The New Hors D' Oeuvre

Not that long ago hors d'ouevres and appetizers used to be bland nibbles. It was either bacon wrapped around pineapple or something smeared on Melba toast. Nowadays there seems to be a revolution in cocktail party foods. They can reflect certain ethnic influences or new trends in foods.

One of the biggest movements in appetizers is foods that reflect a particular group. Empanadas are big right now and they're served in various flavors and  sizes. They can have  spicy black bean or creamy spinach fillings while also being stuffed with various meats. Some are regular size (thin tow or three bites) or tiny (think one bite).Other hors d'oeuvres include spring rolls and gourmet egg rolls.These can be vegan, filled with minced bits of bok choy, cabbage and carrots or meat and seafood stuffed ones. Both are about the size of a thumb . Mini bruschettas are also being passed around these days. These can be the traditional with chopped tomatoes on finely cut prosciutto and cheese topping almost wafer thin rounds of Italian breads.

Some hors d'oeuvres are stylized versions of traditional recipes. Shrimp, that party favorite , has been transformed into a shot, Small plastic shot glasses are filled with individual pieces of the crustacean. dipped in a swirl of shrimp sauce and sour cream.Another updated classic are pigs in blankets.Usually just mini franks in a soggy crescent roll, they've been revised to  being blanketed in  actual mini croissants or vol au vents. Plain mustard was usually served with them however now they can be dipped in honey mustard or a spicy barbecue sauce. Pate was a cocktail party or pre dinner  staple, usually quickly and sloppily on a stale piece of Melba toast. Now the paste has been updated to heart healthy hummus and the Melba toast has been replaced with a elegant flaky cup.

Hors d'oeuvres have undergone a stunning transformation in the last few years. They are more global and  more fun. Even the classics have evolved into true gourmet treats.These little bites are still party classics but they've become the life of the party as well.