Cooking with Cook: Party!

3/20/08

By Gwen Cook
Critic Staff

College parties aren’t exactly known for their smorgasbord of appetizers. Just trust me on this when I say that they usually consist of mostly drink and no food. This is completely understandable when you consider what college parties are actually for. Most students typically aren’t rolling in the money either. So in this column I wanted to share some good party appetizers that will appeal to your guests without robbing you blind.

Cheese Nachos
1 container of salsa
1 16 ounce container of sour cream
1 bag of shredded cheese
1 bag of tortilla chips

Combine the salsa and sour cream in a medium container. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.

Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
1 package of microwavable chicken nuggets (pre-cooked)
1 cup honey
½ cup Dijon mustard

Cook chicken in microwave according to directions on the package. Combine honey and mustard in a small bowl. *Note* honey mustard sauce tastes best when prepared a day or two in advance.

Fruit Platter with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
1 container of strawberries
2-3 apples
1 small bag of grapes
1 bundle of bananas
1 container of microwavable chocolate dip

Arrange strawberries, cored and slices apples, grapes, and bananas on a tray. Heat the chocolate dip in the microwave according to the directions on the package.

Meat Roll-ups
1 container of sliced chipped beef
1 package of cream cheese

Spread cream cheese over slice of chipped beef. Roll up. Repeat procedure until the jar is empty and the cream cheese runs out.