5 Easy Snacks For Entertaining With Zero Notice
Photo, Erik Putz.
When friends and family decide to drop by unannounced during the holidays, there’s no need to panic. Keep this arsenal of ingredients on hand to whip up any of these five tasty treats in 15 minutes—or less. (Another tip: Keep 2 or 3 bottles of sparkling wine and water in your fridge to serve to guests.) Buy a few extra no-cook ingredients (a wedge of a hard cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano, olives—we like Castelvetrano for its firm texture and mildly sweet flavour—and prosciutto) to accompany grapes, crackers and any of these recipes for larger crowds.
Shopping List: 4 lemons 1 head garlic 1 small bunch fresh parsley 1 540mL can navy beans 2 x 140 g log soft goat cheese 2 bunches seedless red grapes (freeze 1 bunch) 100 g pkg walnut halves popcorn kernels assorted crackers
Check your pantry for: Olive and canola oil, salt, pepper, granulated sugar, hot pepper flakes (optional), smoked paprika (optional), raspberry liqueur (optional)
Herbed Goat Cheese
This fresh take on the seasonal cheese ball comes together in a snap. Serve with crackers and grapes. Get this Herbed Goat Cheese recipe.
Lemon Bean Dip
A vegan lemony bean dip served with crackers will please all palates. Get this Lemon Bean Dip recipe.
Nutty Chevre Grapes
These sweet and tangy bites with a surprise inside are a fun alternative to cheese spreads. Get this Nutty Chevre Grapes recipe.
Sweet and Smoky Kettle Corn
A snack for all ages, homemade kettle corn is so easy you’ll never buy store-bought again. (Omit the smoked paprika for a kid-friendly version.) Get this Sweet and Smoky Kettle Corn recipe.
Grape Sorbet
Need a dessert stat? This sorbet only takes 5 min thanks to frozen grapes. Pour over some sparkling wine for a fun take on the bellini. Get this Grape Sorbet recipe.
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