30 Sophisticated Starters
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Martha's Birthday Hors d'Oeuvres
Luxe ingredients, such as quail eggs with caviar, gravlax, and Gruyere, set a posh tone from the start.
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Blini with Caviar
Why mess with a classic? Pair these Russian pancakes with creme fraiche and caviar.
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Oysters with Serrano Chile, Avocado, and Cherry Tomatoes
Get the highest-quality ingredients possible to make a major impact.
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Baked Brie with Pecans
Complement the cheese's gooey center with a sweet drizzle of maple syrup.
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Shrimp Cocktail
Fresh shrimp will really make this classic sing, but flash-frozen can work in a pinch.
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Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs with Blue Cheese and Pecans
Wrapped snugly in salty, meaty blankets, these stuffed figs are always irresistible.
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Salmon Mousse
Send a celebratory signal by serving up this lemon and sour-cream-infused mousse.
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Gruyere-and-Parmesan Beignets
Delicate puffs of cheese-infused batter are perfect party bites.
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Pears and Camembert
Layers of cheese and nutty pear filling are as delicious as they are pretty.
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Blue Cheese and Walnut Spread
Cream cheese creates luscious texture while letting the pungent cheese shine.
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Lentil Pate
A meatless alternative with the texture and richness of traditional pate.
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Smoked Trout and Garlic Cream on Rye Toasts
These toasts look ultra fancy but come together in a flash.
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Upside-Down Mushroom Tartlets
Set a thoughtful tone by greeting guests with individual tarts made in a muffin pan.
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Mini Chicken B'Steeyas
Usually made as one large pie, mini versions of the Moroccan specialty are finger-food friendly and can be made ahead.
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Pear Pecan Toasts
Thinly sliced Bartlett pears are a sweet foil to tangy Roquefort.
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Cantaloupe and Mozzarella with Prosciutto and Basil
Pink, white, and orange paint a pretty picture on this antipasti platter.
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Three-Cheese Gougeres
Expect three times the flavor in these savory puffs.
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Daikon Radish Boxes with Crab Salad
Like mini gift boxes, these pristine cubes of radish hold delicious crab salad.
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Cucumber Cups with Vichyssoise
Hollowed-out cucumbers become impressive vessels for creamy soup.
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Fresh Radishes with Flavored Salts and Butter
Calm the veggie's bite with a bit of butter and a touch of salt.
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Fried Olives
The crispy exterior yields to a warm, salty, addictive interior.
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Stravecchio Frico
These frilly webs of cheese require only two ingredients.
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Beet Chips
Extra-thin beet slices become ruby-red rounds of flavor.
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Endive Spears with Lobster, Avocado, and Grapefruit
Endives become mini boats to transport utterly upscale ingredients.
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Spicy Tuna Tartare
The surprise? Sriracha gives this tartare its spicy edge.
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Edible Serving Vessels
Nestle a blue cheese and walnut filling in grape cups, herbed goat cheese in cherry tomato cups, or gazpacho in cucumber cups for easy appetizer eating without messy fingers.