Finger Foods

Everyone loves a good party, especially a party with great-tasting food. Sit-down dinners can limit guests' time to mingle and meet other guests. Serving finger foods at a party will solve that problem. Finger foods are foods that can be eaten by the hands without the need for forks, knives or spoons. They can be served at any time but are especially welcome at parties. Guests can carry finger foods with them because of their small size, so enjoying the party and enjoying the meal can be combined.

Caviar Finger FoodThe types of finger foods are limited only by your imagination and the food combinations you can dream up. There are some very basic types of popular finger foods. A very common type is the familiar crackers and cheese. Finger foods can also be more elaborate, such as various sushi combinations or mini desserts. Finger foods come in all food groups. Think vegetable trays and dips, mini meat rolls, fish popovers, mini fruit and cheese skewers, etc. The types of finger food can be categorized into low-, medium- and high-dollar value. Caviar-based finger foods, for example, would likelyl cost more to offer at a party than a crackers-and-cheese platter. In addition, finger foods can be divided into different nutritional values, from very little health benefit to finger foods that are very healthy to eat.

Preparing Finger FoodsThe time frame for preparing finger foods varies according to the method of preparation needed. If they contain meat, they will probably need to be cooked. Some finger foods are just a matter of placing items on a tray for the party or stacking ingredients. Spreading brie cheese on toasted bread squares and topping with a sliced olive will involve a much shorter prep time then baking mini cheese popovers or chopping up vegetables for a recipe. Multiplying by the amount needed to make enough for a party will still result in a shorter time frame for preparation for simpler finger foods. Of course, ordering finger foods from a party caterer would change the preparation time frame to just the few minutes it takes to call in an order.

Delicious PresentationThe presentation and serving of finger foods at a party should be well organized to avoid guests having to wait too long before they can get their food. Setting up several tables of the finger foods will help. Finger foods are generally presented on large trays. At some parties, the trays are carried by servers to the guests, and trays are also set up on tables. Offering a variety of finger foods provides a more pleasing presentation at parties, because the various textures, colors and flavors will be more attractive to guests.

When planning a party with finger foods, take into consideration that guests will have different taste preferences. Offer at least a few different choices of finger foods so that guests will have choices. In addition, it is a good idea to take dietary preferences into consideration. Offering only mini desserts may leave nothing to eat for the guest who is trying to watch his weight or one with a medical condition disallowing sugar. Further consider what kinds of beverages you will offer alongside the trays of finger foods.

While party finger foods are often hors d'oeuvres, or bite sized appetizers, they can be anything eaten with fingers. Even a bowl of potato chips and a hot dog are considered finger foods since they are eaten without utensils.

Leaving some finger foods out before being eaten can cause food poisoning. Make sure cooked finger foods are fully cooked. Supply beds of dry ice for trays of cheeses, meats, fish or sushi, or remove from the table after an hour. Remove cold foods sooner if they get warm.