easy appetizers for a barbeque

[anna]

Hello- I'm hosting a casual BBQ with some friends on Friday night(25 people) and I'd love some suggestions for very easy snacks to put around while everyone's getting there/drinking beer, etc. Because I'm going to be pushed for time, I've considered just picking up peanuts and snackmix kind of stuff, but that just seems so mundane - any suggestions for easy to make and to just have around for munching??? Thanks!

[Vanessa]

Anna
Since you are pressed for time I would suggest you make a batch of fresh tomato salsa tomorrow add tomatillos etc. Have blue corn chips and regular tortilla chips. You can cut vegetables the night before and have vegetable & dip platter. You can buy cheeses different varieties,you can make ahead an eggplant dip or white bean dip or a Tex Mex Black Bean dip. Buy pita chips bagel chips & tortilla chips. You can visit your local store and pick if you are short on time a tray (or shrimp etc). This will free your time for the main food. Since you are having 25 people have your coolers out and ready to put your beers etc on ice. You can do stuff the night before so you are not rushed right before guests arrive.

[andrea]

VERY EASY-CREAM CHEESY...these always get raves!!!
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"Mango Cheese Ball"

1 jar mango chutney
1 block cream-cheese
1 pkg. sliced almonds

mix the chutney and cream cheese. roll in the almonds. serve with plain crackers.
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"Kicky Spinach & Artichoke Dip"

3 pkgs cream cheese
1 jar of "Fiesta Spinach & Artichoke Cheese Dip Mix" (probably near the salsa...check www.originaljuan.com (http://www.originaljuan.com) to see what it looks like)

mix the 2 and serve with tortilla chips. MMM!!!
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[This message has been edited by andrea (edited 08-23-2000).]

[BernK]

This spinach dip can be made ahead of time and refridgerated.
1c Mayo
1c Sour Cream
1/2c Onion
1 can Water Chestnuts
1 package chopped frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
1 package Knorr Veg Soup Mix

Chop the onion and water chestnuts into small pieces. Mix everything together in a bowl and refridgerate until needed.
Serve with crackers or bread.

I make this a lot and everyone loves it.

[This message has been edited by BernK (edited 08-23-2000).]

[Kathy]

I am big on quesadillas. I prepare them ahead of time... just grated monterey jack with jalapenos between two flour tortilla shells. I put a damp paper towel between each "quesadilla" and stack them on a plate so they don't dry out. I just bake them as needed in the oven..no fat from frying and they are great! Serve with salsa, low fat sour cream and guacamole. Again, I cheat with guacamole..mash avocado and add pre-made salsa which has onion, tomato, etc instead of inventing the wheel! Also packaged guacamole in the fresh produce sectionis pretty good. I always do buy those when I can't get ripe avocado and noone knows! Enjoy whatever you make!