The Painted Apron

Take-out Tuesday, Party Appetizer

Posted by the Painted Apron on July 16, 2013 · 8 Comments 

For this week’s Take-out Tuesday I want to share the winning recipe from the  “Cook Your App Off Party!” For more photos and explanation of this fun party click here

This winning recipe was made ahead and brought to the party, ready to be enjoyed.  All the guests brought recipes they made ahead at home and they came up with so many pretty and creative dishes!  Even the guests who “don’t cook'” and normally would pick up something already made, surprised themselves with the pleasure of actually making a dish and watching others enjoy it!

The hands down favorite was Artichoke Mystery Bites.  They were a hit for several reasons:

1.  TASTE.  They were delicious!

2. PRESENTATION. They were plated in a beautiful way, with large fresh artichokes piled in the center of a gorgeous ceramic white rectangular platter with the bites surrounding.  There was also a square white dish of creamy buttermilk ranch dipping sauce.

3.  EASY TO EAT.  They were a small bite sized finger food, easy to grab and eat in one bite~not messy, they didn’t require a plate or a fork.  This is the type of appetizer that is always the first to be eaten.  For parties where guests are holding a beverage, standing, and talking– the easy to grab, eat and go finger foods are the ones that get eaten.

4. STAYS FRESH.  These little bites were as good after 2 hours as they were when they first arrived.  Now, they probably would have been good after 3 hours but they didn’t last that long!

The guests nibbled on these before and after they had fixed plates of food, not only because they were so good, but because of the small size and they were so easy to eat.  No embarrassing moments of chewing a large mouthful of food when another party goer engages in conversation~no spinach in the teeth or sauce dribbling down your chin~no messy bite ruining your lipstick!

This appetizer was definitely a winner in my book, and the other guests thought so too!

When I asked the winning Chef for her recipe she said, “Do you have the cookbook, “Magic?” It was published by the Junior League of Birmingham about 30 years ago…Yes! I did have it!  In fact, mine is dog-earred, food stained and well loved on my cookbook shelf!  I was so excited to be able to get my hands on this winning recipe right away to be able to share it with you!   Interesting note: the girl who made this is only 32, so the fact that she uses this old cookbook is a testament to how good the recipes are that are shared by everyday home cooks!

Here’s the WINNING recipe!  And BONUS, it’s a cinch to make!

ARTICHOKE MYSTERY BITES

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 1 egg beaten
• 1 14 1/2 oz can artichoke hearts packed in water, drained and smashed
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Progresso seasoned breadcrumbs

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350. Mix egg with artichokes, cheese and olive oil. Shape mixture into small balls and roll in breadcrumbs. Bake for 25- 35 minutes.
• Serve with Buttermilk Ranch dressing* for dipping. Makes 3-4 dozen. Can be prepared ahead and frozen.

Notes

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Make dressing from dry mix, according to package directions, using buttermilk and mayonnaise.

Keyword appetizer, artichoke bites, artichoke hearts

I am going to make this very soon, and did you see the end of the recipe where it says they can be made ahead and frozen!  I am definitely going to make some to stash away!

Let me know if you enjoy this as much as the guests did!

*NOTE: adapted from “Artichoke Balls” from Magic, a cookbook by the Junior League of Birmingham, Al.   _________________________________________________________

I’m sharing with:

Memories by the Mile

No Minimalist Here

Easy Life

Rattlebridge Farms

So many people say, I really don’t cook, or I wish I could cook, or paint, or be creative…well, it’s just a matter of doing it! All it takes is a dose of confidence!