Buffet Party Nibbles

When you plan ahead, hosting a party or get-together becomes a lot less daunting and a lot more fun, right? And if you always wanted to host your own party, then it's time to make it happen this holiday season. Buffet entertaining can be less stress when you plan ahead. And these easy, savory white cheddar, onion and apple crostini will be a sophisticated part of your buffet spread.

One Week Before
Review your ingredients, check the guest list and put aside any canned goods or dry ingredients you'll need to make your recipes. Set out serving dishes, serving spoons, and platters the morning before your party. By completing these tasks early, you'll be sure that all your entertaining supplies are clean and that you have a plate or platters ready to serve each dish or appetizer. Buy a bag of ice, so you won't have to fuss with refilling ice trays.

Night Before
Prep your recipes that can be assembled or partially assembled the night before and then refrigerated, such as stuffed mushrooms, spinach or bean dips. Place them in oven-safe dishes and cover them with aluminum foil before storing them in the refrigerator, so they can go straight into the oven the next day. Store dressings, sauces and icing in zipper-lock bags so you can just snip the end and pour, drizzle and ice at will. Place a large plate in the fridge under the bag if you're worried about leakage.
Morning of, or up to Three Hours Before the Guests Arrive
Arrange buffet table, set out flatware, dishes and napkins. Have the drinks and plastic cups on a separate table so there won't be a traffic jam in one area. Have the garbage can visible so that guests aren't tugging at your sleeve to find a place to throw out trash. Start to prep remaining recipes. Be sure drinks are chilled and glasses are set out. Turn music mix on and dim the lights.

One Hour to 30 Minutes Before Party Time
Preheat oven and set out refrigerated, prepped appetizer dishes. Light candles, bake off appetizers and open one white and one red bottle of wine.

Crostini with White Cheddar Apples and Onions
Makes two dozen crostini

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon balsamic or apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Gala or Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Nonstick cooking spray
24, 1/2-inch-thick slices of whole-wheat baguette, cut on the diagonal
1 8-ounce package reduced- fat or 2 percent white cheddar cheese, cut into 24 slices
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Warm half the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, salt, and vinegar. Cook 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water as the onions cook if they begin to burn or stick.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Toss to coat. Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and warm over medium heat. Add the apples and remaining olive oil to the skillet with the onions and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples soften but do not become mushy.

Preheat oven 400° F. Cover two large cookies sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange the bread slices and distribute the onion and apple mixture evenly over the bread slices. Top with cheese slices. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese melts. Transfer to a large platter and garnish with fresh thyme.