Expert: Suzette - 11/12/2001

Question
We re having a cocktail party at our office. I will do the food and would like to serve at least 2 hot apps. Problem-we only have a microwave so it needs to be something that can be reheated in there. I'd like it to be finger food that can be passed-not dips. I already thought of stuffed shrooms-any other ideas? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Dia!

How about some Cocktail Meatballs? Here's a recipe for 30:

8 oz. ground beef
3 tbls. quick cooking oats
1 tbls. ketchup
1 egg
1 tsp. instant minced onion
1/2 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1/4 tsp. celery salt

In medium bowl, combine the above ingredients and mix thoroughly. Shape into 3/4 in. balls, using about 1/2 tbls for each meatball. Place in a 12" X 7" baking dish. Cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave at full pwer for 2 mints., then at 30% for 3 - 4 mins. until done when cut in centre. Drain.

If you want, you can serve them with like this one:

Deviled Cocktail Tidbits:

30 meatballs (recipe above)
1 10-oz jar of currant jelly
2 tbls. creme de cassis
2 tbls. prepared mustard
1 tbls. prepared horseradish
4 tsp. cornstarch
2 tbls. cold water.

InN a 1-1/2 qt. casserole, combine current jelly, creme de cassis, mustard and horseradish. Mix well. Cover. Microwave at full pwer for 4 - 5 mins. or until melted, stirring twice. In a small bowl, blend cornstarch and cold water. Stir into casserole. Microwave at full power for 2 mins. or until thick and bubbly, stirring 3 times. Mixture should be thick and smooth. Stir in meatballs and cover. Microwave at full pwer for 4 to 5 mins. or until heated through, stirring once or twice. Serve with cocktails picks, or large toothpicks.

This can be made in advance and just heated up (the last 4 - 5 mins.) when you are ready to serve.

Hope this helps,

Suzette