Make Ahead Appetizer for Easy Entertaining

 

 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

We entertain a lot during the year, but it seems between Halloween and New Years things really ramp up. My husband recently told me we were going to have some of his co-workers over for cocktails. I was leaving for out of town that weekend so knew I had to make some appetizers ahead of time. I love finding appetizer recipes that you can make ahead of time. Especially ones that you can freeze. Since I am in love with Barefoot Contessa recipes, I thought I would try her savory Palmiers. She never suggested freezing them but since you had to store them in the freezer before baking I thought I would give it a go. easy fall entertaining This recipe also came into mind because a glass of wine would be the perfect compliment to the savory mix of sun dried tomatoes, basil, puff pastry off set by the strong flavors of pesto and goat cheese.

freezeable appetizers

If you ever made Palmiers before, also known as Elephant Ears, you realize just how easy they are. They look like they were purchased at a gourmet shop but in reality they came from your kitchen for half the cost. The process is so easy, as most of Barefoot Contessa recipes are.

  how to roll puff pastry

Once you defrost the Puff pastry it is just a matter of piling the toppings on and then folding the dough properly.

savory pinwheel appetizers

 

The night before the party take them out to defrost in your fridge and bake before the guests arrive. They are best served warm.

appetizer ideas

I bet your guests can not eat just one. These make ahead appetizers are so simple but so flavorful. Paired with a glass of Sonoma-Cutrer Wines, Pinot Noir and you have a party. 

  The flavors of the appetizer I mentioned above is met with a  nose with deep, dark fruit aromas of blackberry, dark raspberry, and black cherries, followed by an earthy, forest floor complexity and accented with hints of cola, tobacco, licorice, and baking spices. Classic red fruit flavors of Bing cherry and wild strawberry greet the palate, followed by barrel spice and dark chocolate. This wine is round, silky, and elegant with a juicy mid-palate and a wonderful long finish, expressing all the hallmarks and elegance of a great Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

  make aheads appetizers

  Simple themed napkins also make an ordinary party something special. They don’t cost much and they have so many choices out there. 

sonoma0cutre

  Cheers to you and your entertaining this holiday season.

sonoma-cutrer

So don’t be afraid to entertain. All you need are a few good make ahead appetizers, and some good wine. The guests will feel at home and the party will be a success. Pick up a few cases of Sonoma-Cutrer. They are great for the holidays and  have been producing the finest quality wines since it opened as a vineyard company in 1973. Its foundation is built in the hillsides and rocky foothills in the region recognized as the Sonoma Coast Appellation – this region experiences long, even growing seasons thanks to the cool, foggy coastal climate. Sonoma-Cutrer wines express a partnership with nature and are exceptional, high-quality wines. Each Sonoma-Cutrer wine is a study in elegance and complexity, developing a distinguishing character and leading to a long, exquisite finish with beautifully balanced fruit and acidity. fall entertaining

You don’t even need to leave your house to get ready for holiday entertaining. Shop Online for Sonoma-Cutrer Wines

Visit Sponsors Site

Savory Palmiers

Savory Palmiers

Yield: 36 Palmiers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Additional Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 9 minutes

Savory Palmiers is a classic twist to a sweet elephant ear.  A great appetizer to make ahead and bake when needed 

Ingredients

  • 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted
  • ¼ cup prepared pesto, store bought or homemade
  • ½ cup crumbled goat cheese, such as Montrachet
  • ¼ cup finely chopped sundried tomatoes in oil, drained
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • Kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Lightly flour a board and carefully unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Roll the pastry lightly with a rolling pin until it’s 9½ x 11½ inches. Spread the sheet of puff pastry with half the pesto, then sprinkle with half the goat cheese, half the sundried tomatoes, and half the pine nuts. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt.
  2. Working from the short ends, fold each end halfway to the center. Then fold each side again towards the center until the folded edges almost touch. Fold one side over the other and press lightly. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat the entire instructions for the second sheet of puff pastry using the remaining ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 45 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  4. Cut the prepared rolls of puff pastry in ¼ inch thick slices and place them face up 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 14 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm.

Notes

Adapted from Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa

Nutrition Information
Yield 36 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 30Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 2mgSodium 43mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 1g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on stayingclosetohome.com should only be used as a general guideline.

 

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13 Comments

  1. I also make a quick sticky bun… ooh watch out.

  2. Vino and apps…two of my favorite things! Those look so delish!

  3. The appetizer sounds amazing and I wonder if I make it if it would taste as good as these look.

  4. I have only recently become acquainted with puff pasty. It is an amazing thing. You can make almost anything taste better by surrounding it with puff pastry.

  5. I have actually never had elephant ears before. They look tasty and like a perfect holiday food.

  6. Wine and apps! When is the party?? This looks amazing!

  7. I’ve has Palmiers before but have never made them. I’d love to give making them a try! They probably pair great with wine.

  8. Oh this is an awesome app idea. They sound delicious and they look really impressive for a dinner party too. We’re going to have to give those wines a shot too.

  9. They look very delicious and festive! I’ve been getting really into appetizers lately.

  10. these look so easy and yummy, I want to try!

  11. I would make this especially since I could make it ahead of time. Nice job with the wine pairings 😉

  12. That sounds like a real winner to me! Who wouldn’t love those?

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