1: Oysters
Give a nod to Italy by drizzling a platter of fresh oysters on the half shell with just a tiny bit of the best balsamic you can buy. The combination is bracing and refreshing and fun.
Bite-sized finger food is the perfect way to get many, many different kinds of seafood into one fun night. So this year, we're spinning the idea of an Italian-American Christmas EveFeast of The Seven Fishesinto a cocktail party menu that works for any festive gathering.
Anna StockwellGive a nod to Italy by drizzling a platter of fresh oysters on the half shell with just a tiny bit of the best balsamic you can buy. The combination is bracing and refreshing and fun.
Deviled eggs meet Italian tonnato sauce in our new favorite take on this classic hors d'oeuvre. Creamy tonnato, which is made with canned oil-packed tuna, works wonderfully in a punchy, make-ahead deviled egg filling. Top each egg with crispy fried capers and salmon roe for extra salty pop.
These bite-size mashed potato croquettes are filled with smoked trout, mozzarella, Parmesan, and chives. Form the croquettes up to two days ahead, and then fry just before serving. They’re just the kind of gooey, salty, crispy finger food every cocktail party needs.
Lettuce cups are help you sneak a bit of something green into a cocktail party menu. Here, they're filled with salty-sweet crab and creamy avocado. The dressing can be made in advance, but the salad is best freshly assembled.
Mid-party, emerge from the kitchen with a tray of these babies fresh out of the oven. Your host-with-the-most badge of honor will forever be ensured.
Smoked salmon can handle the spicy crunch of pickled green peppercorns. Serve this tartare with potato chips and everyone will be happy.
Vanilla butter and anchovies? Yes, take one bite and you will understand the genius of this sweet-and-savory combination. We learned about this move at one of our favorite restaurants, but it's an easy dish to make at home for guests.
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