wine and cheese on a budget.

[ejuneca]

So my husband's been musing about doing a wine and cheese coming up to Christmas. Problem is I'm not working at the moment, so money is tight. What we're considering is asking our friends to bring their favourite wine and an cheese that goes with it. What I'm trying to figure out is what other foodstuffs to offer so people aren't just eating cheese and drinking wine,lol
Now I can make just about anything...I'm just not sure what. Any suggestions?

[duonyte]

Even if you ask people to bring a wine and cheese, you should have some wine for everyone to share. Start checking out your local liquor and wine shops. I once found a lovely South African red wine on clearance for $4 a bottle at a liquor store. I opened it, took a sip, and drove right back and bought all the bottles they had. You can luck out but need to be persistent.

I would have some heartier snacks - for example, one of my markets has smoked salmon pieces quite inexpensively, and they are nice for canapes or for dips - Smoked Salmon Picnic Spread is just one example. This one is inexpensive to make and I found it good, Simply Sardine Pate . There are other things with ham or other spreads. Pinwheels are nice and can be made with many types of fillings, for example, Egg and Ham Pinwheels

Cheese spreads are more frugal than chunks of cheese and there are many posted.

Making canapes is generally more frugal than letting people make their own snacks.

This menu might give you some ideas of what types of things to consider http://www.food.com/menu/wine-cheese-party-269

[ejuneca]

thanks for the suggestions. I realized, as I started thinking about this, that I have a significant problem and it's going to take some research to resolve it...we have several friends with gluten issues...so I'm going to have to find some alternatives to regular crackers and bread.

[duonyte]

There are quite a few gluten free alternatives for crackers and bread. I make these all the time, even though gluten is not a problem for me - they are really delicious and would go with your theme Brazilian Cheese Puffs - Pao De Queijo (Gluten Free)

[ejuneca]

Ohh...that's excellent, thanks for the link. I was thinking about making the puff pastry "palmettiers"(sp?)...these would be a perfect substitute.
Do you know if anyone has a gluten-free cookbook?

[duonyte]

There are a bunch of GF cookbooks created by members from recipes posted here http://www.food.com/cookbook-finder/all/gluten-free

If you mean a commercial cookbook, your best bet is to ask at the GF Forum - they know which ones are good and which ones are not, http://www.food.com/bb/viewforum.zsp?f=31

[lauralie41]

Another place that would have some help for you in preparing gluten free appetizers is the gluten free forum.

http://www.food.com/bb/viewforum.zsp?f=31