Appetizer Dinner

Growing up, we enjoyed the 'appetizer' dinner. Different appetizer food was enjoyed at the island on Friday nights with my Dad and Pam and typically Sunday nights around the coffee table with my Mom and Bryson. Regardless of the food ...or the family... it was always more fun than dinner plated and was the perfect setting for healthy conversation with the family. Of course, now that I do my own appetizer dinners, I realize it's also a great way to clean out the refrigerator and use leftovers! So get the kids involved. Let them have a say in what foods are placed on your lazy susan. Maybe it's even a good activity for them to create their own appetizer plate to add to the mix. No matter what you serve, the arrangement of finger foods, toothpicks, crackers, platters, lazy susan, ramekins and cocktail napkins make for real friend and family fun. So get creative and make it your own. Here are some ideas to get your first appetizer dinner started...

• Have leftover pizza? Cut into bite-sized square pieces and broil leftover ...use toothpicks to eat


• How about leftover steak? Cut into bite-sized squares, make some horseradish sauce and use toothpicks to eat


• Leftover chicken? Cut into strips and serve with BBQ sauce for dippn'


• Steam an Artichoke and melt some butter


• Shrimp cocktail


• Yummy cheeses and crackers


• Using a melon baller, serve small bowls of cantaloupe and honeydew


• Carrots and sliced red peppers served with ranch (great way to get the kids to eat veggies)


• Pepperoni and olives


• Bread sticks

So gather your favorites, place on many different platters, take off your shoes, sit around the coffee table and enjoy your family.

Happy Sunday Eating!