Cocktail Party

Cocktail parties are especially fun when good food is served. The food must be manageable so your guests can easily pick it up with cocktail sticks or fingers. And it must be easy on the host or hostess, so time can be spent with the guests. Therefore, most of this menu can be prepared hours in advance and all of it is ‘finger-food’. The walnuts can be made the day before and re-crisped in the oven before serving. The dipping sauce can be made the night before, but the beancurd should be fried at the last possible moment. The fritters can be prepared at least 1 hour in advance and kept warm in a low oven. The grilled mushrooms are served at room temperature with the sauce made well in advance. Use the colourful vegetable medley as the centrepiece of your party, and prepare it the night before if necessary.