Poker Party Finger Foods

Do you have a regular poker night? Or are you planning a first-time poker party? Either way, I'm sure you want to provide some good snacks for your guests-you probably don't want to just set out bowls of chips and dip. After all, that's a little on the boring side, isn't it? And poker certainly isn't boring...so, your poker party snacks shouldn't be, either.

What kind of snacks can you serve? Well, there are really just a few main rules about poker party food to keep in mind. Since your guests are going to be playing cards, their hands are going to be busy, right? So, you need to make sure that your snacks:

--are not greasy or sticky

--do not require guests to use silverware

--do not require guests to assemble

Does this mean that you need to slave over your poker party refreshments? Not at all. There are a lot of options for fun finger foods that you can serve to your guests that will not involve a great deal of work on your part. In fact, much of the work on these snacks can be done ahead of time, leaving you able to relax and enjoy the party with your guests. Here are a few ideas:

Mexican Scoops Appetizers

Ingredients:

Bag of Tostitos 100% White Corn Scoops Tortilla Chips
Can of black beans, rinsed and drained
½ c salsa, any variety
¼ c shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend

Directions:

Place Scoops Tortilla Chips in a single layer on a baking sheet, using only the unbroken scoops (save the broken ones for another use). In a bowl, mash the black beans with a fork; mix in the salsa. Spoon a dollop of the bean mixture in each tortilla scoop. Top chips with the cheese. Place baking sheet in a 375 degree oven for 5 - 7 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Spicy Sausage Fillo Dough Shells

Ingredients:

Package of mini fillo dough shells
1 lb spicy pork sausage, browned and drained
½ c ranch salad dressing
½ c finely chopped red bell pepper

Directions:

Place fillo shells on a baking sheet. Combine well-drained sausage with dressing and bell pepper. Spoon a small amount of the sausage mixture into each shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 - 7 minutes or until warm.

Brown Sugar Smokies

Ingredients:

1 16oz package little smokies sausages
1 16oz package bacon
1 c brown sugar

Directions:

Wrap a slice of bacon around each sausage; secure with a toothpick. Place sausages on a baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar over the sausages; flip sausages over and sprinkle remaining brown sugar over them. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 45 minutes until bacon is crisp and brown sugar is melted.

Note: These are a little messy; however, you can insert clean toothpicks into the sausages before serving so that the guests will not need to get their hands greasy or sticky.

Look for other simple finger food recipes on the internet-you can find lots of them that will work for your poker party if you do a little searching. Add in a few store-bought munchies like mixed nuts and pretzels to round out the menu. Party sweets can be homemade or purchased; either way, keep the poker party food rules in mind.

One thing's for sure-if you choose recipes that are simple and quick, ones that you can prepare ahead of time, you will be able to enjoy your poker party. And that's what you want, isn't it? So keep the menu easy and uncomplicated, and you will be able to relax with your guests-you will be glad you did.