Entertaining guests at home can be a real joy when we have time to sift through recipes and prepare well thought-out meals to share with people we care about. But when friends unexpectedly show up on our doorstep, anxiety can quickly topple our calm if we have nothing to offer them. However with some quick thinking and essentials in the pantry, you’ll be ready to whip up some impressive appetisers at the drop of a hat. Here are a few ideas.
Homemade sausage rolls
If you have mince, puff pastry, breadcrumbs and pantry staples such as eggs, onion, and sauces, then you are well on your way to serving up delicious homemade sausage rolls. Depending on what you have on hand, add in spices, vegetables and even nuts to give your sausage rolls the gourmet treatment. If you have a bit more prep time up your sleeve, try these Mexican sausage rolls. They are guaranteed to impress!
Cheese board
A cheese board is always a winner. Dig deep into the fridge and pull out whatever cheeses you have along with some cold meat cuts and cherry tomatoes. Add fruit such as strawberries, sliced apple and grapes, and a handful of nuts. Crackers are a must and we love Kettle’s Sea Salt Flat Bread Crackers for the delicate flavour they add to each bite. Pile everything onto a platter, wooden breadboard or a tray. It doesn’t get easier than that!
Pizza
Pizza bases are great to keep in the freezer for impromptu snacks and there is no limit to what you can top them with. Leftover baked vegetables with rocket and feta, tomato passata with prosciutto and cheese, or simply garlic, a little olive oil and herbs – whatever your jam, load up the bases and bake until they are golden and crispy. Cut the pizzas into bite-size pieces and serve on a platter or board.
Mediterranean mezze
It’s time to gather all of those gorgeous little bowls you have collected over the years and fill them with flavours of the Mediterranean. Think olives, sundried tomatoes, hummus and feta. Whip up a tzatziki dip, cut some vegetable sticks (cucumber, carrot and capsicum) and serve the lot with Lebanese flatbread or Italian ciabatta. If you have more prep time, cook up some meatballs, marinated prawns or falafel to add to the mezze and your guests will be grazing for hours.
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