Starter ideas please?

[auntyquated]

What simple stunning starter can i make for New Year's Eve that both adults and children will eat?

I have nothing in so whatever will entail a visit to the shops.

Kids between 7 and 10 btw

tia

[RoskvaTheRedNosedReindeer]

Depends how adventurous the kids are - my friend's 5 year old (and his mum and dad) were impressed with courgette and cream cheese rolls.

Slice the courgettes in thin slices lengthways (I use a veg peeler - it's quick, easy and makes nice thin strips), layer them on a plate marinating in olive oil and balsamic vinegar (you can do this the day before if you like). Then take one strip at a time, put a small dollop of cream cheese at one end, and roll it up. You can serve them either on individual plates prettily arranged with some fresh salad leaves and cherry tomatoes or displayed on a big serving plate. I aim for about 6 rolls per adult as a starter, which is roughly one courgette (the first few slices tend to be too thin to use).

[FrostyTheSnowMarsLady]

Whole baked figs wrapped in parma ham! Yummy!

[lucy5]

We had asparagus wrapped in Serrano ham on xmas day and dd [6] ate it and she is normally very fussy.

wrap asparagus in ham drizzle with melted butter and bung in the oven , until asparagus has softened and ham crispened [is that a real word?] I also sometimes add a teaspoon of syrup to butter.

[FrostyTheSnowMarsLady]

Ooh what about home made blinis with smoked salmon. Make up some pancake mix, tsp of mix in pan (obviously you can do lots at a time), creme fraiche on the pancake, smoked salmon and some chopped chives. So easy to make and to eat!

[auntyquated]

brill thanks....i like the sound of all of these, only to decide which one now.

[auntyquated]

Serrano ham - is that like parma or something very different?

[frumpymummy]

Mushrooms in garlicky blue cheese creamy sauce !!! No time to prepare, just bung halved mushrooms in oven dish, with chopped up blue cheese, garlic (more the better in my opinion), pour cream over top and cook in oven for about 45 mins or so until mushrooms are cooked. We don't even serve on plates, just dip in with bread and forks (baguettes or freshly baked bread best)... Think I might have to make that tomorrow now too !!!

[Skribble]

Christmas I did tomato tarts with puff pastry, I did just cheese ones for the kids. Easy and you let them cool a bit while you get the plates ready with a bit of salad and stuff, so no major rush to get them on the table.

Usually I do pate and crackers with cranberry jelly. No cooking and can be set out in advance and stacked in fridge if enough room.

FIL does a fantastic stilton and broccli soup, my kids won't touch it though .