party food round up, 2010

Okay, New Years Eve is just a couple of days away and if you're having a big party then you probably have your menu all planned out... BUT I thought I'd round up some appetizers, drinks and other party foods in case there are any stragglers out there who haven't yet decided!

Budget Bytes Appetizers

Hummus (four flavors): Hummus, it's a classic and people almost expect it at a party.


Stuffed Grape Leaves: If you want to go with the Greek theme and you're feeling adventurous, whip up a batch of these. They take a little work but are the definition of finger food. (Don't forget the tzatziki)


Pesto Cheese Toast: Who doesn't like bread, cheese and tomatoes? It's practically little pieces of pizza. This is an instant party hit.


Marinated Mushrooms: Throw together an anitpasto plate with these mushrooms, some cheese and thinly sliced meats.


Fire Roasted Salsa: Have a more traditional "chips and salsa" crowd? This salsa is guaranteed to impress.


Chipotle Peach Salsa: Or try this sweet, smokey and spicy salsa for something a little different.

Appetizers from across the Blogosphere:

They may not all be budget oriented but they are sure to be delicious. Here are some of my favorites from my favorite bloggers!

Closet Cooking
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip: Closet Cooking has a plethora of mouth-watering dip recipes but this is one I can vouch for. This is THE BEST spinach artichoke dip I've ever had.

Hot Caramelized Onion Dip: This has been on my "to make" list for ages... maybe I'll actually make it this year!

Kalyn's Kitchen
Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Ham: This is my type of appetizer... or meal. I could probably eat a whole plate of these. Anyway, they'd add nice variety to the dip filled world of party foods.

Marinated Mozzarella: Add this to the antipasto plate mentioned above or simply place them in a bowl with a pile of tooth picks on the side. No one can resist cheese.

Guacamole: Another classic for that "chips and salsa" crowd.

Ezra Pound Cake
Brie en Croute with Brown Sugar, Bourbon and Pecans: Ahhh, a girl after my own heart. Nothing compares to Brie, especially when topped with something sweet and baked in a pie crust. NOTHING.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: Little bits of heaven, no doubt.

Southern Fried Egg Rolls: A New Year's tradition (black-eyed peas and greens) all wrapped up in a party friendly egg roll package!

And because Ezra Pound Cake does cocktails and does them well, I bring you Cranberry and Orange Vodka, Whiskey Sours and Cranberry Margaritas!

Other Misc. Recipes:
Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Meatballs: Yes, yes, yes and YES please.

Sriracha Turkey Meatballs: You better go ahead and make these spicy meatballs to balance out those sweet blueberry meatballs.

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Sounds too good to be true!

Lemon Coconut Bars: I think I made these for the blog once, but hers are so much prettier.

Cucumber Lime Margarita Jello Shots: What is a New Years Eve Party without jello shots? Plus, sometimes you want to make something just because it's pretty.

Brazillian Lemonade: Here is a non-alcoholic drink if you need one (although I'm sure you could spike it without any trouble).

***If you have any party friendly recipes from your blog or anywhere else, post a link and description in the comments below!***