Appetizers

Originally appetizers were created to stimulate one’s palate in preparation for the main course or entrée.  Nowadays, they have become a course with their own status, sometimes they are the only course served! As appetizers precede a meal, beverages, namely cocktails are included in this category along with:

• Hors d’ oeuvres: served at the table as a course before the entrée, or as portioned foods served hold or cold either before a seated meal or at a buffet table for people to help themselves.
• Canapé: this is a small piece of bread or pastry with a savory topping, often served with drinks at a reception or formal party. Crostinis would fall under this category of appetizer.
• Crudités: this lovely French word refers to raw vegetables, usually served with a dip.
• Chips & Dips, with the most popular chip in the U.S. being the potato chip and the most popular dip being onion dip, this type of appetizer is self service and belongs on a buffet table.
• Finger food: is the catch all term given to food that does not necessarily fall into any of the above groups.

Salads and soups are also Appetizers but they have their very own button on this site!