Help with starter.

[imkeepingeverythingcrossed]

I'm throwing a murder mystery dinner party. Main is going to be pesto and mozzarella stuffed chicken wrapped in bacon with bacon fried rice and asparagus (it's the hubby's fav) dessert white chocolate cheesecake with berrys (again hubby's fav) but am totally stuck for a starter. Would like something light (as there's going to be a lot of booze involved ) and that won't require lots of my attention when guests are here. Everything else can be made or prepped ready to put in oven. It's for 8 people. But not wanting soup or anything with mushrooms. Any ideas please??

Figs stuffed with feta cheese and wrapped in Parma ham. Simple to make. Just pop in the oven before asking guests to sit, once they have sat down they are about ready to take out and serve (10 minx max). Any cheese filling you like really if not in to feta.

Do you have to serve a starter? could you have some nibbles with the drinks before the meal instead? It cuts down on the washing up too :)

Cheating Bruscetta? (sp?!)

My friend does these using those ready made chilled garlic bread ciabatta slices. You could make up your tomato and basil before hand, then warm through your garlic bread when your guests arrive. whack a spoon of 'salsa' on top and you're done.

or have some nachos and cheese in a bowl, and microwave or grill when guest arrives. fling on some guacamole, sour cream and chillis, and leave out as nibbles.

Smoked trout, hot smoked salmon, some sort of salmon pate, that kind of thing.

I'd steer clear of anything with cheese as you have that in the main course.