easy posh tasty starter

[TigerDroveAgain]

Going to some pals for NYE: I've agreed to do starter, they are doing mains and another pal is doing pudding.

I need something portable which doesnt need too much fussing with when we get there, neighbours so we are walking

So far Im thinking stuffed peppers, Delia style or a nice plate of charcuterie (no veggies or allergies) but I feel thats quite boring! I don't want to do soup.

Any ideas welcome

Could you find figs and do honey roasted figs with some caramelized pears and goats cheese ?

Steak or salmon tartare?

Big board of antipasti. With bread sticks, olives, big capers, salamis, hams etc

ooh both good ideas

I'm if I say it myself a decent cook but am also pretty lazy so anything easy but delish is good!

Seafood platter - smoked salmon, nice prawns, smoked mackerel and/or pate, maybe crab. Salad garnish, brown bread and butter.

No cooking and easily transported - plate up when you get there.

I'd add fish sticks too but that probably doesn't fit the "posh" brief!

Smoked salmon blinis with soured cream and a tiny blob of mock caviar, champagne or Cremant.

I’ve done this a few times and it’s lovely

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/smoked-salmon-prawns-horseradish-cream-lime-vinaigrette

My go to is normally goats cheese and caramelised onion tarts with a beetroot and walnut salad. So easy, just cook down a load of onions and cut out some ready made puffy pasty and a lump of goat cheese on top. I like these if there's meat in the main as I'm not a fan of two courses of meat.

Figs + Goats cheese variants

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/baked-figs-goats-cheese-radicchio
www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-figs-goat-cheese-honey-pepper
reciperunner.com/grilled-fig-goat-cheese-pistachio-salad/

Endives + Oranges +pomegranate variants

a mix of red and white endives makes this prettier

www.punchfork.com/recipe/Endive-Salad-with-Kumquats-and-Pomegranate-Arils-Food-Wine-Magazine

www.punchfork.com/recipe/Radicchio-Salad-with-Citrus-Simply-Recipes

I do endive + orange supremes + sesame toasted oil + walnuts + pomegranate seeds + corriandeer

Gravlax salmon on blinis
you can make this really really nice by using bergamot lemon juice and or vodka in the cream and but sprinkling with fresh dill

Asparagus grilled wrapped in Parma ham is yummy and could be made in advance

Or soft whipped goats cheese and fig chutney with seeded crackers and rocket.

A mixture of sharing canapés

Hot mini sausages with various dips and focaccia

burrata or mozzarella with basil and tomatoes (plus nice bread)

mini lamb koftas and tzatziki and mini flat breads

Smoked salmon pate and bread roll

www.punchfork.com/recipe/Asparagus-and-Brie-Puff-Pastry-with-Thyme-Honey-Half-Baked-Harvest

www.punchfork.com/recipe/Cranberry-Pecan-Cheese-Ball-Gimme-Delicious

www.punchfork.com/recipe/Asparagus-Puff-Pastry-Bundles-Fox-and-Briar

www.punchfork.com/recipe/Air-Fryer-Bacon-Wrapped-Scallops-Skinnytaste

www.punchfork.com/recipe/Caramelized-Onion-Tart-with-Gorgonzola-and-Brie-Simply-Recipes

Brilliant ideas! Thank you!

Actually smoked salmon blinis might cut it!

Roasted butternut squash (with cumin, black pepper, optional chilli flakes) on a bed of rocket (I sometimes mix some milder bits in too), with parmesan shavings (I use a potato peeler), and then optional prosciutto and pine nuts. I think you could skip one or the other but not both. It's better with both.

When you get there, drizzle with balsamic vinegar. It should be served on a big flat platter/I use a big wooden chopping board.

Oysters or terrine of foie gras

Salad of Parma ham, hard boiled quail eggs, asparagus tips, mixed bitter leaves, garnished with Parmesan shavings with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Make up on individual plates when you get there.

Home made smoked salmon mousse, prawn or crab claw garnish, Melba toast.

Mixed seafood cocktail.