I hope this post finds you "busy" relaxing, savoring a nice long holiday break with your loved ones. It feels like we've been feasting for days and weeks on end but we have to save room for one more very-important celebration: New Years!
Croque Monsieur Crostini |
Even while I was deeply (and happily) entrenched in the whirlwind of Christmas cookie-making during the past few weeks, I'd been thinking about appetizers, party food, small-bites that would be perfect for that New Year's toast! Well, the champagne is chilling in the fridge so let's talk about a couple of great bites to go along with it.
First, I have to spread the crostini love with this recipe for croque monsieur crostini from Marie at little kitchie. I love visiting Marie's site for dinner inspiration and she has indeed inspired me in many ways; I have her to thank for encouraging me to make homemade pizza and when we tried weeknight bolognese, it quickly became a family favorite. Recently, I saw this genius idea for croque monsieur crostini that I knew would be delicious and make a great party appetizer.
It's everything you love about a croque monsieur - that delectable French ham and cheese sandwich - in miniature form. When we vacationed in Paris with the little guy a couple of years back, we would order a croque monsieur for him at lunch almost by default. I had romantic notions of making them at home and eating them while sipping some sparkling Lorina lemonade alongside. But you know what? I never did make the sandwiches at home. It always seemed just a bit too decadent, a little too finicky, when I thought about it.
But turning it into crostini, reducing the portion size significantly into small bites, takes that decadence level to an ideal indulgence for New Year's eve or any other gathering. It's satisfying without being overly heavy. I especially love the sharp crunch of the toasted baguette that you don't get with the traditional croque monsieur. It's a must-try!
My other recent discovery is bacon wrapped chicken bites. For those of us who eat meat, you know that anything wrapped in bacon or prosciutto is practically guaranteed to be good and this is a fine example. This recipe comes from Mel's Kitchen Cafe, a site I started visiting recently (I can vouch for the pulled pork recipe if anyone is looking for one), and her testimonial for these chicken bites convinced me to make them right away.
These chicken bites are not only moist, they're also flavorful and zesty from herbs (dried oregano, thyme) and spices (chili powder) as well as some sweetness from brown sugar. It's got the entire spectrum of salty, sweet, spicy, heat, and savory all rolled in one.
I made these recently for dinner as a test drive. For a cocktail party, I'd make the chicken pieces a bit smaller than I did here to leave room for all the other goodies you'll undoubtedly be nibbling on throughout the night.
Many thanks to the ladies from the sites I mentioned above for these great little bites!
* Have a safe and fun New Year's eve celebration! May the New Year bring all the good things - including good health and good food - your heart desires!
First, I have to spread the crostini love with this recipe for croque monsieur crostini from Marie at little kitchie. I love visiting Marie's site for dinner inspiration and she has indeed inspired me in many ways; I have her to thank for encouraging me to make homemade pizza and when we tried weeknight bolognese, it quickly became a family favorite. Recently, I saw this genius idea for croque monsieur crostini that I knew would be delicious and make a great party appetizer.
It's everything you love about a croque monsieur - that delectable French ham and cheese sandwich - in miniature form. When we vacationed in Paris with the little guy a couple of years back, we would order a croque monsieur for him at lunch almost by default. I had romantic notions of making them at home and eating them while sipping some sparkling Lorina lemonade alongside. But you know what? I never did make the sandwiches at home. It always seemed just a bit too decadent, a little too finicky, when I thought about it.
But turning it into crostini, reducing the portion size significantly into small bites, takes that decadence level to an ideal indulgence for New Year's eve or any other gathering. It's satisfying without being overly heavy. I especially love the sharp crunch of the toasted baguette that you don't get with the traditional croque monsieur. It's a must-try!
Bacon wrapped chicken bites |
These chicken bites are not only moist, they're also flavorful and zesty from herbs (dried oregano, thyme) and spices (chili powder) as well as some sweetness from brown sugar. It's got the entire spectrum of salty, sweet, spicy, heat, and savory all rolled in one.
I made these recently for dinner as a test drive. For a cocktail party, I'd make the chicken pieces a bit smaller than I did here to leave room for all the other goodies you'll undoubtedly be nibbling on throughout the night.
Many thanks to the ladies from the sites I mentioned above for these great little bites!
* Have a safe and fun New Year's eve celebration! May the New Year bring all the good things - including good health and good food - your heart desires!