Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Takeout Fakeout -Your Guests Will Never Know!

Hibernating is tres chic this season, and we all know that a lot of provisions are being prepared to refuel.

Whether your hosting a get together at your place, or attending someone elses shindig, let's face it; you're expected to prepare a dish.

Everyone has their go-to favorite appetizer, but let's spruce things up a bit. We are all sick of your 5 layer dip, and even more sick of your signature sour cream and onion and potato chip combo.

Let's blow their socks off! (Without having to do much!)

You may not be Giada, or Tyler- but you ARE clever. How can you prepare a killer appetizer, with only putting minimal effort into the dish?

Simple, pull a "takeout fakout."

Below are three ideas for appetizers that will impress your guests, while leaving you enough time to catch up on my latest blog posts.

Step one: Order a pizza. Ask for a plain pie, slightly undercooked, and not cut.
Step two: Go get ready for the night. You've got 30-45 minutes.
Step three: When the pizza arrives, use a round cookie or biscuit cutter, and cut out circles, excluding the crust.
Step four: Heat the round pieces at 400 degrees, for about five minutes.
Step five: Top with slices of olives, some with marinated mushrooms, artichoke hearts, proscuitto, and fresh herbs.

Not a fan of this one? How about some decadent garlic bread? Everyone loves garlic bread!

Step one: Call your favorite italian restaurant, and order a loaf of garlic bread.
Step two: Slather slices of bread with some prepared marinara saice, or pesto. Top with mozzarella, or goat cheese. Top with a marinated pepper, or a sun dried tomato, and heat those puppies in the oven, until they are toasted.

You can also try a Hummus Po' Boy with the garlic bread. Spread hummus on the garlic bread and top with coleslaw, lettuce and tomato.

Perhaps your feeling fancy. Why not try a simple lettuce wrap? It will keep your guests uber impressed, and only takes 5 minutes preparation!

Step one: Order your favorite take-out chinese shrimp or chicken stir fry. Maybe even an order of their Kung Pao chicken.
Step two: Scoop some of the chicken or shrimp dish onto little boston lettuce leaves, and serve.

Rely on restaurants once in a while-- your guests will never know!!


recipes courtesy of realsimple.com

3 comments:

  1. What a fabulous idea! Love the "fakeout takeout"
    concept. Keep bringin it! How bout some fresh fish ideas?

    L. Stone
    Sarasota, FL

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks, Dad! Auntie Linda- I will try to come up with a good fresh fish one for you- I Immediately thought of a great baked whitefish taco recipe, with a lime chipotle remoulade!

    ReplyDelete