I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

I'm going to a party & was asked to bring an appetizer.
This is a group of friends I'm then having over later this month for a cocktail party, so didn't want to do the ones I planned on.... (baked brie, hot crab dip, Stromboli, bacon cups, crack dip)

Any ideas of something that travels well (30-45min drive) & is wowing?

Re: I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

Maybe bruschetta?

You could also assemble upon arrival.

I made this as an appetizer last year for a party and I personally didn't think it was going to be "Wowing" but a lot of people came up to me and said they enjoyed it because they don't have it often.

Plus it's on the lighter side vs. heavy cheesy and fried apps.

I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

We had people over for dinner last night, I made caramelized onion, fennel, and apple tartlets. Caramelized the onion and fennel and added in the apples and cooked until they were soft. Added a big spoon of dijon, 1 tbspn butter, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Once it cooled, I added grated gruyer - maybe a packed 1/4 cup, though I would use more. I cut one sheet of defrosted puff pastry into 9 pieces (but you can make them smaller too), put the topping on, and baked at 400 until browned.

I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

French Onion Tartlets. Basically it's caramelized onions and garlic, spooned into puff pastry or mini pie crust, then you make a custard filling of heavy cream, Lipton French onion soup mix, Italian seasoning and eggs. Pour over the onions, then top with shredded Gruyere and bake. They travel very well and are good at room temp if you can't reheat.

Message edited 12/14/2013 5:57:02 PM.

Re: I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

YUM tartlets sounds awesome!

do you have an actual recipe?

ETA: I forgot to add, I plan on making a Bruscetta at my party too.

Message edited 12/14/2013 6:33:09 PM.

Re: I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

Sweet Onion Tartlets

I have quadrupled this recipe and also used mozz or guyere and it never fails!

I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

In case you wanted mine... 1 large onion (cut in half, thin sliced), 1 fennel bulb (thin sliced), 1 green apple (sliced thinly). Saute onion and fennel in evoo until caramelized. Add in apple, cook until apples are softened. Turn off heat, add heaping spoon of dijon, a tablespoon of butter, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. When the mixture is mostly cooled, add in gruyere. I'd use 1/2 c shredded, packed in the cup - or even more, depending on your taste. You can't really go wrong, it would be great without it too. Cut a sheet of defrosted puff pastry into the size you want. Brush with an egg wash (1 egg mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and top with filling. Bake at 400 until puff pastry is browned.

You could also use mini puff pastry cups, or even mini filo shells, too.

If you have some calvados or maybe apple cider, you could add it in and cook it out before turning off the heat to amp up the apple flavor.

Re: I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

I love the idea of the salty, sweet....do you ever omit the fennel of find it strong? I'm not typically a huge fan of it.

Also, do you cook the filled pastry in a muffin pan?

Message edited 12/14/2013 9:20:53 PM.

Re: I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

I made a very similar recipe to the onion and apple puffs on thanksgiving and it came out really yummy. I used this recipe for Onion, Apple and Mushroom Bites I'm not a fan of mushroom so I omitted that and sauteed some bacon instead and then caramelized the onion in a combo of the bacon drippings and oil. I'm not really a fan of fennel either.

Re: I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

Thought of another one for you. Feta Pesto Spread this one looks really festive and is so good if you like feta. It makes a ton so I always halve the recipe and it's still a lot. You can leave it in the bowl and then turn it out onto a platter when you get to the party and serve with water crackers.

Re: I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

Re: I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

Great feedback, & ideas.....thank you!

I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

i am so glad i ran across this thread!! such yummy ideas!

i just might make a few, this weekend

I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

I usually make my buffalo chicken dip. It's SO good and very simple to make.

1 Rotisserie chicken (broken up)
1 8 0z block of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup franks red hot sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Mix all together and bake 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees. We serve with frito scoops.

Message edited 12/16/2013 8:11:55 PM.

Re: I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

French onion soup dumplings

I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

I take Pillsbury thin crust pizza dough and stretch it out on a pan
put on top balsamic carmelized onions, green apples thinly sliced, gorgonzola cheese and candied walnuts and then bake.
When it comes out I drizzle with honey.

So easy, so good and nothing but requests for it.

Re: I need a Wowing Appetizer to bring?

I love this tart, I double the onions when I make it and use a frozen deep dish pie crust rather than making my own.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Onion-Cheese-and-Bacon-Tart-107130

ETA - This can be served at room temp/slightly warm and still be good so it should travel well if you cook it right before you leave.

Message edited 12/17/2013 5:22:42 PM.