Party Panache, last minute Thanksgiving Appetizers & Host Gifts

the Painted Apron

5 years ago

Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or thinking about what you might bring to your host/hostess, here are a few last minute easy ideas for the upcoming holidays

Snow Pea Tree

We like to eat around 5-6 for Thanksgiving, so throughout the day I think it’s fun to have a few nibbles to whet appetites while visiting, football watching, and gathering

Here’s a few easy peasy favorites you can slip into your menu

Cranberry Walnut Pie Spirals with Gorgonzola Butter

Orange Glazed Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Balls

Southern Sausage & Cornbread Balls

Stuffed Mushrooms with Bacon, Bleu Cheese and Pecans {you can use the filling as a dip too}

Broccoli & Cheese Dip or Spread

If you’re not hosting, but thinking about bringing something edible to your gathering, chose something that your host or hostess can serve with the planned meal, or to save and savor later. This way your gift is a welcome addition without disturbing the menu

Cranberry butter and Maple Pecan Butter, wrapped in a pretty package, are great choices, the host can serve it or save it for future holiday meals. Just add a label with storage instructions, that way the host will understand it doesn’t have to be served for this occasion

Cranberry Butter

Cranberry Butter

Course condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword Cranberry butter, flavored butter, holiday butter

Prep Time 5

Servings 8 Tablespoons

Ingredients

1 stick unsalted butter softened
2 T homemade cranberry sauce [or good quality jarred not canned]
1/8 cup chopped walnuts [optional]

Instructions

Mash together with a fork. Taste and adjust seasonings [sugar, salt, more cranberry] if necessary. Add walnuts if desired. Makes 1/2 cup

Maple Pecan Butter

Maple Pecan Butter

Course condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword bread spread, flavored butter, holiday butter, maple pecan butter

Prep Time 5

Servings 8 Tablespoons

Ingredients

1 stick unsalted butter softened
1/8 cup real maple syrup [Michele’s Butter Pecan is delicious]
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Place butter into a shallow bowl and add pecans and syrup. Mash well with a fork to combine.

Rosemary Pine Nut Sables

Whip up a batch of Apricot Pineapple Gorgonzola Spread and put it into a tub or jar. Tuck it into a small basket or gift bag with a box of crackers and a cute spreader. The host can serve it or stash it in the fridge for another time. Be sure to label it with storage directions

Label Cranberry Mustard with storage directions and serving ideas. It’s great with turkey or holiday ham, or on a sandwich

And of course a bottle of wine is always welcomed, you can make a quick Burlap Turkey Topper here

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, don’t forget Cranberry Holiday Flatbread, a delicious way to turn them into another delicious meal or snack!