Hors D’Oeuvre or Appetizer? A Holiday Guide
Posted on 16 Nov 2021
From sizzling potato latkes to gooey cheese balls, food is sure to be a key feature of the holiday season no matter how you choose to celebrate. Whether you’re planning a quiet dinner with friends or an exuberant cocktail party with your Reunion community, this is a time to savor the robust flavors of winter. Although we often use “appetizer” and “hors d’oeuvre” interchangeably, let’s walk through the foodie playground to understand the differences so you can impress the guests at your next gathering.
Hors D’Oeuvres on Order
An hors d’oeuvre (in French it literally means “outside of the main event”) is a one-bite food item, stationary or passed, that is served separate from or prior to the meal. When you have guests spread throughout your home — from the open-concept kitchen to your spacious covered patio — hors d’oeuvres are just the thing to keep people moving and mingling. Set up themed stations with bites like festive fruit kabobs, smoked salmon rolls, and luxurious single-bite shrimp sprinkled with cocktail sauce and lime — it’s so fun to get creative with endless options and add your own signature touch!
Announcing Appetizers
Unlike hors d’oeuvres, appetizers are technically considered part of the meal itself and complement the entrée by providing a flavor profile that accentuates ingredients in the main course. These can easily be served as a first course in your formal dining room: Gingery pork and chive wontons take Asian-inspired dishes to the next level, a crostini sampler plate harmonizes with chicken or fish, and a savory smoked salmon pairs nicely with beef. Pressed for time? Sauté grated onion in olive oil before adding canned pumpkin, chicken stock, heavy cream, and your seasoning of choice — pumpkin pie spice is our go-to but you can also try cumin, black pepper, or a pinch of cayenne. Ladle into bowls, top with croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds, and voila: an elegant soup that comes together faster than it takes to post to Instagram.
Whether your party calls for quick and easy bites while socializing or a light introduction to a more formal meal, you will have no problem whipping up an array of yummy goodies in your spacious kitchen. If you’re ready to host in the home of your dreams, call us today! We know you’ll love coming home to cook at Reunion.
