Party? Appetizers? Ways To Avoid Double Dipping

Holiday festivities are around the corner:   Parties, family reunions, work soirees and casual entertainment.  And what's a party without appetizers, delicious finger food!  But these delectable little concoctions bring out the worst in everyone; double dipping.  How do we avoid this unsanitary act? How do you swallow that last piece of vegetable without more ranch dressing?  Do you look around make sure no one is looking and dive in for that tasty last bite?

NO!

Carefully planning appetizers and snack platters for guests is the key ingredient in avoiding double dipping.  Appetizers can range from cheese and cracker trays to an array of dips.  Traditionally appetizers were served on one dish and guests helped themselves to whatever amount they wanted.  Dips are notorious for double dipping, and cheese and cracker trays are prone to all kinds of hands touching the food, if no serving utensil is available.  All this amounts to unhealthy risk of germs to every guest at the party.

As a host, how do you make sure double dipping doesn't happen?  Make your appetizers single serve portions.  Sure, this may take a little extra time and may cost a little more money for all the individual "plating."  In the long run, it's worth going that extra step for yourself and for your guests. Not only will your guests appreciate the easy to carry and eat food, they will enjoy the sanitary factor.

Here are few popular appetizers served at parties that can be "replated" to avoid double dipping.  A picture depicts "how to" serve the appetizer and a link to the recipe follows (if you have your own favorite recipe, use it!) :

•  Seven Layer Taco Dip:  An all time favorite, this mini appetizer is easy to serve in small individual cups for your guests.      http://allrecipes.com/recipe/seven-layer-taco-dip/ 

• Shrimp Cocktail:  Plating this delicious appetizer individually takes into account those guests that might have an allergy to shell fish and by serving them separately helps with cross contamination. 

• Veggies:  A favorite for whatever occasion you are having a get together for, veggies and veggie dip go hand in hand with the word "party."  Notorious as a magnet for double dipping you can avoid this by fixing individual cups for everyone; just like in the picture. 

One thing to remember is to make your presentation of these appetizers stylish.  Be creative with items that you have around the house.  Use small champagne glasses for your shrimp cocktail; or shot glasses for your veggie dips.  For other appetizers you can use small disposable plastic cups.  Don't limit your imagination; be creative!  Stores such as www.disposableminiplates.com and Pier 1 have a wide variety of dishes and unique plating ideas.