Quick Easy Appetizers

Throwing a party can be a lot of fun but, it can also be an extremely stressful time as well, especially when it comes to preparing party food. Most people want to entertain their guests in style which means serving a few Hors d'ouvres with those cocktails or before that 3 or 4 course meal. But, with so many other party preparations to make, most people don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen preparing these taste tempting treats. However, neither do you want to resort to serving little more than cheese spreads on crackers. What you need are some quick easy appetizers that you can either just make in minutes or can make up ahead of time and simply put together a few minutes before the party begins. Here are some ideas that just may get the ball rolling for your next round of entertaining.

Shrimp Cocktail

It's easy, basic and always a huge hit at parties. Best of all you can purchase large cooked and already peeled frozen shrimp that you simply need to thaw out. Making the cocktail sauce is a breeze it's a little bit of ketch-up and horse radish mixed to taste and for an added surprise try putting in a little dash of lemon juice and you are good to go.

For serving you can place the cocktail sauce in a large bowl and hang the shrimp around the outside of the dish and let guests help themselves or if the party is more intimate you can make small individual cocktails.

Stuffed Mushrooms

This is a versatile and easy appetizer to make. All you need to do is cut the stems out from the mushrooms and then decide what to stuff the mushrooms with. You can use traditional stuffing even the stove top type and add a few special ingredients or stuff them with small ground cooked and seasoned chicken, beef, pork or vegetables. Then simply pop them in the microwave to heat them up and serve.

Frozen Phyllo Shells

These shells are fully baked so all you have to do is thaw them out and fill them up with a number of different appetizing fillings. These are great for filling with fruit and vegetables, as well as chicken salad or other types of salads to make an interesting tasty type Hors d'ourvre that is quick and easy. You can even use a pre cooked hot filling and just microwave before serving.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs always make a great appetizer and there are a variety of ways that you can make them more interesting and tasty. Simply add some finely chopped raw carrots or green peppers to the yolk mixture, a little horse radish for a hotter taste, or even a little garlic or other spices. Top with paprika, chives, parsley, green onion, or sun dried diced tomatoes for a more elegant look.

Starting with these few ideas you should be able to create those hors d'ourvres quickly and easily and in most cases in advance of your party or get together without having to rely on those spray cheese spreads on crackers.