Plan a Party in 60 Minutes or Less

Thursday, July 24, 2008

filed under: food

Everybody knows at least one... those people who show up unannounced for a quick visit. You can't just kick 'em out, but you can be prepared!

Need food ideas for last minute company? Just cork open your favorite bottle of wine and we've got the rest covered.

	1) Cheese Please Pre-cut three different types of cheese. Some favorite recommendations are the always tasty Brie, Fontina, and Gouda. These can be served with wheat crackers and a dish of dijon mustard. You can even spice up the display with grapes and strawberries. Cheese and fruit is easy and goes perfectly with a simple bottle of wine.
2) 5 Layer Dip It You can always serve chips and salsa, but why do that when you can make a simple 5 layer dip? Simply spread these 5 ingredients on a dinner plate in order: 1 can Re-fried beans (Option: low-fat vegetarian) 8 ounces sour cream (Option: fat free) Medium-heat salsa Shredded cheese (Option: pre-shredded in a bag. Low fat Mexican blend) Chopped olives (They come in a small can pre-chopped) Make it all low fat and no one will ever know.
	3) Finger Foods Strangely enough, people can't get enough of mini-pickles and black olives. Put these in a tiny white dish in the middle of your table, and they'll be the first to go.
4) Pita Bread When you go to the supermarket they have what seems like 20 different kinds of hummus to choose from. Grab a variety of hummus with some pita bread and cut the bread into triangles. It makes for another delicious, quick appetizer.