Suggestions for finger buffet please!

[Deleted User]

Thanks everyone - some great suggestions!

Can I ask one more thing - I would guess that making your own mince pies is definitely a money saver? BUT my pastry is always really heavy! Any tips?

Fen1

Avoid making pastry completely by putting the micemeat in vol au vents, then topping with brandy cream and a dusting of cinnamon. Very easy and quick.
Or look at the following threads for recipes

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=610013&highlight=pastry

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=316377&highlight=pastry

Nix143

Couple of tips I've used recently when I've been in a similar situation

I've recently started messing with my hummus - as you do

Anyway now I add a good dollop of green pesto, some toasted pinenuts if you have them and some parmesan to it when I am whizzing it up - that zing of pesto makes it taste delish! Far nicer than any shop bought one - 1 tin of chickpeas, bit of garlic, lemon juice, tahini if you have it but to be honest you can do it without - and this makes a gorgeous dip that people simply munch their way thru.

Always great is a baked camembert and that costs just over a quid but tastes great, looks very impressive and is a bit foodie .

Go to Netto if there is one near you, they always have those bake it yourself ciabattas for less than 50p! Bake then slice one of those on the diagonal and you've got dipping, scouping bread that impresses 'foodies'

Have a lovely night and remember, chill. Have a nice time and don't stress too much about impressing them, just be yourself xx

GreenNinja

Sainsburys do value bags of tortilla chips at 19p each and also value salsa dip (think its around 60p?) so you could buy one jar salsa and 2 bags chips for a pound and put on a nice dish to serve.

jembie

I make my own mini pizzas using either just bread or bread rolls or sometimes muffins. Just smear tomato puree (Or even ketchup) on the top and grate cheese on top and grill until the cheese has melted. They take about 10 minutes to do.

missjennipenni

YOu could try using filo pastry instead of shortcrust, for your mince pies? Im not keen on shortcrust pastry, so my mum makes mincemeat filo parcels instead, dusted with icing sugar or cinnamon, and they are delicious, but also light.

Bunker

Make some mini yorkshire puddings, fill with creme frais mixed with a little horseradish sauce, and then top with a thin slice of beef. You can use a small piece of steak, which can go a very long way as its only a small slice you need on each one.

Instead of mince pies, use some ready made puff pastry (often on special at this time of year) cut into 4 cm squares, fill with a teaspoon of mince meat (lidl do some lovely ones), seal edges with beaten egg and fold over into a triangle. Once cooked dust with a little icing sugar 'snow'. easiest 'mince pies' around.