Mini apps and mini cocktails add up to big fun
They say good things come in small packages. Well, the same thing applies to food. A two-bite appetizer or few-sip cocktail is instantly better than something that’s full size because it’s just so gosh darn cute.
And if you’re thinking about trying the tiny trend, now is the perfect time. Mini-cocktails with mini-apps on the patio is the perfect way to celebrate glorious weather and amazing friendships. Although mini-eats have been dominating the wedding scene for a few years now, it’s about high time they made it into everyday entertaining.
But these bites don’t need to be fancy. Mac and cheese is about as down-home as it gets. But when it’s prepared in mini-muffin cups, it instantly gets more luxe (not to mention way easier to eat). With miniapps there’s no need for cutlery or even plates. Just some cocktail napkins are all you need to chow down.
What I really like about this recipe is that you can start it ahead of time. Make the mac and cheese on the stove and place it in the muffin cups and refrigerate. The day of your party you can take it right from the refrigerator to the oven.
Another savory bite I’m loving for summer is spinach, crab and artichoke tarts. The deliciously savory filling sits in a pillow of flaky puff pastry. It reminds me of spinach artichoke dip but in a new way. And when you work with store-bought puff pastry, it couldn’t be easier — just thaw, cut and go.
Brie and berries is a classic combination, which will have me putting these tarts on rotation all season long. With only four ingredients and five minutes of baking time, this is the one you can leave for the last minute because it’s so quick to assemble (yet it doesn’t feel that way when you display them).
In addition to blackberries, you could also substitute raspberry jam and fresh raspberries. Go wild — the produce aisle is the limit.
Mini-appetizers wouldn’t be as scrumptious without mini-cocktails, and these options will please just about everyone. The Lady Germain cocktail features a floral medley of elderflower liqueur, gin, lemon juice, strawberries and Champagne. Its pretty pink hue is perfect for summer. It’s also light and refreshing for hot days.
But the cutest cocktail ever goes to mini-Margaritas in Patron bottles. A classic Margarita recipe couldn’t be easier (lime juice, tequila, orange-flavored liqueur, sugar and ice). Just pour the mixture in empty Patron bottles (they hold about 2 ounces each).
Kick it up a notch by serving your straw in the middle of the sphere-shaped cork. Just use a drill bit to make the hole. And because these drinks are strong, it’s a good thing the cocktails are tiny.
I recently discovered mini Champagne bottles, and now I’m obsessed. They’re still filled with tons of bubbles and many of them also come with a real cork so you don’t have to miss popping it off. Just tie a decorative straw around the neck with a pretty ribbon and you’re ready to toast the town — no flute required. Alysha Witwicki is a retail copywriter and food writer living in Whitefish Bay. Contact her at alyshawitwicki @hotmail.com.