Make Ahead Appetizers

Learning the simple trick of making the appetizers ahead of time will make for a more relaxed time during the party or meal. Whether appetizers are the main attraction or just the opener, they are important. Good appetizers stimulate appetites, heighten senses, and generally make guests feel they are in for a good night. Appetizers do not have to be intricate, complicated, or time consuming to be spectacular.

Appetizers which can be made ahead relieve the hostess of extra work at serving time. The food is prepared earlier in the day or several days ahead. Whether stored in the refrigerator, freezer, or airtight containers, extra care should be taken to see that the appetizers keep their best quality: bread should be soft, gelatin firm, crackers crisp.

The dishes and utensils used in preparation can be cleaned and put away long before the meal is to be served. Not only will the kitchen be neater, but there will be more space for any last minute preparations that are necessary for the other courses. When the supply of kitchen utensils is limited, pre-preparation of the appetizers will leave many utensils available for the last-minute meal preparations.

When serving made-ahead appetizers, the hostess is confident that the food is delicious, attractive, and most importantly, ready. This allows her a few minutes for final touches or relaxing before greeting her guests, assured that the first course will be a success.