Entertaining season is upon us. It’s time to light a candle or two, bring out those festive platters, and have fun making (and eating) hors d’oeuvres. Whether you’re hosting your own get-together or joining a potluck, the following no-fuss, inventive snacks are wonderful additions to your holiday menu. No utensils required!
Charcuterie Nachos
Say goodbye to chopping veggies, melting cheese and cooking up beef or beans. Charcuterie nachos are a simpler, more elegant twist on the traditional snack. Just lay out your favourite chips on a platter, layer as you like, and tear on some prosciutto. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan and a touch of lemon zest for a bright kick. Sea-salted kettle chips work best for this appetizer, but feel free to get creative. There are so many chip flavours out there! For locally sourced cured meats, check out Farmhouse Artisan Cheese in Oakville.
Smoked Salmon Waffle Sticks
Waffles aren’t just for breakfast — they make the perfect base for a variety of flavours. Their little divots are ideal vessels for tasty toppings. Cut your waffle into even strips, about 3 to 5 squares wide depending on size. Rectangular waffle makers work best, but traditional round ones are fine too — just trim the edges. You can find great waffle makers at Nicetys or Think Kitchen. Fill each square with smoked salmon, herb cream cheese and capers for a rich, crowd-pleasing finger food.
Mortadella, Burrata and Pistachio Crostini
This winning trio of ingredients is showing up on menus around the world, and for good reason. Together on a baguette, they are a fun twist on bruschetta. Start by drizzling baguette slices with a quality olive oil from The Splendid Olive, The Urban Vine, The Olive Oil Dispensary, or Olives en folie. Toast the drizzled slices in the oven, watching closely — they can go from golden to burnt quickly! Let the toast cool, then top with fresh burrata, mortadella and crushed salted pistachios. A drizzle of honey is optional but adds a lovely sweetness.
Shrimp & Avocado Rice Paper Cups
Did you know that rice paper bubbles and crisps beautifully when shallow-fried? To make cups, cut sheets into even squares and fry in vegetable oil one at a time, gently pressing the centre with tongs or a spoon so the sides curl up. Mix cooked, cooled shrimp with cubed avocado, a dash of soy sauce, maple syrup and sesame oil. Spoon the mixture into the crisped cups and top with toasted sesame seeds. For quality produce and pantry staples, check out Village Boutique Foods or Picone’s Fine Foods.
Whipped Feta Dip
Start with a good quality feta (the kind that comes in brine, not pre-crumbled). In a blender or food processor, blend with cream cheese or Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice or zest. Use this as a base and get creative. Minced garlic and oregano make it Mediterranean. Dill makes it dilly. For a salty-sweet punch, add crispy prosciutto or bacon and drizzle with warmed honey. And if you want this popular dip to scream Christmas, add maple syrup and top with dried cranberries and crushed pistachios.
Salted Butter Dates
The secret to this addictive hors d’oeuvre is high-quality salted butter — try Cow’s, available at Denninger’s. Slice dates lengthwise (without cutting all the way through) and remove the pits. Stuff each one generously with butter, and top with a bit of flaky salt. Trust me on this. Chill on a baking sheet, then remove about five minutes before serving. The cold, salty butter against the sticky-sweet date is an unexpected yet unforgettable pairing.
Not making your own appetizers this holiday season? Opt for catering from these great local businesses!
The Platter Company
175 Plains Road East Unit 1, Burlington
theplattercompany.ca
Indulgables
185 Main Street North, Waterdown
indulgables.ca
Gouda Thyme
550 Speers Road, Oakville
goudathyme.com
Boffo’s Fine Foods
334 Kerr Street, Oakville
boffos.net
The Block Co
395 John Street, Burlington
theblockco.ca
By Lauren Medeiros
