Making Appetizers for Thanksgiving Gathering - Help Needed!

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing ideas and experiences related to preparing appetizers for a Thanksgiving gathering. The original poster seeks suggestions for a second appetizer to accompany a planned BLT dip, while others contribute various appetizer recipes and personal anecdotes about their experiences with different dishes.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, plans to make a BLT dip and is looking for a second appetizer idea, expressing interest in a Greek Cheese Torta but lacking the necessary Greek Rub.
  • Another participant shares their experience with Honey-Apple Brie Bites and Chili-Lime Meatballs, noting that the meatballs can be made in advance and heated on-site.
  • Several users mention enjoying the Chili-Lime Meatballs, with one suggesting they can be kept warm in a crockpot after cooking.
  • One participant suggests various dips that could be made in a crockpot, including Queso Dip and Buffalo Chicken Dip, while also mentioning Clubhouse Chicken Squares and Hot Artichoke & Spinach Dip as options.
  • Another participant highlights the antipasto from a new appetizers cookbook as an excellent make-ahead option.
  • Multiple participants express enthusiasm for chocolate-covered Ritz crackers, with one humorously detailing how to purchase them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best appetizers to prepare, with no clear consensus emerging on a single recommended dish. Participants share a variety of personal preferences and experiences without agreeing on one specific option.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a casual exchange among participants about appetizer preparation for a holiday gathering, with a focus on convenience and personal taste preferences.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for appetizer ideas for gatherings may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant to their own planning.

leftymac
leftymac
Messages
1,748
I've been commissioned to bring the appetizers to the Thanksgiving gathering (about 20 people or so). Since it's in someone's kitchen that I've never been to before, I'm gonna bring something I can make in advance. I want two things.

First, I'm gonna make the BLT dip.

Now, I'm at a loss for the second thing. I really want to make the Greek Cheese Torta, but I'm fresh out o' Greek Rub and I'm confident the substitutions won't taste as good.

Any suggestions? Let the ideas flow. I'll munch on my chocolate covered Ritz crackers while I wait. Don't make me eat the whole box! :angel:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #2
One row of chocolate covered Ritz crackers is gone. Zut alors!
 
There are three recipes from the Easy and Impressive Appetizers cookbook on CC. I did the Honey-Apple Brie Bites and Chili-Lime Meatballs for my Recipe Tasting last week. I don't care for brie, but my guests said they liked them. They go into pre-made phyllo cups, so if you cut up the cheese and mix up the apple stuff before hand, you can just assemble and bake on-site. The Chili-Lime Meatballs can be made up to 3 days in advance, and you'd just have to heat them up in the 12" skillet. I thought they were fine, DH would have liked them to have more kick.
 
I really liked the Chili Lime Meatballs!But hey - why don't you just take fudge covered Ritz crackers? Hahahaha....I love those! Since discovering them last week, we've (okay, I've) eaten 2-3 boxes of them!If you have a place to heat them up, or make them ahead, and steam them there - my new favorite appetizer is the Steamed Wonton Purses. I serve them w/ Ginger Wasabi Sauce and Thai Peanut Sauce....YUM!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
I won't have any place to heat anything up :( I'm intrigued by these chili-lime meatballs. I don't have that cookbook though. *hint hint*
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Oh how nice the meatball recipe is on the PC website. Too bad my asian seasoning mix is all clumped up :(
 
When I made the Chili-Lime Meatballs, after I was done heating them in the skillet, I stuck them in a small crockpot to keep them warm. Worked like a charm.
 
You could always do some kind of dip in a crockpot (Queso Dip, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Beef Dip, etc) - unless you are looking for something a little "nicer".

Clubhouse Chicken Squares are good. Make in advance and keep refrigerated. Or how about a Hot Artichoke & Spinah Dip - I am pretty sure someone on here has done it in the microwave.

I just looked through All the Best and the Lemon Pepper Crab Canapes looked nice. I am wondering if they are any good.
 
leftymac said:
Oh how nice the meatball recipe is on the PC website. Too bad my asian seasoning mix is all clumped up :(
Click to expand...

Keith - the Asian Seasoning mix ALWAYS clumps up. Sometimes it's clumped when I get it. I just take a knife and unclump it. (is unclump a word?) Anyway, it's still okay to use.
 
They have an alternative for the asian seasoning mentioned in the book...

To substitute the Asian Seasoning Mix, add 2 tsp grated fresh gingerroot, 3/4 tsp salt, 1 pressed garlic clove and 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper.

Meatballs can be cooked and frozen 3 days in advance. To reheat, place frozen meatballs in Skillet with 1/4 cup water. Cover, heat 7-8 minutes or until hot. Remove from heat, stir in glaze.

I'd personally make them and then put them in a crockpot and go :)
 
ChefBeckyD said:
I really liked the Chili Lime Meatballs!


But hey - why don't you just take fudge covered Ritz crackers? Hahahaha....I love those! Since discovering them last week, we've (okay, I've) eaten 2-3 boxes of them!



If you have a place to heat them up, or make them ahead, and steam them there - my new favorite appetizer is the Steamed Wonton Purses. I serve them w/ Ginger Wasabi Sauce and Thai Peanut Sauce....YUM!!!
Click to expand...

You know what's even better? I make peanut butter sandwhiches out of ritz crackers and then dip them in chocolate almond bark!
 
The antipasto from the new appetizers cookbook is excellent and be made ahead of time.
 
Okay, I'll bite. HOW do you make the choc. covered Ritz crackers? I'm going to the store in a few minutes.. so DO tell!
 
mom4angela said:
Okay, I'll bite. HOW do you make the choc. covered Ritz crackers? I'm going to the store in a few minutes.. so DO tell!
Click to expand...

They are very complicated. Go to the Cracker Section of the store, and look for the Christmas Cracker Display...pick up the red box that says "Fudge Covered Ritz Crackers" and take to the check out lane and purchase. Wait til you get to your car, and then rip open the box and start eating. :D:D:D
 
mom4angela said:
Okay, I'll bite. HOW do you make the choc. covered Ritz crackers? I'm going to the store in a few minutes.. so DO tell!
Click to expand...

I think you can actually buy them in the store now........but if you were going to make them, I think all they are is Ritz crackers dipped in bark chocolate. HTH!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy appetizer ideas for a Thanksgiving gathering?

Some easy appetizer ideas for Thanksgiving include stuffed mushrooms, cranberry brie bites, mini quiches, and vegetable platters with dip. You can also consider making a charcuterie board with various cheeses, meats, and fruits for a visually appealing option.

How can I make appetizers ahead of time for Thanksgiving?

Many appetizers can be prepared in advance. For example, you can make dips and store them in the refrigerator, or prepare stuffed mushrooms and freeze them before baking. Just remember to allow time for thawing and reheating on the day of your gathering.

What are some vegetarian appetizer options for Thanksgiving?

Vegetarian appetizer options include roasted vegetable skewers, spinach and artichoke dip, stuffed bell peppers, and a variety of bruschetta toppings. You can also create a colorful vegetable platter with hummus or tzatziki for dipping.

How can I incorporate traditional Thanksgiving flavors into my appetizers?

To incorporate traditional Thanksgiving flavors, consider using ingredients like cranberry, pumpkin, sage, and pecans. For example, you could make cranberry meatballs, pumpkin soup shots, or sweet potato bites topped with marshmallows or pecans.

What kitchen tools from Pampered Chef can help with making appetizers?

Pampered Chef offers various kitchen tools that can help with appetizer preparation, such as the Food Chopper for chopping ingredients, the Mix ‘N Chop for mixing dips, and the Stoneware for even baking. The Adjustable Measuring Spoon is also great for precise ingredient measurements.

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