Simple Baby Shower Appetizers for Under $50

If you are unsure about what to serve for a causal baby shower and have a limited budget here are some ideas I recently put into action. Here's how to feed 25 guests light appetizers using less than $50.

The Quick and the Simple
Chicken Salad Sandwiches

-white and wheat bread (For color and texture contrast)

-prepared rotisserie style chicken (I like using this for my quick chicken salad because it insures juiciness and flavorful chicken without me having to roast it myself. Clean hands remove white meat only or white and dark meat. Or, if preferred use 3 large cans of all white meat chicken- drained.)

-mayo (approx: 2 cups)

-chopped pecans (approx: 1/2 cup)

-red seedless grapes cut into halves (approx: 1cup)

-salt and pepper to taste

*Combine all ingredients and chill before spreading on bread. Use one piece of white and wheat for each sandwich. Crustless of course, and cut into triangles like a proper Southern belle.

Fruit Tray

-crispy apples wedges

-red seedless grapes-strawberries (whole or de-stemmed)

-kiwi slices for garnish (However, it is absolutely okay if the guest of honor eats it...which totally happened.)

*Wash all fruit, cut, and chill until serving. Display on large platter in heaping piles. Use skewers or serving fork for guests to serve themselves.

Simple Fruit Dip

-2 packages of cream cheese (room temp. makes it easy to whip)

-1 large jar of marshmallow fluff

*Whip together with hand mixer, chill, and serve in funky or elegant bowl with strawberry garnish on top. Large spoon for self-portioning.

Turkey Roll Ups (the possibilities are ENDLESS.)

-any kind of tortilla or wrap (I used flavored wraps: sun-ripened tomato basil and spinach garden herb. The wraps were a great choice because their vivid colors added presentation points. Plus, they were on sale. Bonus!)

-any kind of sliced turkey (You can adapt this to any fanciness level, any kind of meat, or even make it meatless.)

-Crunchy shredded iceberg lettuce (Or spinach or romaine or sprouts)

-Vegetable flavored cream cheese (Or any flavor that sounds fitting...simply plain works, too.)

*Lay parchment paper on cutting board. Place wrap on paper + cream cheese over entire top side of wrap. Layer turkey + shredded lettuce on the half of wrap closest to you. Roll tight toward cream cheese only side. The cream cheese acts as a glue. Wrap and tape parchment deli sandwich style around finished tube and chill. Once chilled, remove paper and slice in 1'' pieces (like sushi rolls.)

Traditional Punch

-6 liters of Ginger Ale

-2 quarts of Lime Sherbet

*At the event, right before serving. mix ingredients in serving vessel. Use a vintage punch bowl and serve with mix/match punch cups for an unexpected touch.