We all know that the way to anyone’s heart is through good snacks and drinks. So, it’s only natural that when you’re hosting a party for two, setting the mood with an attractive menu will be high on the agenda.
If the idea of slaving away over a hot stove to make a heavy meal turns you off, having some easy snacks to hand is the perfect way to get juices flowing.
Easy snacks and drinks to enjoy with your beau
Sacrificing time preparing food doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on flavour. There are tonnes of nibbles that can keep you satisfied, particularly when paired with delicious drinks. All you need to do is plan your menu, get your drink ingredients ready (with plenty of ice, of course), and think of some fun date night games to get in the mood.
These easy snacks only require a few ingredients and tick all the right boxes, leaving you swiping right all night long.
1. Asparagus spears wrapped in Parma ham
Thanks to its high vitamin E and potassium content, asparagus is one of nature’s finest aphrodisiacs. This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and baked for a few minutes just before you want to eat them. Pair with some aioli and you’ll be in food heaven.
For a vegetarian alternative, roast with some fresh garlic and a squidge of lemon – you will not be disappointed.
Ingredients
x24 asparagus spears
x12 sheets of Parma ham
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180 °
2. Cut each slice of Parma ham in half and wrap around the centre of the asparagus spear.
3. Brush the ham-wrapped asparagus with olive oil and season well.
4. Cook in the oven for around 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks.
Drink pairing: An Aperol Vodka Orange Spritz or a You and Me.
2. Rosemary roasted nuts
These roasted nuts are one of the tastiest easy snacks to make at home. And the best bit is, you can mix up the herbs spices depending on the kinds of flavours you like. Top tip? Throw in some pumpkin seeds for a libido-boosting dose of zinc.
Ingredients
x4 large handfuls of mixed nuts
x2 stalks of rosemary, finely chopped
x3 tbsp’s honey
x1 tbsp olive oil
x1 pinch salt and pepper
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180 °
2. Mix everything together in a bowl.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
4. Bake for around 10 minutes. Leave to cool.
Drink Pairing: A Silent Pool Party or a Fluffy Duck.
3. Sweet potato crisps
Homemade sweet potato crisps offer divine simplicity. With just sweet potatoes, a bit of olive oil and some seasoning, this is one of the crunchiest, tastiest easy snacks to try.
Ingredients
x4 sweet potatoes
x1 tbsp olive oil
x1 pinch salt and pepper
Method
1. Preheat the oven to to 200 °
2. Using a mandolin slicer, slice the sweet potatoes into thin, crisp-like shapes.
3. Lay on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper.
4. Lightly oil the sweet potato and sprinkle over some salt and pepper.
5. Cook for around 20 minutes, or until golden on the edges.
Drink Pairing: A Spicy Tequila or a Pink Pineapple Passion.
4. Antipasto skewers
These antipasto skewers are one of our favourite easy snacks. They’re delicious, bite-sized and make you feel like you’re on holiday. Don’t fancy some of the ingredients? Switch them up for your favourite antipasto pieces and enjoy.
Ingredients
x20 Cherry tomatoes
x20 mini mozzarella balls
x20 slices chorizo
x20 olives
x20 cocktail sticks
Method
1. Taking your cocktail stick, alternate on the cherry tomatoes, chorizo, mozzarella balls and olives.
2. Enjoy!
Drink Pairing: A Cucumber Collins or an Apple Cider Sangria.
5. Chocolate dipped strawberries
Is there anything tastier than a chocolate dipped strawberry? For a scrumptious strawberry taste sensation make these ahead of date night and be prepared for some sensual sharing.
Ingredients
x300g strawberries
x300g of your chosen chocolate
Method
1. Using a glass bowl on top of a pan of boiling water, melt the chocolate, being sure not to let it separate.
2. Dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate and leave to cool on greaseproof paper.
3. Enjoy!
Drink Pairing: A Vanilla Pleaser or a Red Velvet Martini.
What are your favourite easy snacks?
Now we’ve shared some of our favourite easy snacks, it’s time to hear yours! Let us know on Facebook or Instagram.