Savoury party platters for hungry guests

These simple recipes are great to have on hand when you want to entertain, but are short on time.

Prosciutto-wrapped dates are a classic party appetizer in Italy. They are easy to make, and many versions are stuffed with almonds. We kick up the flavour by stuffing the dates with hot Italian sausage and a little cream cheese. Yum!

Preparation time 20 minutes

Cooking time 15 minutes

Serves 8

• 125 g (4 oz) hot Italian sausage, casing removed
• 30 g (2 tbsp) cream cheese, softened
• 32 pitted dates
• 8 thin slices (about 125 g/1/4 lb) prosciutto, each cut into 4 lengthwise strips

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook, breaking into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned, three to four minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and cool five minutes. Stir in the cream cheese.
3. Meanwhile, use a small knife to cut a lengthwise slit in each date so that each will open like a book. Slightly overfill each date with some of the sausage mixture. Roll each date in one strip of prosciutto and set on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat to form 32 rolls.
4. Bake until hot and the prosciutto just barely begins to crisp, about five minutes. Serve immediately.

These American-style bruschetta (savoury toasts) feature a creamy rich topping made with cheddar cheese, bacon and mayonnaise. Almonds add crunch and nutty flavour. Serve as a snack or alongside a soup or light entrée.

Preparation time 10 minutes

Cooking time 10 minutes

Makes 4 dozen

• 250 ml (1 c) mayonnaise
• 10 ml (2 tsp) Worcestershire sauce
• 250 g (1 c) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 175 g (3/4 c) slivered almonds, chopped
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1 loaf (about 500 g/1 lb) French bread

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the cheese, onion, almonds and bacon.
2. Cut the bread into one centimetre (1/2 inch) slices, then spread with the cheese mixture. Cut the slices in half and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake until bubbly, eight to 10 minutes.

• Keep these snacks in the freezer for unexpected company or snack attacks.
• Freeze the toasts directly on the baking sheet until solid, about one hour.
• Transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to two months.
• To serve, place the frozen appetizers on a greased baking sheet and bake until bubbly, 10 to 12 minutes.

--------------------

Discover the smarter way to save time and money

Ready to start saving more on your groceries and pharmacy purchases? Download the FREE YP Grocery app today! It lets you create shareable shopping lists, automatically finds all the best deals and coupons, then delivers them right to you. No more manually scrolling through hundreds of flyers to find what you’re looking for!

Download the YP Grocery app now!