Cocktail food

A rich and flavoursome canape.

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

This Chinese classic is fresh and delicious. And it's easier to make than you think.

This recipe can be prepared a day ahead. Assemble just before serving. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Green prawns can be used in place of scallops. If a small piece of wonton wrapper dropped into the oil sizzles immediately, it is ready to use. Note

Uncooked pastry suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Royal reds are deep-sea prawns always sold peeled – they are a cheaper alternative to other varieties. 200g extra uncooked prawns, shelled, could be used, if preferred. Note

Use shallow patty pans, if preferred. Change the filling-try wilted spinach and feta, char-grilled vegetables and brie or caramelised onion and blue cheese. Note

If you don’t have a piping bag, snip about 2.5cm off the corner of a plastic freezer bag and pipe through this instead. Note

Make a batch of these mini quiches for your next picnic, a children's birthday party or even a light lunch served with salad.

Vegetarian mince is a soy vegetable protein that looks just like regular mince and is sold refrigerated in supermarkets. These rolls freeze well before they are baked, which means you can store them for a no-fuss dinner. Simply allow an extra 20 minutes baking time when you remove them from the freezer to bake from […]

To make 1 cup of breadcrumbs, process 4 slices day-old white bread. The dipping sauce recipe makes 3/4 cup. Note

It's pickling season.

A hint of chilli, capers and sweet paprika give this tuna and ricotta dip by recipes+ a deep, rich flavour and colour. Served with crispy pide bread, it's the perfect grown-up dip.

Whip up these mini savoury tarts the next time you have a crowd over. Give the filling a toss in a little salt and pepper, or add some bacon for extra flavour, if you like.

These sticky chicken drummettes are super easy and incredibly versatile. They're great for lunchboxes, as finger food, for a protein-packed after-school snack or as a meal with rice and veges.

To make vegetarian, use 250g mashed firm tofu instead of chicken, and swap fish sauce for soy sauce. Don’t overfill dumplings, as some fillings expand during cooking. Note

The fresh herb blend contains lemongrass, ginger, coriander and chilli. Buy it in the fresh food aisle. Note

For crudites we used celery sticks, peeled baby (Dutch) carrots, seeded cucumber sticks and halved baby red radish. Try smoked salmon instead of prawns. Price will vary. Fresh prawns should smell like seawater and be free of black marks. Avoid frozen prawns with freezer bum marks. Make sure packaging isn’t tom and is firmly sealed. […]

Makes 32 Note

Scallops on the half-shell always make a spectacular dish, treat your friends to something special with these delicious ginger and lemongrass scallops.

To remove veins from prawns, remove heads and “hook” out the vein (dark spot where head is removed) with the tip of a knife or toothpick – pull gently. Note

This quiche can also be made in a 23cm quiche pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Note

Stuffed with seasoned wild rice, these tender little artichoke hearts make a sophisticated starter or share platter.

These crunchy morsels make a delicious addition to soups and salads.

A light, flaky treat that's perfect for party platters, a savoury afternoon tea, or just as a snack.

For a variation to the olives, fill the arancini with anchovies, tiny pieces of mozzarella or some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Note

Beetroot might be a love it or hate it kind of vegetable, but this creamy beetroot and yoghurt dip is sure to appeal to all. A great addition to a party table.

Spicy, sweet and fragrant, these prawn skewers are great barbecued for lunch and make perfect finger food for parties.

If you're looking for a simple and tasty finger food to that will please a crowd, look no further than these salmon quichettes. They are delicious hot or cold and a also make a perfect after school snack.

This smoked salmon pate is delicious and ridiculously easy to prepare. Enhance your presentation by experimenting with pretty moulds and serve with a selection of crackers or vegetable sticks.

Serve these baked mussels topped with this delicious crispy tomato topping as part of your hors-d'oeuvre platter at your next gathering.

Making your own crackers may seem like a lot of effort for something that can be easily be bought from the supermarket, but just one bite of these tomato basil crackers and you'll be convinced it's totally worth it.

This delicious tuna dip is versatile enough to be a healthy quick and easy after school snack or part of your next cocktail party repertoire. Serve with tortilla chips or sticks of carrot, cucumber and celery.

There may well be some time investment here, but your efforts will be worth it. These chicken teriyaki brown rice sushi rolls look fabulous and the brown rice filling makes it an extra nutritious snack.

Sticky, gooey, sweet and astringent in all the right measures, these baked brie and quince matchsticks are made from light, flaky puff-pastry. Fabulous finger food for a party.

The potato in this smoked trout dip adds a lovely robust flavour and a creamy texture. It goes beautifully with tostini, crackers, or vegetable sticks

Cumin gives a lovely hint of spice to this sweet carrot dip. Serve as part of an after-school snack with blanched vegetables such as snow peas, baby corn or red capsicum (bell peppers).

Full of flavour and a hint of spice, these beef empanadas are the ultimate snack or party food. Share them around the next time you entertain family and friends.

Serve these crispy Asian-style fish cakes with spicy dipping sauce for a tantalising starter or light meal. If you like the extra kick, add some more chilli.

These salt and pepper prawns look and taste fabulous. They are easily and quickly prepared and can be served as part of a casual seafood barbecue or as finger food for a cocktail party.

Empanadas are the perfect snack to serve at a barbecue or cocktail party. They are also delicious cold and make a tasty addition to the kids' school lunch boxes.

This Japanese-style tuna tartare has fragrant Japanese mint and a heady hit of spicy wasabe. Served with a soy and dashi dipping sauce, it's a bite-sized mouthful of powerful flavours.

Add a touch of sophistication to your next gathering with these prawn croutes with lime aioli. They look and taste amazing. Lime aioli can be prepared in advance, and prawns can be shelled several hours ahead.

Few people can resist the temptation of freshly cooked vegetable crisps. While potato is the commonly chosen option, consider the humble eggplant. You'll be surprised how tasty these crispy morsels can be.

Otherwise known as char siu bao, barbecue pork buns are a traditional Cantonese comfort food. The soft, pillowy exterior hides a delicately flavoured filling. You won't stop at just one.

Perfect as a finger food for your next cocktail party, these deep-fried prawns with dipping sauce won't last long. If you pre-prepare the dipping sauce and buy the prawns pre-shelled and de-veined, the dish can be prepared in just a few minutes.

Try these tuna tartare on wonton chips at your next gathering for a slightly different and more upmarket hors-d'oeuvre. The tender marinated fish contrasts beautifully with the crispy deep fried wonton.

These eggplant and haloumi skewers with roasted tomato sauce are the perfect easy finger food to serve at your next gathering. This kind of cheese is just begs to be fried and served warm.

Making finger food often seems fiddly and time consuming, but the ability to buy ready made pastry cases and good quality chicken mean that these dainty smoked chicken and asparagus quiches will be ready before you know it.

For a new take on deep-fried fish, try this crispy and delicious whiting tempura. Cut into smaller pieces for finger food and serve alongside the dipping sauce, or with a crisp salad as a main meal.

This is an easy home recipe inspired by a wonderful dish served by Armando Percuoco in his Sydney restaurant Buon Ricordo.

Prawn cutlets make an ideal first course or light meal. This is a particularly crisp, tasty batter thanks to the panko crumbs, parmesan and herbs. Serve as soon as they are cooked.

These brandied prunes combined with cream cheese and chocolate make for such a decadent and boozy mouthful you won't be able to stop at just one. Enjoy with family and friends, if you can bare to share.

These exquisite quiches are great for picnics, platters or simply as a snack.

Simple, herbed prawn skewers make a great starter for a dinner party, or share platter for a celebration or barbecue.

These little spinach and cheese parcels are very tasty extremely versatile; you can serve them on their own, as a soup accompaniment, or as part of an antipasto platter.

The perfect black olive paste for tapas, platters or simply a snack!

This marinade is suitable for lamb and beef. It can also be used as a dressing for roasted vegetables Note

Puff pastry squares make a light, tasty and adorable case for these delicious and fresh tomato, leek and feta tartlets.

Serve with crusty bread. Note

Perfect as part of a spread of shared starters or just as a snack, this garlic toast with feta and olive dip is also quick and easy to make.

You can substitute potato or pumpkin for the kumara, or use a combination of all three ­ it will be just as delicious. Triangles can be made a day ahead to the end of step 3, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Note

Serve puff pops within 6 hours of making. When dipping the puff pops in toffee, tilt the pan of toffee to one side, so it’s deep enough to completely coat the pops. Dip one end of each stick in toffee too, this will ensure the pops don’t fall off the sticks. Note

These potato and goat cheese puffs will make a moreish and tasty addition to your next dinner party hors-d'oeuvre selection. To save on time, make them in advance and cook just before serving.

You need to soak eight bamboo skewers in cold water for at least an hour before use to prevent them from splintering or burning during cooking. Note

Impress your party guests with these delicious barbecued duck and ginger tartlets.

Chicken can be coated in Rice Bubble crumbs up to 2 hours ahead. Keep covered in the refrigerator and bake as required. Note

Colourful and delicious roasted beetroot and red onion dip from Australian Women's Weekly.

Delicious deep-fried mozzarella sticks with a chilli pesto dipping sauce.

These crostini are absolutely delicious and ideal for a dinner or cocktail party.

Light and healthy röstis that are perfect for breakfast and lunch or for sharing with friends.

serving suggestion serve with mixed salad leaves, if desired. storage parcels can be prepared a day ahead; cover, refrigerate until required. Uncooked parcels may be frozen. Note

Perfect beef and onion party pies for sharing with friends and family.

Wow your guests with these delightful canapés.

A quick and easy dinner idea

These tasty, flaky little pastries, seasoned with shards of nori, sesame and parmesan, make a great shared party platter. Use scissors to finely shred the nori.

Serve these moreish mini croissants at your next party and watch as they quickly disappear.

A sweet and delicious watermelon rind chutney; great for sharing with friends and family.

oil will solidify on refrigeration, bring to room temperature before serving. Note

Super quick and simple, this tasty white bean and garlic dip can be whipped up in no time. Serve with fresh vegetables cut into sticks.

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover sausages, sausages can be served hot or cold. Note

If you would like to make your own delicious pastry cases, see the recipe for pastry in blueberry apple crumbles. Note

These stuffed vine leaves are rich in flavour with almonds, raisins, herbs and burghul wheat all bound together and served with a refreshing yoghurt dip.

A huge hit at parties, fresh rice paper rolls also make an excellent lunch, or after-school snack.