The Simple Celebration

Cold, Starters

Shrimp Salad Starter

October 7, 2021 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

If you are serving an entrée that is not too heavy, start your simple celebration with this delicious, fresh-tasting shrimp salad. Serve with our one-ingredient parmesan crisps and enjoy!

Cold, Dips, Starters

White Bean and Basil Dip

August 20, 2021 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

Seven simple ingredients go into the food processor and this appetizer is done! A perfect make-ahead dip for your simple celebration. We served it with pita bread and rainbow carrots, but you could use whatever you have on hand – crackers, fresh veggies, breadsticks, etc.

Cold, For A Crowd, Simple for Kids, Snacks, Starters

Snowman Cheese Ball – So Fun and Tasty!

December 6, 2020 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

We had so much fun playing around with different ways to decorate our “snowman.” We ended up going the tropical route and served him on a plate with brown sugar “sand,” a tropical drink umbrella, a beach ball, and a sand dollar. How will you theme your snowman?

Cold, Starters

Shrimp, Avocado and Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini

June 9, 2020 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

Not only does this appetizer make a beautiful presentation, many steps may be made in advance of your simple celebration. You can either serve this as an appetizer or put 3 on each plate and make it a first course.

Cold, Dips, Starters

Simple Cold Shrimp Appetizer

April 11, 2020 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

If you need an appetizer that requires no cooking, comes together in less than five minutes and is easy to transport, this shrimp dip is for you! Made with fresh shrimp

Cold, Starters

Tomato, Basil and Ricotta Appetizer .. or Make it a Meal!

February 29, 2016 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

It’s easy to make this recipe into a meal, just add cooked shrimp or chicken before baking. This makes a great lunch reheated the next day!

Cold, Extra Simple, Simple for Kids, Snacks, Starters

Simple, Easy, Tasty Two-Step Mexican Dip

January 20, 2016 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

Here’s a crowd pleasing dip that will have you two-stepping right out of the kitchen!

Cold, For A Crowd, Starters

Fresh Tomato Salsa (Pico de Gallo)

July 8, 2015 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

This is a basic salsa recipe. You can add other ingredients you have on hand to change it up. We used avocado, chipotle, and fresh corn to create a salsa “bar.” Additions to the Salsa 1. Avocado – cut up one avocado into chunks 2. Chipotle – dice one chipotle chili in adobe sauce 3. […]

Cold, Dips, Extra Simple, Starters

Smoked Salmon with Dill and Cucumber Dip

May 13, 2015 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

We love smoked salmon and wanted to develop a dip that was on the “lighter” side. In order to do this, we used creme fraîche instead of typical cream cheese. The cucumber adds a fresh crunch to the other delicious flavors. This dip turned out great. We hope you enjoy it as much as we […]

Cold, Extra Simple, Starters

Plum Crostini Appetizer

March 25, 2015 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

Vicki’s daughter, Jennifer, was in California on business and had this appetizer while dining out. She loved it so much, she got the recipe and wanted to share it with The Simple Celebration followers:

Cold, Dips, Extra Simple, Simple for Kids, Snacks, Starters

Yummy TWO Ingredient NO Cook Appetizer

December 30, 2014 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

This dip will be the first gone at the party! The recipe can’t be any easier – only 2 ingredients!!

Cold, For A Crowd, Starters

Chutney, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Bruschetta

November 24, 2014 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

This appetizer is delicious, simple, and full of flavor – just the way we like it! The sweet and savory flavor of chutney combined with the salty and crispy prosciutto and creamy mozzarella on top of crunchy bread tastes fantastic.

Cold, Extra Simple, For A Crowd, Starters

Spicy Herbed Cashews – Bet You Can’t Eat Just One!!

November 5, 2014 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

Put these cashews out for guests and watch them disappear. The crunch of roasted cashews mixed with the delicious flavors of fresh herbs and salt and an added kick of cayenne pepper – wow, it’s a party in your mouth!

Cold, For A Crowd, Starters

Spicy Cheese Crisps – Another Awesome “Make-Ahead and Freeze” Appetizer

September 17, 2014 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

This is another great recipe to make in advance of your party – even weeks ahead. It is a great compliment to wine and is one that people have a hard time “eating just one.” This recipe is easy to double and will keep fresh in a Ziplock bag for several days after the party. […]

Cold, Starters

Fig, Prosciutto & Arugula Appetizer

August 25, 2014 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

We made this fig appetizer at a recent wine tasting party and it was a hit. Everyone gobbled them up so quickly, we had nothing to nibble on while we cleaned up!

Cold, For A Crowd, Starters

An Antipasto Feast!

August 18, 2014 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

For our 200th blog party we decided on a simple, fun, no-cook menu. We headed to our fantastic local Italian market, Mazzaro’s, and bought a wonderful assortment of meats, cheeses, and other goodies. Our first stop was to the cheese counter where we met Charlie. We sampled many great Italian cheeses and settled on three – […]

Cold, Starters

Two Elegant Deviled Egg Recipes

April 18, 2014 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

Another great way to use hard-boiled eggs. A tip for success – use creme frâiche instead mayonnaise, it allows the wonderful flavors of salmon, crab and herbs to shine through. The recipes are simple. You can even make them a couple of days ahead of serving (keep refrigerated).

Cold, Extra Simple, Starters

Make and Take Layered Avocado Dip – Ready in Minutes!

March 3, 2014 by thesimplecelebration 0 comments

Looking for a quick appetizer to bring to a party? This is it! You can make this dip in advance without worrying about the avocados turning brown. The fresh lemon juice and sour cream layer keep the avocados a nice, bright green color. Serve with tortilla chips – the multi-grain “Scoops” are a perfect match. […]

Cold, Extra Simple, For A Crowd, Starters

Mexi-Corn Salsa Appetizer

January 31, 2014 by thesimplecelebration 1 comment

Another simple recipe from The Simple Celebration! This appetizer goes together very quickly, can be made well ahead of your get-together, and looks and tastes great. Recipe courtesy of Evie from Cincinnati.

Cold, For A Crowd, Starters

Mom’s Party Mix

December 16, 2013 by simplycelebrate 0 comments

This recipe makes A LOT. If you are making this mix during the holidays, make sure you have plenty of Christmas tins on hand (available at the dollar store). Otherwise, store the mix in Tupperware containers. Line your containers with paper towels and store them in a cool dark place – like your closet.

Cold, For A Crowd, Starters

Crowd Pleasing Mexican Cheesecake – NOT a Dessert

November 15, 2013 by asimplecelebrationstpete 1 comment

Mary-Ellen writes: This recipe originated from my sister, Kathleen. Because of the size of our family, holidays always were, and still are, a group effort filled with “assignments.” One year Kathy was assigned appetizers and she said she would bring something she had recently at a party called Mexican Cheesecake. I thought it sounded […]

Cold, Starters

Elegant Smoked Salmon Appetizer

August 30, 2013 by asimplecelebrationstpete 0 comments

By having a few ingredients on hand, you can put this appetizer together in no time. Purchase smoked salmon in the package and it will last several months before opening. Purchase a baguette, slice it, and freeze the slices in a freezer bag – it will last for about a month. Capers come jarred […]

Cold, Extra Simple, For A Crowd, Starters

Southwest Black Bean & Avocado Dip

August 19, 2013 by asimplecelebrationstpete 2 comments

This dip is a real “simple” party pleaser. It is so simple … no cooking required!

Cold, Starters

Foolproof Deviled Eggs

July 15, 2013 by asimplecelebrationstpete 0 comments

This deviled egg recipe is a foolproof appetizer. The method of boiling the eggs is what makes this recipe foolproof. By turning off the heat after one minute of boiling, you get a perfect boiled egg every time. Throw a few extra in the pan for egg salad or a hard-boiled egg snack.

Cold, Starters

Guacamole … A Fiesta Crowd Pleaser!

May 20, 2013 by asimplecelebrationstpete 2 comments

Once you try this guacamole recipe, we guarantee you will never want store-bought again! Prep time is quick .. onto your fiesta table in minutes. This recipe will fill a medium size bowl. Serve with colorful tortilla chips or scoops. Enjoy!

Cold, Extra Simple, For A Crowd, Simple for Kids, Snacks, Starters

Party on a Stick … Greek Style

April 25, 2013 by asimplecelebrationstpete 2 comments

Easy, easy, easy … and tasty too! You can make these skewers early in the day of your simple celebration (keep refrigerated). Serves 10-16.

Cold, For A Crowd, Pork, Simple Entrées, Starters

Spicy Spanish Tortilla with Sausage and Potatoes ¡Olé!

April 23, 2013 by asimplecelebrationstpete 1 comment

. This hearty appetizer is wonderful for a party. The tortilla can be made the day ahead of your simple celebration!

Cold, Dips, Extra Simple, For A Crowd, Simple for Kids, Snacks, Starters

Humdinger of a Hummus Recipe

April 22, 2013 by asimplecelebrationstpete 1 comment

Below is a simple, yet delicious hummus recipe to add to your appetizer table for your simple celebration. Hummus is not the prettiest of food, but by adding toppings and using attractive serving pieces, it will be irresistible!

Cold, Starters

Tuna Wonton Anyone?

April 17, 2013 by asimplecelebrationstpete 2 comments

Wow your guests with this simple, colorful recipe! Serving this dish with wonton crisps not only keeps the calorie count low, but it also allows the delicate taste of the tuna to shine through. What’s more, by chopping all ingredients early the day of the party (except for the avocado which you chop right before […]

Category: Cold