Recipes for "Appetizer" Vendor Show?

[ChefinHarmony]

I have a neat opportunity... I'm invited to be a vendor at a formal (she said, Dress like you are attending a wedding) event. I will be set up from 5-7pm offering appetizers. It's like taste-testing prior to a Fundraiser dinner. I can promote my products, take orders, offer a raffle, try to get bookings, etc. So, what do a make? No oven there - no way to keep food warm. Don't want something that has to be chilled. Get this.. over 300 people will be attending! She said only other "competition" will be Tastefully Simple. I don't have to feed 300, just offer some samples. Any suggestions??? I'm going to post asking about how to get Bookings/Sales too!
Thanks!!
Joanne

 

[DebbieJ]

Honestly, I shy away from providing samples at these type of things because we are not licensed for food service. Our liability insurance will not cover you if, God forbid, someone gets sick.

We are not caterers.

 

[ChefinHarmony]

Deb,
Wow. I didn't know that about our insurance. A former consultant did this last year, but she doesn't sell any more and gave me the lead. The contact kept saying "whatever you need to do to drum up business" - but I think I HAVE to provide food or I can't go - that's the whole point of this event. Thanks for the warning.
Joanne

 

[speedychef]

I vote for the Profiterole Puffs and/or the Tuxedo Brownie Cups. The Profiteroles, you can make ahead and freeze, and just replenish your supply as needed. (Make sure you thaw them a little, though. They're pretty hard when frozen) The brownies, you can bake ahead and bring your EAD with frosting to top 'em off when you put them out. Display everything on the Simple Additions!

This sounds like a ton of fun! Are you going to wear your apron? That's not so formal, but you have to distinguish yourself somehow, I'd think...Good luck!

 

[debhowey]

I would never serve food either. We are not covered insurance wise but with that said........ how about chocolate chip cannolli dip piped onto tortillas that are baked using the creative cutters' heart shape. You could keep it cold in the chillzanne bowl until ready to pipe with the accent decorator. Serving them on the large SA platter or three tier stand.

 

[gilliandanielle]

I would do the profiterole puffs... you will look cheap if you don't have food and everyone else does. They are affordable to make, you can make them ahead of time, and show off chillzane products.

Another good thing if you don't want a dessert is the dim sum potstickers. I am not sure how good they are when they get cold, but it is worth a try.

 

[chefann]

Clubhouse Chicken Squares are a good savory appetizer. They're not too expensive, and you can cut them into bite-size pieces to serve more. You can keep them chilled by keeping them in the bar pan, covered with foil, in the Stoneware Tote (if you have it). You can stack 2 bar pans in there, and even toss in a freezy pack (the blue things for picnics, etc.).

 

[MicheleC]

What about the candied nuts (can't remember the name right now but I think it's in all the best)?

 

[Chef Kearns]

The Cool Veggie Pizza is a good option. It doesn't have to be cold and can be served at room temperature. It is pretty cheap to make and one can serve plenty (not 300 though).

 

[speedychef]

The baked potstickers freeze really well, too...maybe you could have a toaster oven there or something to keep heating fresh ones up?