Festive appetizers with a red and green theme

These appetizer ideas are easy and don't require any food coloring. Any of these would look cheery at your Christmas party, just don't serve them all at once or people will think you're crazy. Maybe that's a good thing.

My BFF Bad Kitty likes to set out bowl of dried cranberries mixed with shelled pistachios. Easy peasy. And so pretty.

I'm telling you, if it's not easy, I'm not making it so... get one of those large logs of chevre, set it at room temp to soften, then divide it up into little bite-sized balls, each about the size of marble. (Chill balls for about 30 minutes if they are getting too soft.) Roll half the balls in very finely chopped chives and half the balls in ground pink peppercorns. Set them side-by-side on a plate an insert a pretty bamboo toothpick in each for easy serving. (The BBC photo above gives you an idea of what it will look like.)

Another of my favorite appetizers: slice up a baguette and toast the slices as for crostini. Top each toasted bread with a thin slice of brie. Top half the brie crostini with a dab of green pesto (good quality store bought is fine) and half with a dab of sun-dried tomato pesto (I just food process some oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes with a little garlic and parsley). Arrange on a platter.

Couldn't be easier: skewer a grape tomato with a small fresh mozzarella balls(ciliegine) and a basil leaf. Arrange on a platter. Drizzle lightly with fruity olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Let your guests have at it.

This one's a little hokey but I love hokey: Prepare a crudite platter of red veggies (grape tomatoes, radishes, peppers) and green veggies (peppers, cukes, celery, snap peas, etc.). Alternate red and green veggies on a platter and serve with your favorite dip or a simple seasoned salt mixture.

And don't forget cocktails! Green apple and pomegranate martinis or cosmopolitans round out the party!

Comments

[Deborah Dowd]

At this time of year I am all about easy. Thanks for some great ideas!

[ann]

Another easy one is hot pepper jelly and cream cheese (or goat cheese) on little toasts or crackers. Tabasco makes both spicy red and less spicy jalapeno green pepper jellies. Delicious.

[Savoy Sison]

Wow im getting hungry looking at those appetizers. Thanks for sharing these great appetizers. I bet they taste as good as they look
Savoy Sison

[Marivi]

Here's another, courtesy of my Mother:

Mix equal parts yoghurt and cream cheese, add pomegranate seeds and chopped cilantro. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve dip with small pieces of pita.

[janelle]

I love the idea of red and green apps! Thanks, I might have to use those goat cheese balls:). Oh, I do the same thing with pesto and brie, but instead use focaccia and cut into triangles. Just another easy twist.

Moms cook too!!!!!