is to drizzle with Italian dressing and place in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving– Don’t overdo it on the dressing but make sure it soaks in the flavor!]
Jalapeno Popper Wontons
Via: All Recipes
[Little prep time and cooks in 5 mins… Doesn’t get easier than that!]
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Via: Kitchen Simplicity
[Dijon, light mayo, light sour cream, honey, pinch of dried dill, smoked salmon and wheat or flour tortillas]
Crostini with Prosciutto, Goat Cheese and Fig Jam
Via: The Italian Dish
[Not too much prep time and very presentable!]
There’s so many options and I’m running out of time! I’d love to hear if you have other suggestions 🙂
❤ Jamie
liveskinnybliss 