Easy Hors D'oeuvres & Sparkling Cocktails

Article & Photos by Renata Haidle

What kind of home cook are you? Maybe you're the type who starts planning holiday meals as early as October, meticulously organizing lists and shopping ahead to avoid the crowds. Or perhaps you're the spontaneous host who thrives on last-minute gatherings, whipping up creative dishes with whatever can be found in the fridge. Whichever camp you fall into, why not simplify things this season with a holiday appetizer menu designed to take the stress out of entertaining? We have curated a selection of quick and effortless hors d’oeuvres that might also be dietitian-approved. And if you're searching for sparkling drinks to elevate the festivities, we’ve got that covered, too. 

ENDIVE LEAVES 

A perfect balance of flavors and textures, this savory appetizer features crisp endive leaves filled with tangy, earthy Stilton cheese and topped with spiced walnuts. It is a simple yet sophisticated combination that is suitable for any festive occasion. 

INGREDIENTS: 

2 heads Belgian endive, separated into leaves 

4 ounces Stilton cheese, crumbled 

1 Cup walnuts, coarsely chopped 

2 Tablespoons olive oil 

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 

¼ teaspoon garlic powder 

¼ teaspoon dried rosemary 

½ teaspoon salt 

¼ Cup pomegranate arils 

1 small bunch of fresh rosemary 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 
2. In a small bowl, combine the walnuts with olive oil, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and rosemary. Toss to coat the walnuts evenly. 
3. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Watch them closely as they burn rather easily. Remove from the tray and let cool completely. 
4. Arrange the larger endive leaves on a serving platter. Aim to have uniform-size leaves if possible. Fill each leaf with a teaspoonful of crumbled Stilton cheese. Top with toasted spiced walnuts and garnish with fresh rosemary and pomegranate arils. 

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Baguette Slices with Salmon Mousse

Impress your guests with these elegant bite-sized treats that come together in mere minutes.. Perfect for larger gatherings or buffet-style dinners, these baguette slices topped with creamy salmon mousse and fresh cucumber are both delicious and visually appealing. 

INGREDIENTS: 

1 can (15 oz) salmon, drained 

6 Tablespoons cream cheese, softened 

2 Tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 

Salt and pepper to taste 

1 baguette, sliced (or gluten-free crackers or cucumber slices) 

1 English cucumber, sliced 

½ Cup pomegranate arils 

Fresh dill sprigs 

Edible flower petals (optional) 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Prepare the salmon mousse. In a food processor or blender, combine the salmon, cream cheese, dill, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. 
2. Assemble the appetizer. Toast the baguette slices, if desired. Spread a tablespoon of salmon mousse onto each slice. Top with a cucumber disk. Decorate with pomegranate arils, fresh dill sprigs, and edible flower petals. For a lighter (and also gluten-free) version, replace the baguette slices with cucumber disks. 
3. Top each cucumber disk with a dollop of salmon mousse and garnish as desired.

Avocado Deviled Eggs 

Give traditional deviled eggs a nutritious makeover by swapping the rich mayo filling for a creamy avocado mousse. This light and zesty version is delicious and packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, along with soluble and insoluble fiber. Plus, unlike egg yolks, avocados are cholesterol-free! 

 INGREDIENTS: 

8 hard-boiled eggs 

2 avocados  

¼ Cup Greek yogurt 

1 lime, juice only 

¼ Cup pomegranate arils 

1 small jalapeno, sliced thinly 

2 sprigs cilantro, leaves only 

1 Tablespoon Everything Bagel seasoning 

Salt and pepper to taste 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix the avocado pulp, yogurt, and lime juice in a food processor until the mixture resembles a mousse.  
2. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.  
3. Cut the boiled eggs in half longitudinally and scoop out the yolks with a small teaspoon.  
4. Fill the egg whites with the avocado mousse and decorate each with a slice of jalapeño, one or two cilantro leaves, a few pomegranate arils, and a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning.  

Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours for optimal freshness. 

Holiday Mimosa

Are you ready to mix some bubbles? First, you can choose an expensive, name-brand champagne or an affordable prosecco or sparkling wine. Either way, the possibilities are endless for fizzy cocktails, given the wide variety of recipes that use bubbles as a main ingredient. 

The classic mimosa, a brunch staple, gets a festive makeover appropriate for the winter holidays. Dressed in vibrant, Christmas-inspired hues, this sparkling blend of cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and champagne is a must-try this season. A crystal-clear ice puck filled with cranberries and decorated with rosemary elevates the presentation and it is surprisingly simple to make. 

INGREDIENTS: 

2 ounces cranberry juice 

1 ounce Grand Marnier or Triple Sec 

3 ounces champagne 

2 ounces purified water 

¼ Cup cranberries 

Fresh rosemary sprigs 

Makes one serving. 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Pour 2 oz. purified water in a disposable plastic cup, then add a few fresh cranberries and a twig of fresh rosemary upright. Freeze for a few hours until solid. 
2. When ready to assemble your cocktail, carefully remove the ice puck you created from the disposable cup and place it in a cocktail glass (it is important to choose a glass slightly larger than the puck). 
3. Add the cranberry juice, Grand Marnier (or Triple Sec), and champagne, in this order. 

Enjoy immediately. 

Pomegranate Citrus Mocktail

Try this mocktail for a refreshing and festive non-alcoholic drink. It balances the dry tartness of pomegranate juice with sweet and sparkling citrus flavors. This mocktail is delicious and visually appealing, making it ideal for holiday celebrations. 

INGREDIENTS: 

3 ounces sparkling water or lemon-lime soda 

2 ounces pomegranate juice 

1 ounce orange juice 

Ice cubes 

Orange slices, for garnish 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Start by placing the ice cubes in a tall glass. Add the pomegranate and orange juices, and top with the sparkling water (or lemon-lime soda), creating as much fizz as possible. There is no need to stir, the carbonation will bring the flavors together. 
2. Garnish with a slice of vibrant orange for a touch of elegance. 

Serve immediately. 

Originally printed in the December 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

related articles: