Finger Foods, Ideal For Any Occasion.
Fingerfoods, no mess entertainment- Whatever the occasion, no mess entertainment should be the essence of your party plan. What item on the menu is more neat, tidy, not to mention fun to eat than finger foods also called Hors d' oeuvres or appetizers? These bite sized piece of delicately flavoured food is ideal for absolutely any occasion ranging from salty or sweet to fresh, fried, cooked, or baked. The actual purpose of fingerfood is to stimulate the appetite or to avoid guests fainting from hunger when the interval between arrival or even courses are too long. Finger food can be served solo, during or after meals all depending on your event and menu structure.
Popularity- Finger foods have grown immensely in terms of popularity especially after the invention of the sandwich, which is most probably the best know finger food choice in the world. Any normal sized food imaginable has the potential to be turned into an incredible finger food creation by just cutting the portion in half or in three quarters. Any worthwhile caterer will be able to turn any one of your favourite dishes into a mini appetiser. A lot of expense is also saved on opting for finger party foods instead of sit-down meals with super expensive, long and winding courses. Guests also prefer fingerfoods to conventional dining most probably due to the wonderful informal atmosphere created with no need for fancy plates and utensils. Finger bowls may be required if you plan to hosting a formal tea party.
No more major clean-up's- Finger foods, cut after party clean-up time by at least three quarters. Usually there are only a few crumbs left thus platter washing is the only major task required from the host or hostess. No washing of dirty plates and utensils.
Events- Finger foods can be served at any events you can imagine including birthdays, engagement parties and weddings. The list of options are absolutely endless with especially engaged couples planning their wedding opting for finger foods. This is most probably a result of economic difficulties and generally tight wedding budgets not to mention the great value the foods give as well as the flexibility of the types and styles of food available. With even tier wedding cakes taking a serious backs seat to artful wedding themed cupcakes which also fall in the category of fingerfoods.
Sweet tooth- While on the subject of cakes a superb range of sweet finger foods are available ranging from choc fingers, baklava's, candy covered raisins, custard slices, tartlets and Swiss rolls. Please make sure that you also cater for dieters as well as Diabetics by adding fruits and low sugar snacks to the menu.
Appearance and presentation- Finger food appearance and presentation is of great importance. Guest would like to taste the food with their eyes first. If the food looks appalling they will also assume the taste will match. First impressions are unfortunately lasting. No matter how great the caterer or ingredients are appearance will determine how quickly the snacks will disappear either in the guests' tummy's or the trash can.
Informal or formal?- Finger food can be classified as either formal or informal. Formal fingerfoods will be referred to as hors d' oeuvre. Hors d' oeuvre are normally served as part of a sit-down meal with it's prescribed utensils but strictly in the form of individual items. These finger foods normally include deviled eggs, sausages, cold cuts and dumplings. Fruit, cheese and crudités are not classified under Hors d' oeuvres. Informal finger food are all the fun mini morsels you will find at parties including crackers, cookies, buffalo wings and applets.
Different type of appetizer- Another well known but different type of appetizer is an entree. Not falling in either formal or informal fingerfood categories entrée's are served as appetite stimulators depending on portion sizes, before very extravagant French-style meals consisting out of a couple of courses.
Nationality specialities- Every nationality or culture can boast with fingerfood innovation or inspiration these days. Italian, Spanish, Russian and Japanese speciality finger foods are growing in popularity more and more everyday especially with the hosting of country themed parties. Your Italian finger foods also known as Antipaso will include marinated vegetables and cold cuts. Spanish finger known as Tapas are spiced cuts of meat. "Zakuski" refers to Russian finger foods such as fish, caviar and bread served with vodka. "Zansai" is Japanes finger foods consisting mainly of fish. |
