Handy Dining
Finger foods are always
fun — permission to satisfy
your inner child by eating with
your hands — and they’re great for
parties. They’re informal and unfussy:
when fingers are the utensils, guests don’t have
to worry about which fork goes with which course,
and neither do you. Since most finger foods are served
in small portions, guests have to commit themselves to only
one or two bites, appealing to dieters and more cautious diners.
Finger foods are versatile as well — they can be part of an entire menu, ideal
for a buffet party or perfect as appetizers at a more formal meal. Serving sizes vary, depending
on how many dishes you prepare. If you’re serving finger foods with a main course, aim for three
to five servings per guest. If there’s no main course, plan for five to eight servings per guest.
If you’re making a meal of finger foods, vary the categories. There should be small bites,
such as nuts or our Roasted Chickpeas with Rosemary and Sea Salt, as well as more substantial
options, such as the slow-cooked Sweet and Sour Pulled Pork Sandwich. Sandwiches are the
classic handheld food, and you can include a few types, from simple cold cuts to spreads to hot
offerings. Complement the prepared foods with choices such as carrot and celery sticks, slices of
baguette, crackers, and cheeses. For dessert, cookies are the obvious eat-with-your-hands food,
and you can add on homemade offerings, such as our Raspberry Meringues, with fresh berries,
sliced peaches and plums, and chocolates.
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