Appetizer for a potluck? Will be served room temp.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Can anyone think of a good appetizer to share with 12 people when you won't have access to a fridge or something warm it up with? All I can think are bread and spinach dip, crackers and cheese or fruit. There has to be something better. :)

Beth

[infomama]

Check these links out for ideas
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/cat/76/
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/19/dining/19mini.html
http://community.cookinglight.com/archive/index.php/t-70935.html

Can you plug in a crock pot? That opens up some possibilities like meatballs and such.

[SnuggleBuggles]

No crockpot options. :(

There are some real possibilities on those links! Thanks!! Any you would particularly recommend?

BEth

[infomama]

I'm such a hummus fan I would lean towards that with interesting crackers/pita/fancy cut veggies. I love the idea of having things already assembled (the NYT article) so people can eat them in one bite. Depending on the party atmosphere I may go for the skirt steak on bread with stone ground mustard (#3) or if it's more casual the ham/butter bread/sweet pickle combo (#9) sounds quaint. I just read in Real Simple a few months ago about an app where they spread a soft cheese (can't remember which one) on dried apricots (so it looks like it's dipped in the cheese sort of). I like the combo of cheese and fruit....how about apple chunks with cheddar chunks on a little toothpick?
Lots to ponder (geez..I'm hungry)

[infomama]

Look at these little mini salads at the top...how cute! http://www.divinedinnerparty.com/simple-easy-cold-appetizers.html

[bigpassport]

It isn't fancy, but a 7 layer dip (refried beans, salsa/cream cheese mixture, guacamole, sour cream, etc) with tortilla chips always gets eaten up.

[bubbaray]

smoked salmon and cream cheese on Carrs Water crackers (the cracked pepper are really yummy)

[Jen841]

I make my own mustard for this, always get raves. It has egg in it, but I don't worry about it being out for a bit.

SWEET HOT MUSTARD SAUCE

1 c. dry mustard (one of those tall bottles of dry mustard)
1 c. vinegar (I think I use cider or white, I forget!)
1 c. sugar
1 egg, beaten

Mix mustard and vinegar and let stand overnight (key, don't let it be a shorter period of time). Add sugar and beaten egg. Cook over medium heat, whisking until thick. Cool. Pour into container (I usually put in a wide bowl for dipping). Store in the refrigerator.

It has a kick, a good kick!

[wendibird22]

At our staff meeting this morning a colleague brought fresh baguettes, brie, grapes, fruit preserves, and mixed nuts. Delicious! She brought the brie in a lunch/cooler bag.

A friend always does a good veggie pizza using boboli bread (cooked then cooled) spread with cream cheese and topped with raw veggies of her choice (usually matchstick carrots, diced green pepper, brocolli, sliced black olives, etc) and a light sprinkle of shredded cheese. Cut into bite sized squares. It's served at room temp. Cream cheese keeps for a while at room temp. You could also bring the brick of cream cheese in a cooler bag and all the veggies pre-chopped and then just quickly assemble before the potluck.

[ohiomom1121]

I agree about the seven layer dip...yum! Also a friend of mine did little skewers of cherry (or maybe grape) tomatoes, a little ball of fresh mozzarella and a folded basil leaf. YUM.

[fauve01]

A friend always does a good veggie pizza using boboli bread (cooked then cooled) spread with cream cheese and topped with raw veggies of her choice (usually matchstick carrots, diced green pepper, brocolli, sliced black olives, etc) and a light sprinkle of shredded cheese. Cut into bite sized squares. It's served at room temp. Cream cheese keeps for a while at room temp. You could also bring the brick of cream cheese in a cooler bag and all the veggies pre-chopped and then just quickly assemble before the potluck.

My mom makes this cream cheese veggie pizza but with crescent rolls for the crust. YUM!
http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=9897

My mom also sometimes makes pizza rolls with crescent rolls. spread out the rolls, crimp seams, add sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni if desired. roll up, slice, bake. YUM. i think you could make these bite sized if you wanted.
http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=15520

My mom must have a Pilsbury cookbook, LOL!

looking at the web site, i see they have a pizza roll type recipe but with turkey and cranberry. i also saw ham and cheese, and other combos too.

let us know what you take!
Anne

[SnuggleBuggles]

We wound up making the skewers of cherry tomatoes, basil and mozzarella drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper. They were fast to make, not very expensive and people seemed to like them. Thank you!!

Beth

PS- these other suggestions look awesome and I want to eat all of them!