Fake it till you make it
Real Simple magazine is giving new meaning to the old adage “fake it till you make it.” Real Simple has a number of suggestions on how to take ordinary takeout food and turn it into extraordinary party snacks.
Here’s a sample:
To make: Avoiding the crust, cut out mini pizzas with round cookie or biscuit cutters. Heat the rounds at 400ºF for about 5 minutes. Top with slices of olives, marinated mushrooms, chopped prosciutto, an anchovy fillet, or fresh herbs (such as basil, flat-leaf parsley, rosemary, thyme, or oregano).
So that got me thinking … what sort of funky snacks could I dream up with the help of take-out, or at least with things in the kitchen?
Here’s what I came up with:
- Pineapple Salsa - Take 1 cup of whatever salsa you have in your house and stir in one snack cup of pineapple chunks. This works great for a quick pick me up to boring salsa.
- Tomato Mozzarella Bites - You know that loaf of bread you get with take out from good Italian restaurants? Take the slices and top with slices of fresh mozzarella and fresh tomato slices. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Chicken Parm Salad - Slice the chicken and cheese into 1/2 inch slices. Using a precut, prewashed and premixed salad mix (you know, the bagged kind), fill bowls for your guests. Top with the chicken slices and serve with a selection of dressings. For the pasta that inevitably comes with it, pour it into a large bowl and mix in some unique add-ins like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts or sliced black olives. Heat just prior to serving.
