Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Party Pieces

Monday, 13 December 2021 08:00

By Adele Trathan

Entertaining can be stressful but there are plenty of ways to make it easy on yourself with some prior preparation as Adele Trathan explains

For an informal gathering the best thing to do is to keep it simple with finger food that guests can help themselves to. These easy to make party recipes can be prepared a few hours ahead of the event, ready be laid out to great acclaim, allowing you as host to relax and enjoy the festivities with your friends and family. It also makes it easy to cater for all diets with vegetarian and vegan options.

BRUSCHETTA

Makes: 12

  • 1 loaf of ciabatta or sourdough bread, thickly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Simply lightly toast the bread on both sides, then rub with the garlic clove. Brush one side with the oil and toast again until the bread is crisp and crunchy. This is the bruschetta base, to which you add your chosen toppings, and season.

Top Topping Ideas

  • Ripe chopped tomatoes, clove of garlic, fresh basil (or pesto) and a drizzle of quality olive oil
  • Goats cheese, caramelised onions and fig chutney or sliced ripe figs
  • Prosciutto, melon and balsamic vinegar
  • Sautéed mixed mushrooms, spring onions, thyme and balsamic vinegar
  • Finely chopped black olives, crumbled feta cheese, oregano and a dash of quality olive oil

PARTY VOL-AU-VENTS

Makes: Approximately 30

  • 500g (1lb 10oz) pack puff pastry
  • Plain flour, for dusting
  • 1 egg yolk mixed with a tbsp milk to glaze

Pre-heat oven to 200C (390F, Gas 6), line a baking tray with baking paper. Roll out the pastry on lightly floured surface. Carefully cut out approximately 30 squares measuring 6cm x 6cm, trimming off any edges. With a sharp knife score a smaller square inside each one approximately 7.5mm (¼ inch) from outer edge, taking care not to cut the pastry all the way through. Put the cases on the baking tray, brush with the egg glaze and bake for 15 minutes until puffed up  and golden. Cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully remove the central section of pastry from each square. These cut-outs can be used to top the vol-au-vent once filled. To serve simply fill with your favourite fillings.

Top Filling Ideas

  • Flaked smoked trout or mackerel, creme fraiche, horseradish and a squeeze of lemon
  • Finely chopped onions, garlic and chestnut mushrooms sautéed together and mixed with mascarpone and grated parmesan (or vegan substitutes)
  • Egg mayonnaise mixed with spring onions, mild curry powder, fresh coriander and topped with mango chutney
  • Prawns with Marie Rose sauce, mixed with finely chopped cucumber and a squeeze of lemon
  • Finely chopped sundried tomatoes, sliced olives and pesto

Add a smorgasbord of mixed olives, raw vegetables, pickles and dips, cured and cold meats, cheese and chutneys, bread and crackers.

Share

More from Food and Drink

  • Recipe: Simple Fish Curry

    Cooking a curry from scratch can feel a little daunting but this traditional Burmese recipe is really easy. Lightly spiced, warming and stunningly simple, this curry is one you’ll return to again and again

  • Recipe: Easter Leg of Lamb

    When it comes to Easter feasts, you can always look to Italy for a sublime celebration of food, family and faith. This Easter leg of lamb with an Italian twist is the perfect dish to serve to your brood over the bank holiday

  • Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Buttercups

    The dreamy combination of chocolate and peanut butter is indulgent and decadent so the perfect treat for Easter. These little beauties contain only a few ingredients (with a vegan option) and are quick and super easy to make

  • Recipe: Prune and Orange Hot Cross Buns

    As a master baker and judge of ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery, Peter Sidwell knows a thing or two about hot cross buns, as this fragrant and delicious recipe testifies.

  • Kids Zone: Giant Pancakes

    Batter up! It’s time for some pancakes fun and flips with Sara Whatley’s easy-peasy giant pancakes!

  • Recipe: Choux Hearts with Berries

    Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner knows full well that food is the language of love. So, what better way to woo your beloved on Valentine’s Day than with these stunning choux hearts?

  • Recipe: Truffled Macaroni & Smoked Haddock Bake

    Want something that combines supreme comfort with a little decadence? Well look no further than this divine truffled macaroni dish with an extra boost from smoked haddock

  • Recipe: Nigel Slater's Lamb Hotpot

    We’re getting to that time of the year when rustic food comes packed with extra appeal.

  • Ever So Easy Beef Bourguignon

    This simple recipe by Adele Trathan virtually cooks itself, but it is deliciously succulent and flavoursome. It’s ideal for a wholesome meal when you don’t want to be slaving over a hot stove

  • Recipe: Chinese-Style Glazed Pork Belly

    This Sunday (22nd) marks Chinese New Year. So we’re tucking in to a traditional Chinese dish, to celebrate the year of the rabbit!

  • How to make wild garlic and cheddar scones

    This savoury scone recipe from Mary Goodsell works perfectly alongside a bowl of hearty soup, or simply with salty butter and a smear of marmite.

  • Very healthy no-bake chewy breakfast bars

    Mary Goodsell believes that healthy food should always taste delicious, and these no-bake chewy date bars are the perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up to ensure you stay full and satisfied throughout the day.

  • An immune boosting recipe for homemade ginger shots

    Boost your immunity, digestion and get a good dose of antioxidants first thing in the morning with super easy homemade ginger shots by Mary Goodsell. These little shots of goodness can cost a fortune in the supermarkets, but they are really cheap and easy to make at home.

  • Recipe: Roasted Turkey Legs with Cranberries and Oranges

    If you fancy something a little different on Christmas Day and don’t want to be bothered with cooking a whole turkey, this one-pot twist by Mary Goodwell is a vibrant, zesty dish that will delight your guests.

  • Festive Christmas Pudding Recipe: Stir Up Sunday

    Stir-up Sunday is a Victorian tradition where the family would gather together to stir the Christmas pudding five weeks before Christmas, or the last Sunday before advent begins. This recipe, by Mary Goodsell, is a family favourite which evokes fond nostalgic memories.

  • Festive recipe: Cheesy pigs in blankets

    Now, pigs in blankets are good. But pigs in CHEESY blankets reach another level!

  • A recipe kids will love: Decorated Christmas biscuits

    Mary Goodsell loves the nostalgic smells of homemade gingerbread biscuits and this is the perfect family-friendly recipe to make at home.

  • Is moderation the answer? Sara Whatley discusses the merits of a non alcoholic Christmas

    Whether you are enjoying an alcoholic beverage or a temperance drink this Christmas, the key to drinking well is moderation, suggests Sara Whatley

  • 'Ever So Easy' Beef Bourguignon Recipe

    This simple recipe by Adele Trathan virtually cooks itself, but it is deliciously succulent and flavoursome. It’s ideal for a wholesome meal when you don’t want to be slaving over a hot stove.

  • Coffee & Chocolate Banana Bread

    This recipe by Mary Goodsell takes banana bread to a new level with the added flavours of chocolate and coffee. Soft and moist, it's a delicious mid-morning snack with a cup of coffee.

© Sussex Living and Aiir 2024 | Unit 4 Regent Business Centre, 6 Jubilee Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9TL