(ARA) – Many holiday gatherings are planned ahead of time, but some pop up at the last minute and still require preparation. For these, every host needs to know a few tasty appetizers you can throw together in less than 20 minutes.

“Every now and then, party preparations go awry or you make last-minute cocktail invitations that allow you only a short time to put together hors d’oeuvres,” says John Macy, creator of John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks. “Our company developed the “Cocktails in a Crunch” kit so that you can quickly and tastefully get out of a pinch and enjoy your guests.”

Anyone can purchase a six-pack and chips. Throwing a stylish party at the last minute takes a bit more panache — especially if you want to have something for your guests to eat besides the drink garnish. Tasty appetizers complement the fun cocktails or wine that you serve, and can transform a routine gathering into a festive celebration.

Thanks to the magic of the purveyors at John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks, the flavors of “Cocktails in a Crunch” kits of gourmet appetizers and tasty treats blend perfectly with your favorite cocktails. For example, the spicy garlic and chili flavors of chili chicken and Cheddar & Asiago CheeseCrisps naturally blend with the sweet and tang of a Mojito. Or, the mello bubble of a Bellini is accented perfectly by the sweet and savory crunch of brie and peach preserve on top of a Sesame Gruyere CheeseCrisp.

Here are a few appetizer and cocktail pairing suggestions for your next last-minute soiree:

Sweet and Savory with a Crunch … pairs best with a Bellini

Box of Sesame Gruyere CheeseCrisps
1/2 pound of brie
Small jar of peach preserves
Fresh mint leaves

Top each CheeseCrisp with a small slice of brie. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of peach preserves on top of brie; garnish with small leaf of mint. Place on a serving tray and let your guests rejoice!

CheeseCrisps Crostini with Olives and Feta … pairs best with a Martini

Box of Melting Romano CheeseCrisps
1/2 pound of crumbled feta cheese
1/2 pound of chopped pitted Kalamata or ripe olives
Jar of oil-packed dried tomatoes

Mix the feta, olives and finely chopped dried tomatoes. Place CheeseCrisps in oven for three minutes to fully heat. Top with the olive and feta spread. Take a bow.

Chili Chicken Appetizers … pairs best with a Mojito

Box of Cheddar & Asiago CheeseCrisps
1 pound chicken cut into small strips
Scallions finely chopped
Thai garlic chili sauce

Sauté and drain the chicken. Mix in the Thai chili sauce to taste. Heat the CheeseCrisps in the oven for a few minutes. Top the CheeseCrisps with a piece of scallion.

If you are hosting a wine tasting affair, the perfect accompaniment to your favorite varietal includes pairing Original Cheddar CheeseSticks with Merlot, Romano Garlic for Valpolicella and Dijon Swiss with Chardonnay. Pairings for CheeseCrisps include White Onion with Beaujolais, Sesame Gruyere with Pinot Grigio and Smoked Jalapeño with Shiraz.

John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks products are made from high-quality, all-natural ingredients, including fresh sourdough, and are baked daily. In addition to retail packages, John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks are available in bulk for caterers, specialty bakers and food service operators, including partially baked CheeseSticks that can be stored frozen and baked when needed.

John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks and CheeseCrisps are sold in fine gourmet and specialty food stores, such as Whole Foods Market many national & regional supermarket chains and a number of luxury hotels, including the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Sofitel hotel chains. For more scrumptious appetizer recipes and to order online, visit www.cheesesticks.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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