With the festive season fast approaching, it’s that time of the year to catch up with friends and family before Christmas. Whether you are hosting a party, or have been asked to bring a plate of nibblies along to a someone’s else’s gathering, these tasty morsels will be a hit. Quick, easy and elegant, the spread can be made ahead of time and only needs to be spooned into the pre-bought pastry cups when ready to serve. Perfect with a glass of bubbles!

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It’s the party season, and finger food is a great way to feed your guests.  As well as lending itself to serving a variety of flavours, colours and textures, it encourages people to mingle with other guests (rather than remain in one place if a sit-down meal is being served). The anticipation of waiting for what the next platter will bring is all part of the fun!

This dish is one of the most popular in our Cocktail Food Cooking Class. I’ve not met a person that hasn’t ooo’d and ahh’d over these crispy wonton cases that house a Thai-inspired chicken filling.  Both the cases and the chicken mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect entertaining food.

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Appetisers, cocktail food, canapés, finger food….regardless of what you call it, there is something particularly enticing about a selection of small pieces of food, especially when they’re homemade. Because I entertain often and have prepared numerous pieces of cocktail food over the years I know just how much work goes into the preparation, which makes me appreciate it all the more.

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I served these Smoked Salmon and Basil Mini-Frittatas at my recent Christmas Cocktail Party.  They were a winner, and disappeared from the platters quicker than I could refill them!  [Read more →]

Christmas in Australia means sunshine, beaches, tropical fruit and outdoor dining. This time of the year I love to entertain and show my appreciation and gratitude to friends and people that have been an important part of my life in the past 12 months. Because this includes around 40 people, the best way to do this is to throw a party!

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Olives are a welcome food to serve with pre-dinner drinks or at a cocktail party. Yes you can readily buy pre-marinated olives, but why not make your own?   Home-marinated olives are so much better than most shop-bought marinated olives and it’s always rewarding to be able to say “I made it myself” when your guests declare how delicious something is! [Read more →]

This divine dip is made in less than 10 minutes, and is perfect for entertaining as it can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. I like it served with Lavosh crackers, but you could serve it with fresh Turkish bread or baguette. [Read more →]

Every year my husband and I throw a party around Christmas time. It’s a great way to catch up with our friends before Christmas and share some festive hospitality. Continuing this tradition, last weekend we hosted 40+ of our closest friends.  It was a warm summer evening, drinks were flowing, food disappeared before I could refill the platters and everyone was in good spirits.  My type of party!  [Read more →]