Fondue is a great girl's night appetizer.
Kick the boys out and plan a girl's night with your girlfriends. Serve appetizers that men may turn their noses up at but that you and the girls will love. Complete the party by serving frilly cocktails such as cosmopolitans, bellinis or chocolate martinis, doing each other's nails and gossiping about this and that.
Fondue
Fondue had its heyday in the 1970s, but that doesn't mean you can't bring it back for an all-girl party. Something about the cheesy dip doesn't seem to appeal to those with a "Y" chromosome, but you know it's a blast to eat. To make the fondue, cut a clove of garlic in half and rub the cut side on the sides and bottom of a cast iron pot. Pour a cup of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon blanc, into the pot and heat until it simmers. Mix 12 ounces of grated Gruyere cheese with 12 ounces grated Emmenthaler cheese in a bowl, then add a 1 ½ tbsp. cornstarch and stir to coat. Add the cheese mixture to the wine, one handful at a time and stir to melt. Serve the fondue with bread cubes and raw vegetables.
Mini Quiche
Mini quiches are the perfect bite size snack to pop in your mouth while painting your nails. To make 15 quiches, set out a package of mini phyllo shells to thaw. Combine 1 egg, 1/2 cup cream, 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp. diced onion and 2 tbsp. diced red pepper in a bowl. You can add 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon if you would like. Pour the mixture into the thawed shells and bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes.
Hummus and Veggies
Hummus and raw vegetables, such as cucumber slices and baby carrots, is a healthy appetizer for your girls' night. You can use prepared hummus or make your own. Emulsify 1/4 cup of tahini and 1/4 cup of lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Add a clove of raw garlic or a few cloves of roasted garlic. Drain a can of chickpeas and add to the mix, then blend or process until the hummus is smooth. Season the hummus with salt, pepper and cumin to taste. Scoop the hummus into a bowl and drizzle a bit of olive oil over it.
Smoked Salmon
Smoke salmon - it's girly, it's pink, it's perfect for your party. Top crisp bread or Melba toast with a teaspoon of cream cheese, and then place a slice of smoked salmon on top. Arrange the crackers on a pretty platter. Garnish each cracker with a sprig of dill or a few capers.
Tags: clove garlic, girl night, ounces grated,