Appetizers and Finger Foods

Finger foods are easy foods that you can eat with your hands and fingers without the need for cutlery. These finger foods are also appetizers that can be served before the main course or at a cocktail party. So the next time you have a girl's night, a sleepover or a drinks and cocktail party, here are some interesting recipes you can use.

Cheese Bites

Ingredients:

• Butter or margarine, warm - ½ cup.
• Plain flour - 1 cup.
• Cheddar cheese, grated - 2 cups.
• Cayenne pepper, ground - ¼ teaspoon.
• Paprika or red pepper - 1 teaspoon.

Preparation:

• Set the oven at 400 degrees F and let it preheat.
• In a bowl, mix butter/margarine, pepper and flour.
• Next add the cheese and blend well.
• On a greased baking dish, arrange small round cheese ball mixture.
• Bake for ten minutes in the preheated oven.

Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

• Eggs - 12 large.
• Mayonnaise - ½ cup.
• Mustard - 1 ½ tablespoon.
• Salt and pepper - to taste.
• Paprika - garnish.

Preparation:

• In a large saucepan, place the eggs with water and bring to boil on medium heat. Boil for 15 minutes and place under cold water. Peel under running cold water.
• After the eggs are cool, cut them into halves lengthwise.
• Scoop out the yolks and place the yolk in a bowl.
• Mash the yolks and add mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Mix till all the ingredients have blended together.
• In the egg whites place this mixture and garnish with paprika, parsley and an olive if desired.

Oriental Steak Bite Appetizers

Ingredients:

• Cornstarch - 3 tablespoons.
• Soy sauce - 1/3 cup.
• Vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons.
• Sesame seeds - 3 tablespoons.
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon.
• Oyster Sauce - 1 tablespoon.
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves.
• Black pepper - 1 teaspoon.
• Ginger, ground - ¼ teaspoon.
• Sirloin steaks, boneless and cut in cubes - 2 pounds.
• Green onions, finely sliced - ½ cup.

Preparation:

• In a mixing bowl add the cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sugar, oyster sauce, garlic, black pepper, ginger and vegetable oil. Mix well.
• Next add the steak cubes and green onions and stir to coat well.
• Let this marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
• Remove the beef and drain, do not throw the marinade away.
• Add the beef to a broiler pan for 10 minutes brushing with marinade occasionally till it is cooked. Or grill barbeque style.

Chicken Garlic Bites

Ingredients:

• Chicken, boneless and skinless, cut into cubes - 2 breast pieces.
• Olive oil - ½ cup.
• Garlic, minced - 4 cloves.
• Pepper - ¼ teaspoon.
• Breadcrumbs - ½ cup.
• Cayenne pepper - ¼ teaspoon.

Preparation:

• In a mixing bowl, add the olive oil, garlic and pepper and mix well.
• In a dish add the chicken and marinade with the oil and garlic mixture.
• Allow this to marinade for 1 hour.
• Remove the chicken and drain the marinade.
• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
• In another bowl mix breadcrumbs and cayenne pepper.
• Coat the chicken pieces with the crumbs.
• Arrange on a baking dish with a greased sheet.
• Bake till brown and cooked.

These recipes are surely going to add some great variety to your menu. These rock at parties, and make them instant hits. Don't forget to try them soon!