There’s a party in my neighborhood this week and the hostess has requested another appetizer. I don’t want to take the skewers I took to the last neighborhood party, so I’ve been looking at lists hoping for a spark of inspiration.
I’d usually peruse my pantry and fridge and build a dish around things I have available. Because of this year’s travel, I’m not stocked with as many options as usual. And I can’t really plan around the garden because I was late getting it started. The only thing currently plentiful is blackberries.
I considered blackberry something, but I kept ending up in the dessert category or back at skewers. Next, I did what most of us do – a search. The screen showed me link after link to lists of appetizers. You’d think I’d have too many options.
While there are plenty I could choose, there’s so much crossover that the lists are filled with things I’m pretty sure someone else will bring – deviled eggs, meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, spinach dip. I’d like to do something different.
There’s no pressure, I just prefer to play with something different. On the other hand, I understand there’s something comforting in being able to count on Kim to bring potato salad and Stephen dessert bars. A much-loved specialty adds to the happy anticipation before the event and the feeling of cohesive community.
Perhaps I should hit somewhere in the middle and take a variation on a familiar theme. My most repeated party appetizer is stuffed mushrooms. My favorite recipe fills them with fresh garlic, GF breadcrumbs, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and butter. I could change the filling to pecans, cheddar, hot sauce, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and mayo or to
breakfast sausage, fire roasted sweet red pepper, onion, sour cream, Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella.
You could hit the same balance with your favorite potluck appetizer. If you prefer to contribute coleslaw, change it up with lime cilantro coleslaw or broccoli slaw. If you usually take potato salad, try Caesar potato salad, German potato salad, or corn and potato salad. Meatball variations could include barbecue or Swedish.
Using variations on a theme is appealing from the preparation side as well. There’s a pleasant sweet spot that’s easily found when working with trusted ingredients. Using them in new ways keeps kitchen work from becoming a drudgery.
Last year, I had a large cucumber crop, so I played with them a lot. Building on that experience, I believe I’ll try deviled cucumbers for this week’s party. I love cucumbers when it’s hot and this week is hot!
If you’d like to follow my lead, don’t spend tons of time reviewing lists, reading unfamiliar recipes, guessing how much time a dish will take, and searching for ingredients, start with the tried and true and go from there. Pairing familiar comfort with exciting change can take your dish from just another appetizer to something that can entice family, friends, and neighbors to attend the party!
Have fun!
