The NFL season began last Thursday, but it's now Sunday and this is the first football weekend. For half of the football fans, this is the last day your team will be undefeated. You might as well celebrate. Some beverages. A spread of appetizers.
Okay, even if you hate football, there will come a time in your life when appetizers are your responsiblity. Think beyond mere cheese and crackers. I know, making those appetizers seems like a bad tradeoff. All that work on each one for just one bite. Think of it all as an art experience. Experiment. Have some fun. Do layers. Change shapes. Let the base vary: round cucumber slices, a chip triangle, or some rectangle of intersting bread — fruit and nut bread in the picture above. All that little stuff in your refrigerator? Get rid of it. Pull in out, maybe saute the onions. Stack it all in layers and make an appetizer menagerie you can be proud of.
It's actually fun. And if, in the second half, when your team is down by three touchdowns and destined for an 3-13 season, you really do need a distraction.
Here's a party idea. Don't make the appetizers you see here. Have all the ingredients out but let your guests assemble their own. You might want to a few done in advance as examples for the appetizer-challenged in your crowd, but let your guests play with their food. You'll be surprised at how quickly the laughter begins. The first person to get to five layers does deserve a round of applause.