Time got the best of me this year, and damned if I live for a party, it seems that my schedule has me working for the weekend where I’ll work some more.  Eddie Money is shaking his head at me right now. So what’s a girl to do?  Call it quits, tune out, and plan to join in on the festivities?  Hell.to.the.no.  I’m going to attack every last starstruck moment out of this life of mine like Joan Crawford with a wire hanger.  And I’ll look damn good doing it, even if it means haute couture pajamas as the dress code.

When my panties are in a bunch and I need culinary majesty fast, I usually turn to the glory that is the crostini.  There is something so delightful about a portable snack – just a little bite of something assembled with care and made from bright, fresh ingredients. I find that of the things that I make for friends, bruschetta and crostini seem to go the quickest – people appreciate a bit of goodness. The toppings are just as important as the vehicles – crusty breads, crisp crackers, buttered toasts sprinkled with sea salt, even a potato or plantain chip all make for great bases for a crunchy bite.

So when you are having that, “Shit, it’s Sunday already?” moment, why not throw together some crostini to save you time and win you kudos with the A-listers you’re having over for the night?  Though tantalizing alone, they each fit well within a menu of more complicated dishes or even other appetizers.  And best of all, they can be thrown together so very last minute with many of the ingredients in your fridge/pantry/freezer, when guests show up early (thumbs down to that), you have something to quickly hand them to keep them busy.  Because bored guests beget trouble.  Now, on with the show, and don’t forget me in your acceptance speech.  After all, I just saved your party’s ass.

(Oh, and for you starlets on a liquid diet, I have my fave martini on here, too.  Just replace the pear for a starfruit garnish to keep it uber chic.  You’re welcome.)

[display-posts include_excerpt=”true” tag=”oscars” image_size=”thumbnail” posts_per_page=”-1″ wrapper=”div”]