The Perfect Finger Foods for Your Next Party

If you’re planning a Labor Day get-together, try some of these easy, tasty hors d’oeuvres from our friends at Electrolux.

Tangy Yogurt Dip. Give your crudité a fresh fix with this bright dip. Stir together Greek yogurt, grated ginger, finely chopped herbs (like basil, cilantro, thyme, and chives), fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Serve with sliced vegetables or chips.

Spicy Toasted Chickpeas. This crunchy snack is an instant crowd-pleaser, and seriously easy. Just rinse and drain canned chickpeas, toss in oil, and roast at 400ºF until the chickpeas turn brown and crisp, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Toss with salt and your favorite seasoning mix — try the hearty Indian spice garam masala or a tangy combination of chili pepper and lime zest.

Roasted Savory Nuts. This addictive snack is also great for a sports lovers gathering. Toss nuts with melted butter, salt, and seasonings, and then roast at 325ºF until the nuts are glazed and golden. The flavor possibilities are endless — rosemary and chipotle; lemon zest, black pepper, and thyme; and red pepper flake, garlic, and oregano are three classic options.

Jazzed-Up Deviled Eggs. Add a twist to this much loved finger food. Spice up your mayonnaise mix with Sriracha or wasabi; mix-in meaty flavors like bacon or salami; or add diced pickled fennel or onions as a crunchy topping.

Anything Goes Bruschetta. Think outside the basic tomatoes, basil, and balsamic combo. Try everything from olive tapenade to herb-roasted vegetables to cheese and honey as toppings for toast points.

Left-Over Dishwasher Detergent?

If you still have caked detergent after running your dishwasher, try these dishwasher troubleshooting tips.

Before doing anything, check out your Use & Care manual to see what kind and how much detergent the manufacturer recommends.  Your problem could be as simple as using too much detergent.

Was the dispenser cup wet when you added detergent?

If dispenser cup is wet, the detergent can clump. Clean it out and start over.

Is the cycle incomplete?

If the previous cycle did not complete, the detergent can become caked in the dispenser cup if it is left sitting in the dishwasher. This probably isn’t the cause for those with chronic detergent-caking issues. Again, clean the detergent from the cup and start over again.

Is the detergent old?

Older detergent exposed to air will clump and not dissolve well, which will cause the dispenser door to stick to the detergent. Buy new detergent, and this time, keep it in a tightly closed container (i.e. not the box with an open flap) in a cool dry place (i.e. not under your sink right next to the wall where your dishwasher runs hot).

Is the water temperature too low?

For best washing and drying results, water should be 120oF (49o C) as it enters the dishwasher, so check your water heater setting. I also try to remember to run the kitchen sink tap until hot water comes out to help this.

Were items blocking the dispenser that kept it from opening?

Items blocking the detergent dispenser will keep it from opening. Make sure water action can reach the dispenser.

Other good detergent guidelines:

Use automatic dishwashing detergent only.

Add detergents just before starting the cycle.

The amount of detergent to use depends on the hardness of your water and the type of detergent.

Your manufacturer’s suggested amount is based on standard powdered detergent, so follow instructions on the package when using liquid or concentrated powdered detergent.

Taken from Warners’ Stellian