It’s the holiday season – which means lots of dinner parties and get-togethers. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or are a guest, you can never go wrong with bringing an appetizer. Here are some of our all-time favorite appetizers that are sure to be a hit:

Roasted Red Bell Pepper Dip with Fried Goat Cheese and Pita Chips

• Roasted red bell peppers sautéed in garlic and olive oil
• Add a little balsamic vinegar + purée
• Fry Goat Cheese in Olive oil until browned on outsides + add to red bell pepper mixture.
• Serve with crispy baguette or grilled pita bread

Decadent Fruit and Cheese Platter

• Grab an assortment of gourmet cheeses (our favorites are brie, cambazola, goat, manchego, and herbed chevre) and slice or cut into chunks for guests to serve or spread themselves.
• Arrange the cheeses on a large platter over a bed of greens and surround with fresh, in-season fruit like grapes, strawberries, and orange slices for a pop of color.
• Optional to top some of the cheeses with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic and onion jam.

Grilled Garlic Shrimp

• Coat shrimp with minced garlic, olive oil, and salt.
• Add olive oil to pan and simmer shrimp over low heat until lightly browned.

Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

• Marinate Chicken in balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil, red wine, smoked Spanish paprika, thyme, cardamom, salt + pepper to taste.
• Slice and place on skewers. Optional to add tomato, onion, etc. and grill.

Baked Brie

• Slice the top rhine off of the brie.
• Top with Earth and Vine Provisions Red Bell Pepper Ancho Chili Spread.
• Bake about 20 minutes at 350 degrees. It’s done when the cheese is bubbly.
• Spread on sliced baguette or crackers.

Grilled Veggie Platters with Hummus or Caramelized Shallot and Gorgonzola Dip

• Toss fresh assorted veggies in light olive oil, sea salt, and pepper and grill.
• For the Caramelized Shallot and Gorgonzola Dip:
  • Sauté shallots in vegetable oil until golden brown and let cool
  • Wisk sour cream + gorgonzola cheese until smooth
  • Stir in caramelized shallots + season with salt and pepper to taste

For more ideas, check out our Special Events Menu or contact us at otvc.catering@gmail.com.