Many people are put off by the idea of serving three courses at a dinner party, possibly because of lack of confidence and culinary expertise, and usually because of time constrictions with the food preparation. Serving a first course lengthens the time spent around the dinner table, hence adding to the enjoyment of the occasion.
Here are a number of ideas for easy entrees that can be put together in less than 10 minutes. So no more excuses for not serving a starter!
Melon & Prosciutto
Serve slices of ripe rockmelon draped with thinly sliced prosciutto.
Avocado & Prawns
Fill half avocadoes with fresh peeled prawns tossed with Thousand Island dressing.
Mezze Platter (Greek / Lebanese style)
Assemble a platter with any of the following, available from the supermarket or a deli:
– tabouleh (tomato, parsley and cracked wheat salad)
– baba ghanoush (eggplant dip)
– hummus (chickpea dip)
– tzatziki (yoghurt cucumber dip)
– spinach filo triangles (available from freezer section of supermarket)
– olives
– dolmades (stuffed vine leaves)
– cucumber chunks
– wedges of pita bread
– cubes of feta cheese
Salad
Dress up a simple salad with smoked salmon, goat’s cheese or smoked chicken.
Pâté
Buy best quality pate (from a deli or gourmet store) and serve with gherkins,
slices of apple or pear and mini-toasts or sliced baguette.
Oysters
Serve freshly shucked oysters with lemon wedges or a simple vinaigrette.
Smoked Salmon
Serve slices of smoked salmon with thinly sliced red onion, capers, cream cheese, lemon wedges and toast or fresh bread.
Haloumi Cheese
Fry 1cm thick slices of Haloumi cheese in a lightly oiled frypan. Serve on a bed of baby rocket leaves with fresh lime wedges and freshly ground black pepper.
Antipasto platter (Italian-style)
Assemble a platter with any of the following, all of which are available from a deli:
– olives
– semi-dried tomatoes
– cured meats (eg. salami, prosciutto)
– marinated feta or goat cheese, or bocconcini (bite-sized mozzarella balls)
– char grilled capsicum or eggplant
– grissini (thin Italian breadsticks)
– marinated artichokes
– marinated mushrooms
– good store bought pesto
– anchovies
– caperberries
Caprice skewers
Skewer cherry tomatoes, baby bocconcini balls and basil on skewers and brush with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Caprice Skewers
(click on photo to view larger image)
Asparagus & Prosciutto
Wrap blanched asparagus spears with thinly sliced prosciutto.
Bruschetta
Top slices of toasted baguette or ciabatta with a mixture of chopped tomato, olives and basil, dressed with a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic.
