Blueberry Finger Foods

Blueberries contain a high amount of antioxidants and are low in calories.

Sometimes when you're having a get together, you don't want to have to go all out with a big dinner menu that will drain your wallet. Instead, serve a variety finger food appetizers that will save you time and money in the long run. If you are big on fruits such as blueberries but don't want to just serve them in a plain bowl, you can create blueberry finger food appetizers for your guests to enjoy.

Mini Blueberry Muffins

Mini blueberry muffins are the perfect size for guests to pick up and enjoy in a bite or two. You can save yourself time by purchasing store-bought muffins, or make them from scratch with a mini cupcake tin. Before adding the blueberries to the muffin batter, toss them with flour to help prevent them from bursting and turning the whole batter blue. Be gentle when folding in the berries and pouring them into the pan.

Dried Blueberries

Instead of a bowl of peanuts, serve a bowl of dried blueberries. Add a selection of nuts to make trail mix. Making dried blueberries at home requires a dehydrator. Buy store-bought dried blueberries from a health food store to save time. Dried blueberries usually come in sweetened and unsweetened varieties

Brie Cheese with Blueberry Sauce

Blueberries complement the subtle flavors of Brie cheese. Puree the blueberries in a blender with water and sugar to taste. Place a round of Brie cheese in the center of the serving plate and spoon the blueberry sauce on top in a thick layer. Place assorted crackers around the Brie cheese and serve. Try pairing the blueberry sauce with other cheeses such as goat cheese.

Blueberry Tarts

There's nothing like your favorite fruit tucked inside of a flaky, buttery pastry. Blueberry tarts can be made bite-sized, perfect for picking up with your fingers. Use frozen mini tart shells to save time or make from scratch using any pastry recipe. Spoon a blueberry sauce or preserves into the pastry shells, then top with walnuts or any other nut of your choice. Bake the tarts in the oven until the shells are golden brown and the blueberry preserves start to bubble.

References

• WH Foods: Blueberries
• Itsy Bitsy Foods; Mini Blueberry Muffins; June 2010
• Raw Epicurean; Make Your Own Dried Blueberries; August 2008
• Recipe Girl: Baked Brie with Blueberry Sauce
• Savory Sweet Life; Amazing Blueberry Sauce Recipe; February 2010
• Amy Tobin: Bite Sized Blueberry Walnut and Brie Tarts

Resources

• Savor Linger Enjoy; Blueberry Bruschetta- An Appetizer with a Surprise; August 2007
• Fun and Food Cafe: Blueberry Cheesecake Parfait