Romantic Finger Foods

What’s more sensual than sharing a delicious meal of romantic finger foods? Whether you’re planning a private soiree for you and your honey, an engagement celebration for a dear friend, or a Valentine’s Day party, serving up a fine selection of salty and sweet finger foods is sure to set a romantic tone.

Savory Finger Foods

Nachos and chicken wings don’t quite cut it as romantic finger foods. To capture the romance of a delicious “petits morceaux” as the French call it, you need to select foods that are slightly more gourmet. Look for tasty ingredients that are fresh, and combine them in unique ways that look as stunning as they taste. Combining unexpected flavors will awake the senses – so indulge your guests with some delectable appetizers that can be eaten with their hands! A delicious one try is called “devils on horseback,” and it’s quite easy to prepare. Simply remove the pits from some dry figs, and replace them with almonds and a bit of goat or blue cheese. Wrap the fig in bacon, and broil it in the oven on high until the bacon is cooked. Use toothpicks to serve. It’s a delicious combination of salty and sweet that will leave your sweetheart begging for more.

Fresh Herbs

Incorporating fresh-from-the-garden herbs to your romantic finger foods will add zest, aroma, and bring out the flavors of other ingredients, such as cheeses or meats. It also looks as amazing as it tastes, tantalizing the taste buds! Opt for simplicity: use tooth picks to spear a small cherry tomato, a leaf or two of fresh basil, and a piece of cheese (boccaccini is a great choice, and a sharp cheddar works well too). Or, marinate fresh scallops in olive oil, fresh rosemary and salt, then use fresh, sturdy sprigs of rosemary as skewers. Broil until the scallops are golden (about five minutes per side).

-- Romantic Finger Foods --

Sweet

Chocolate truffles will always be romantic, and you can use your fingers to pop them into each other’s mouths for ultra-romance! When purchasing chocolate truffles, buy the very best you can afford – your taste buds will thank you! For a romantic evening, opt for varieties that are made of a rich, dark chocolate, and filled with a surprising filling, such as orange, raspberry, or liqueur. Mmmmm!

No one can mention romantic finger foods without talking about chocolate dipped strawberries! But strawberries aren’t the only fruit that taste divine covered in warm, dripping chocolate (find one fruit that doesn’t!). Slice kiwi, banana, apple, and tangerine and arrange artfully around a bubbling chocolate fondue pot for dessert that will delight your guests of honor. Why not make a fondue night of it – at the other end of the table, arrange a matching fondue pot with cheese fondue and lots of crusty bread.

Eating with Your Fingers

If you plan to serve a lot of romantic finger foods, make sure you have a lot of napkins on hand! Choose beautiful paper napkins featuring colors that match your evening, or floral patterns in pinks and reds for a romantic hue. Or, if you’re preparing the food for just you and your sweetheart, make the night one to remember: make a rule that you are not allowed to use napkins, you have to lick each other’s fingers clean!

If you find yourself in a public situation (where licking one another’s fingers might not be entirely appropriate), be careful while you eat. Choose foods that are small enough to eat in one bite if the hostess has not done so. If possible, obtain a small plate and fork, although this can become tricky while balancing a cocktail. Take small, manageable bites and remember to delicately wipe your mouth after each.

Serving romantic finger foods is a fabulous way to add an upscale, classic tone to any event – whether it’s a room full of loved ones or a romantic evening for deux!