Recipe(tried): Appetizers (8) re: Appetizers for 400 - for Alison, Illinois

Here are a few for you to consider. You will need to multiply the recipes accordingly for your crowd.

Maryland Crab Dip
Chicken Chunks
Cheese Ring
Sausage Balls
Fruit Dip
Curry Dip
Cheese Straws
Tiny Quiches

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MARYLAND CRAB DIP

1 can white crab meat, picked
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 tsp chives
1 heaping tbsp sour cream
1 heaping tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon juice

Mix all ingredients together. Sprinkle with parmesan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

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CHICKEN CHUNKS

Makes approx 72 and can be either baked fresh or be frozen ahead of time then either thawed and cooked or cooked from frozen state.

6 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup bread or cracker crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 t dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried tarragon
1/2 tsp salt
1 clove garlic minced
1/2 cup butter, melted

In a small bowl combine rest of ingredients except butter.

Dip cubes into melted butter then coat with crumb mixture. Either bake or freeze in a single layer.

Bake from fresh, thawed or frozen state in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

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CHEESE RING

1 pound grated cheddar cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup chopped nuts (I like pecans)
1 small onion, grated or chopped fine
white pepper to taste
dash of cayenne or Tabasco

Mix and mold. Refrigerate until set.

To serve turn out onto a platter and surround with crackers. Fill with Strawberry Preserves.

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SAUSAGE BALLS

These are quick and easy and can be served room temperature. They also freeze well.

1 pound bulk hot sausage
10 oz shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups Bisquick baking mix

Combine all ingredients and shape into small balls.

Bake on cookie sheet 15-20 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

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Fresh fruit always is a winner Here is a good fruit dip recipe that can be kept in the fridge. It also make a large amount of dip.

FRUIT DIP

2 cups milk
2 small box French vanilla pudding
1 (16 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
2 Tbsp amaretto

Mix milk and pudding until thick.

Fold in Cool Whip and add amaretto.

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Fresh veggies and veggie dip would also be an easy but good appetizer. Here is my favorite veggie dip.

CURRY DIP

2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 onion grated with juice
1 tsp curry

Mix all together and chill at least 4 hours. You may want to add more curry to taste. If mixture is too stiff, add more onion juice or a drop or two of water.

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CHEESE STRAWS

I make these and serve them standing up in cute glasses.

1/2 pound grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups flour
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp red pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) margarine minus 1 Tbsp
6 Tbsp very cold water (I put water in a cup and add ice, then dip out the 6 Tbsp needed)

Mix cheese, flour, mustard, red pepper, and salt. Cut in margarine. Add cold water.

Roll on a floured board cut into desired shapes or pipe out into straw shapes.

Bake in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Serve at room temp. Can be made ahead of time.

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One more idea is Quiche. Here are some that are pretty and very tasty.

TINY QUICHES

1/2 cup butter softened
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup flour
FILLING:
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt
paprika

Cream butter and cream cheese. Add flour and work together to form a dough ball. Chill.

When ready to bake dived dough into 24 pieces and press lightly into greased mini muffin pan. Divide cheese evenly between unbaked pie shells. (If desired you may add a few bits of cooked and crumbled bacon at this stage.)

Beat egg, milk, and salt together and drizzle over cheese in each quiche. Sprinkle with paprika.

Bake 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

You can also do a search here for appetizers and get loads of great recipes. Hope this will help and let us know how it goes!!