Virgin Island theme appetizers

[nwjohn]

Hi, all. Greetings from the springy Northwest, which means temps are in the high 50's and rain showers frequent. Two friends of mine are turning 60 next week and Phil wants an island theme to the party. As a surprise I have rented a Tiki Bar, and will play bartender and of course serve Painkillers among other island type drinks (we may have to set up the bar in his garage for reasons mentioned above!). My question to this experienced crew is this: do you know of any appetizers that would fit into an island theme?

Thanks!

John in Seattle

[bevm]

Coconut shrimp!!

[stjohnjulie]

Conch fritters, pate, johnny cakes, teriyaki chicken skewers

[nwjohn]

Thanks - coconut shrimp sounds perfect, also the chicken skewers - might go for jerk instead of teriyaki. I'll put up some pics from the party.

[mbw1024]

bacon wrapped pineapple
http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitche ... ple-bites/

[wontongirl]

Yummo MBW

[wontongirl]

Yummo MBW

[nwjohn]

awesome. BWP goes on the list too. Can't have too many appetizers - something has to soak up the painkillers.

Thanks!

[PA Girl]

I vote for conch fritters but that maybe too involved. I am not sure where you could find conch in the northeast.

What about a mango salsa? I have made it completely from scratch. I have also bought fresh salsa from the grocery store and just added mango to that.

[vi lover]

We host a Caribbean party every year and have Coconut Shrimp and Jerk Chicken Wings.

I thaw and marinate the wings in Jerk Marinade for 24 hours, then grill them and dunk them in (fresh) Jerk Marinade before putting them in the oven at 180 degrees to hold. They always "sell out" they're SO good!

Not an appetizer, but I also make a mean Seafood Stew. Shrimp, Whitefish, Scallops, Italian Sausage, Green and Red Peppers, Celery, Onions, Garlic, Diced Tomatoes and assorted seasonings make an incredible stew. This is my specialty and is talked about for weeks after the party!

Good Luck!

[PA Girl]

We host a Caribbean party every year and have Coconut Shrimp and Jerk Chicken Wings.

I thaw and marinate the wings in Jerk Marinade for 24 hours, then grill them and dunk them in (fresh) Jerk Marinade before putting them in the oven at 180 degrees to hold. They always "sell out" they're SO good!

Good Luck!

VI Lover - what jerk marinade do you use? Is it bottled or something you make? I need to take a nibble to a party on Saturday and your wings sound great.

I used to grill wings all the time but haven't done so lately.

[vi lover]

Sorry PA Girl - lost track of days and didn't check back till today (a day late for you).

Anyway - I use Kraft Jerk Marinade in the bottle. Actually, last time I used Kroger Brand "30 minute marinade" Jerk Marinade with Papaya and it was just as good.

Just be liberal with the marinade. For our party - I get a 3 pound bag of wings from Sam's, let them thaw completely. Wash them (and the bag) and put them back in the bag with 3 bottles of marinade. I let them set in it for 24 - 48 hours then cook them off as described above. Lots of work - but MAN they are good.

Sorry again for the late reply - try them sometime this Summer and let me know!

[nwjohn]

Thanks again for all the tips. The party was a great success. We did coconut-curried chicken skewers and pineapple shrimp. And of course, having been a bartender in a former life, served Painkillers. Here are links to a couple of photos.






I rented the Tiki Bar for the occasion. We set up the bar in my friend's garage because it was 58 degrees and raining outside. Spring in the Northwest. Gotta love it.

[vi lover]

What fun! Good for you having your own little Tiki Bar paradise even though the natural elements didn't cooperate.

[wontongirl]

Y'all are so cute! Looks like you are having a blast!