I am planning a 13th year old's birthday party, and the theme is Hollywood. I know I want to serve appetizers, but what appetizers? If you can afford a caterer, have them decide. Then you can
enjoy your childs party with her,and only have to play the
hostess. This year is more monumental than any of the childs
parties of the past.So make it memorable. Maybe a caterer
with lots of teen party experience would have decorating
ideas for you as well. They have usually enough experience
to help you with other ideas as well. Someone said, Caviar.
That will be a bust. Since it is fish roe, I can hear kids going,
"Euew" and spitting out the salty stuff. Who needs a carpet
cleaning right after a party anyway.
If you can't afford the caterer, then just go with small finger
foods. Things any teen would like. From finger sandwiches,
to Mexican mini foods they can also eat with fingers. Make
your own deep fried salsa chips from pie wedged corn
tortillas. Make a bean dip and a fresh salsa dip and have
little serving bowls for the dip in addition to small plates. Make a fruit salad if its a summer party. And use a water-
melon hollowed out to hold all the fruit. It's an attractive
center piece, and goes with any Mexican foods served, or
otherwise. Have a variation of appetizers that don't require
sitting down and eating. Kids are on the move. Especially
at that age. So let them eat and be on the move, if they want
to wander around. Make sure that you have a tub of ice, and
canned drinks filling the tub. Also have a punch with a dollop
of sherbet for those who like something more in tune with
the celebration part of the party. It looks a bit more fancy than
just canned pop.
Good luck on the preparation. It will be an occasion you
will always remember, so enjoy it if you can, and let someone
do the work, if possible. I agree with the suggestion about mini quiches. I remember reading that Wolfgang Puck served pizza at one of his Academy Award parties, so why not have mini pizzas? I saw a cooking show where they made small pizzas (about 3" in diameter), so they might be good finger-food appetizers. TUMBLEWEEDS
INGREDIENTS
1 (12 ounce) can salted peanuts
1 (7 ounce) can potato sticks
3 cups butterscotch chips
3 tablespoons peanut butter
DIRECTIONS
Combine peanuts and potato sticks in a bowl; set aside. In a microwave, heat butterscotch chips and peanut butter at 70% power for 1-2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Add to peanut mixture; stir to coat evenly. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until set, about 5 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
SWEET SAUSAGE ROLLS
INGREDIENTS
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
24 miniature smoked sausage links
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup chopped nuts
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons brown sugar
DIRECTIONS
Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles; cut each lengthwise into three triangles. Place a sausage on the long end and roll up tightly; set aside. Combine the remaining ingredients in an 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Arrange sausage rolls, seam side down, in butter mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
SMOKY BACON WRAPS
INGREDIENTS
1 pound sliced bacon
1 (16 ounce) package miniature smoked sausage links
1 cup packed brown sugar
DIRECTIONS
Cut each bacon strip in half widthwise. Wrap one piece of bacon around each sausage.
Place in a foil-lined 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees F for 30-40 minutes or until bacon is crisp and sausage is heated through. That's cute
cheese and crackers
mini turkey sandwiches with no crusts
celery and peanut butter
simple but good Caviar! Scones! Creme brulee! Glamorous foods. Sushi! That's all everyone eats here in LA.
Or, depending on the 13 year old's taste, sophistication, etc....
1) mini corn dogs
2) Seared blackened ahi with ginger
3) mini quiches
4) chicken satay with peanut dipping sauce
5) mini burritos, quesadillas
6) artichoke dip |
