While the main course is always the most important to get right, if you’re hosting a dinner party you can’t overlook the appetizers. You want something that is fresh, tasty, and quick to prepare so that you can focus all your time and energy on the main course. Check out these appetizer ideas, all of which can be ready in under ten minutes.
Prosciutto Melon
Ingredients (to serve 6):
- A small cantaloupe or honeydew melon
- 12 slices of parma ham or prosciutto
- Balsamic vinegar glaze
- Cocktail sticks
Instructions:
- Peel the melon and deseed it.
- Slice the melon into bite-sized chunks.
- Wrap a strip of the ham around each piece of melon, securing it in place with a cocktail stick if needed.
- Drizzle a little of the balsamic glaze over the top.
Brie and Fig
Ingredients (to serve 6):
- 1 wedge of brie
- 6 fresh figs
- 3/4 cup of blackberries or blueberries
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 3 sprigs of rosemary
- Water
Instructions:
- Heat the berries, sugar, water, and rosemary in a pan. Cook until the berries have collapsed and softened.
- Remove the rosemary sprigs from the pan and allow the berries to cool.
- Slice the brie into thin pieces and top with a slice of fig.
- Drizzle the berry sauce over the cheese and serve with crackers and biscuits.
Caprese Salad
Ingredients (to serve 6):
- 2 balls of mozzarella
- 3 large tomatoes
- 1 handful of fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- Emulsify the oil and vinegar by stirring them together vigorously.
- Add the salt to the dressing, and stir well.
- Slice the tomatoes finely, and tear the mozzarella and basil leaves.
- Arrange the ingredients on a platter and drizzle over the dressing.
