Appitizer Tips

Some great Appetizers:

Fried Green Tomatoes:

Here is a truely Southern treat that is a little bit more difficult to make but they are worth the try.

Things You'll Need;

• Green tomatoes
• Sharp knife
• Bread Crumbs
• eggs
• 1/2 cup of whole milk
• Oil for frying
• Fork
• Spatula
• Fry pan

Instructions;

• First you need green tomatoes so go out and pick some! (green being unripe, so any breed of tomato will do!)




• Next cut off the ends, it is hard to use the rounded ends so flatten them off.
• Slice them kind of thick so they don't end up too mushy!
• Put your bread crumbs in a shallow dish or bowl.
• Whisk eggs and milk well in a medium sized bowl.
• Dip slice of tomato in egg wash.
• Drop in bread crumbs and scoop crumbs over then press.
• Dig back in egg wash, then bread crumbs again.
• Place on plate or cookie sheet while finish battering the rest of the slices.
• Heat up pan with it about half full of oil till it sizzles and pops when you splash a drop of water in it, then carefully place tomato slices in.
• Keep the salt handy, it smothers oil fires! When they brown on the edge, use a fork or spatula to carefully flip them.
  Drain on paper towels and serve them hot!

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Kolaches:
You can make kolaches with a variety of fillings. Here is the basic recipe along with a few ideas and pointers on what you can put in them. And they are fairly easy to make



Things You'll Need;

• 2 envelopes dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsps. salt
• 2 eggs yolks, beaten
• 6 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• soften butter as needed

Instructions;

• In a small bowl, mix the yeast and water until dissolved. Be sure the water is no warmer than 110 degrees F. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and let stand for at least five minutes.
• In a small sauce pan, heat milk until scalded. Remove from heat and mix butter and sugar. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Add salt and egg yolks.
• Combine both milk and yeast mixtures in a large bowl and stir well. Using a heavy mixer, slowly add the flour to the mixture.
• Begin kneading the dough on a lightly floured surface until it begins to take a shiny or glossy appearance. Place the dough in a well oiled bowl and cover, letting rise for 60-90 minutes.
• Using a spoon, cut out egg shape pieces of the dough and roll them in the palm of your hand to make small round balls. Place them on a greased baking pan or cookie sheet approximately 1 inch apart. Brush the top of each ball with softened butter and allow to rise for another 45 minutes.
• To Make Sausage Kolaches: Wrap the sausage with the dough ball and seal the edges tightly with your fingers. To Make Kolaches Using Other Types of Fillings: Using two fingers, make a deep indentation in the dough, as deep as you can without penetrating the bottom. Fill with fruit or other filling.
• Bake the kolaches at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then serve right away.

Also you can make them wrapped around small hot dogs for a "Pigs in the Blanket" appetizer. Yum! Yum!




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Caviar:
Caviar is an upscale food, that many posh parties have as an appitizer. Some may even consider it as a "must have"or the party would not be complete without this special delicacy. While it is easy to prepare and serve caviar, it is important to do it properly. Your guests will appreciate the dish much more if it pleases their palate.

Things You'll Need:

• Bed of ice
• Mother-of-pearl spoon
• Lightly toasted bread
• Vodka or champagne

Preparation:

• Prepare a bed of crushed ice and place the caviar container on top. Caviar goes bad quickly, and the ice will help keep it fresh.
• Remove the top of the container only when you are ready to serve the caviar. Put the lid container face up next to the caviar. You can serve the caviar in the container it came in or transfer it to a special caviar dish.
• Use a mother-of-pearl spoon to serve the caviar. While other types of spoons may be acceptable, your guests will expect a mother-of-pearl spoon since this is the traditional method of service.
• Serve the caviar with lightly toasted and buttered pieces of bread. This is softer than crackers or toasts from the store.
• Offer your guests a drink that will complement the flavor of the caviar. Chilled vodka or champagne are good options, depending on your taste.

Tips & Warnings:

• Remove the caviar container from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving.
• Caviar is best when served on a chilled plate.
• Caviar doesn't keep well, so buy only what you need for the party.
• Unopened caviar can be stored for 2 to 8 weeks in the refrigerator, depending on the variety.
• After opening, wrap the caviar tightly to keep air out.
• Opened caviar will keep for only 2 to 3 days.
• Do not serve store-bought crackers with caviar.
• Also avoid garnishes like lemons, chopped eggs, onions and sour cream.