Provisions for Facetime Cocktail Hour

“Gathering” online for cocktails? Make it a real event by setting out worthy hors d oeuvres. Most prepared canapes require a large order, appropriate only if you’re confined with a group. Any of the sites listed carry a wide variety. Putting together your own spread is not difficult.

Spreads, Dips, Olives, Crostini    clockwise

Roasted Eggplant Spread/dip: Artisan, handmade in small batches. “Zacusca di melanzane” or eggplant sauce is made from roasted eggplants and bell peppers, tomatoes, fresh herbs and olive oil. Wonderful on a slice of bread as a snack or appetizer or as a healthy dip for your favorite chips or veggie slices 16 oz. jar $12.00

Stuffed Greek Olives by Divina: The large Halkidiki olive, from the peninsula of the same name, is a luscious, smooth, buttery olive ideal for stuffing. These are hand-picked, patiently cured for months, and hand-stuffed with classic ingredients you can actually taste. Available in five vegetarian varieties, these olives are sublime in salads, martinis, and as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Varieties sold separately: Red Pepper Stuffed, Sun Dried Tomato Stuffed, Jalapino Stuffed, Citrus Stuffed, Garlic Stuffed @ 7.8 oz  $7.99

Di Bruno Bros. Port Wine Cheese Spread: Juxtaposes caramel and dark fruit tones of ruby port with the sharp, savory notes of aged cheddar. With the consistency of spreads, this DB Signature Cheese is can be rolled up, stuffed into, and spooned about. 7.6 oz   $7.00 Also available: Cheddar & Horseradish Cheese Spread, Pino Grigio & Fig Cheese Spread, Provolone & Chianti Cheese Spread, Roasted Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread

Krinos Taramosalata (Greek Carp Caviar Spread): Enjoy with sliced vegetables or on a dense, dark bread. Made exclusively from roe cured naturally and aged a minimum of 12 months, then carefully blended with soy oil and lemon juice. Preservative and artificial-ingredient free. 8.5 oz. $8.99

Di Bruno Bros. Crostini Sampler Set:                                                            Olive Oil: If there is nothing more enjoyable to you that the unique Mediterranean aroma of olive oil, then you’re in for a treat. Take a bite of this heaven-sent crostini and be Italiano!           
Cheese: The succulently savory flavor of cheese is fused into our crunchy, twice-baked crostini, which makes for an ideal snack.                                                                      
Rosemary: Herbaceous rosemary explodes in every bite of these twice-baked crostini. Perfect for your cheese plate or for snacking at your leisure.                                                         
Sea Salt: An extra sprinkle of sea salt draws even more flavor out of your topping or dip of choice.$10.00

Parmesan Cheese Herb Mix  by Boondock Enterprises: Gluten Free – No MSG or Sodium – All Natural Herb Dip. Blending 1-2 Tablespoons of the mix with an 8 oz. block of cream cheese makes quick cheese balls. Also seasoning to add to garlic bread or combine with oil and balsamic vinegar for a bread dipping. Each mix contains 2.67 oz. of freshly dried herbs grown on a farm in northern Minnesota.  $3.99

Pate/Meats     clockwise

Les Trois Petits Cochons (The Three Little Pigs) Pate de Canard a L’Orange: Coarsely ground, duck and pork mixed with pistachios and an accent of Grand Marnier. Seasoned with black pepper and natural spices, laced with Grand Marnier and lightly astringent orange peel. 8 oz. $10.99

A rich and buttery salami made of heritage Berkshire pork, blended with aromatic black truffles, Armagnac and red wine, seasoned with sea salt and spices. With a great truffle aroma, the truffles really shine in this charcuterie specialty. Peel, then slice and serve as part of a great antipasto platter, along with some Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, olives and other cured meats. All Angel’s Salami and Truffles meats are certified free of antibiotics, steroids and growth hormones. 6.5 oz. $18.19  

Alexian Bottom of Form Campagne Paté is made with pork and pork liver, along with sherry wine and special herbs and spices. It’s a country style Paté that can easily be sliced or served on toothpicks as an appetizer. Enhanced when paired with simple items like breads, fresh vegetables, wine and cheese Requires 1-day shipping. 5 oz $8.98

Terroirs d’Antan Country Pate with Black Pepper: Traditional recipe originating in the French countryside, this country-style pâté is thick and coarsely-textured. created using seasonings and fats, added to bring out the flavor in meats. It contains ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and sodium nitrite to preserve the taste, color, and freshness allowing a longer shelf life the way it has been done in France for centuries. Shelf life indicated when properly refrigerated between 34° and 36°F. Consume 10 to 14 days after opening.
Ingredients: Pork, pork liver, eggs, cornstarch, onion, nonfat dry milk, red wine, salt, pork stock, pepper, garlic, spices, aspic.7 oz. $10.90

Sliced Prosciutto Di Parma by Vill Antica: Parma Ham, or Italian Prosciutto di Parma is full of flavor, matured for 8-10 months. It has a deep rose color, with a thin layer of fat that renders it sweet and salty at the same time. Usually ships within 1 business days. Product is perishable and must ship via Overnight service. $17.86 or $32.15

La Tienda Sliced Jamón Serrano by Peregrino: Cured Jamón from Spain. All natural, nitrate free. Serrano ham has a complex flavor and mild saltiness. Serve this all natural ham on a charcuterie platter, with fresh baked bread or add to your favorite recipe. 6 oz. $17.95

Prepared Appetizers     clockwise

Impromptu Gourmet Escargot Bites: A French classic in modern form. Given the traditional treatment, with healthy amounts of garlic and butter, a touch of curry added to give things a contemporary twist. Served in a shell-shaped pastry Two dozen. $39.95

Chesapeake Bay Lobster Crostini: Crunchy crostini are topped with a creamy spread featuring cream cheese, rich lobster, Pepper Jack cheese, chives, and garlic. Bake and serve. 24 Lobster Crostini total.  $39.95

Chesapeake Bay Shrimp Bundles: Each tiny bundle features sweet coconut shrimp kissed with a sweet chili sauce, bundled inside a spring roll wrapper, and tied with a cute little scallion for a lovely presentation. 12 individual Shrimp Bundles. $39.95

Frozen Appetizers: Brie & Raspberry with Almonds in Phylo, Unfilled Brioche, Chicken Empanadas, Coconut Chicken Tenders, Gruyere & Leek Tart, Quiche Florentine, Sirloin with Gorgonzola Wrapped in Bacon

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay 

The items featured in this article have been chosen by the editors of Woman Around Town simply because we like them and think you may, too. No advertising fees have been paid to Woman Around Town for this article.