Annie, how is the search for appatizers for the wedding going? Here's a couple more suggestions for you. How about tiny meatloaves made in mini muffin pans? Or Sauerkraut balls. This was my MIL's recipe for them. Sauerkraut Balls 8 slices b acon 1/2 c. fineluy chopped onion 1 clove garlic, minced (not in my house with my allergies!) 1 can (16-oz.) sauerkraut, drained (I use bagged) 1/2 c. mashed potatoes 1 T parsley 1 1/2 c finely crushed corn flakes 2 eggs beaten Oil Fry bacon in large skillet crisp, drain & crumble. Pour off all but 2 T. fat. Add onions & garlic to fat in skillet. Cook & stir until onion is tender. Remove from heat, stir in bacon, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes & parsley. Drop by rounded teaspoonful onto waxed paper lined baking sheet. Gently form ball shapes. Cover with waxed paper or plastic wrap, refrigerate until firm or overnite. Dip sauerkraut balls in eggs. Roll in cereal. Heat oil to 375° F., fry until golden brown about 1/2 min. Drain on paper toweling. Serve hot. Can be fried 24 hours in advance and reheat in 400°F. oven about 10 minutes. We make a bunch and freeze them after they are fried. Just thaw and heat in an electric roaster. Don't ask how many the recipe makes! I have no idea! Tami

Something I like with wine is a spread I make with equal parts gorgonzola and marscapone cheese, with added toasted walnuts or hazelnuts. This is fantastic spread on crusty whole grain sourdough bread, and with many kinds of wine. Is also nice to add sliced pears. I also like smoky eggplant dip which is made by roasting an eggplant and then peeling it and putting it in the food processor with a small jar of roasted red peppers. That goes good on bread too, and with wine. You can doll it up with whatever other italian condiments you like, but it is good plain too. I also have served Chase's homeade boursin to raves. Since I have an herb garden it is a fun summer thing to serve with bread and wine. Home Made Boursin with Herbs 1 lb Farmers cheese or 1/2 lb cottage cheese & 1/2 lb Ricotta 8 ounces cream cheese 1/2 cup butter,softened 4 large garlic cloves,minced 2 medium shallots,minced 1/2 cup fresh parsley,chopped finely and packed tight 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme OR 2/3 cup fresh dill chopped finely 1/3 cup chives,chopped finely 1 tsp pepper,freshly ground 1/4 tsp cayenne Blend the cheeses and butter, add the remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Store in small crocks or ramekins in the fridge until well chilled.

Thanks everyone! I will be running the suggestions past the host/hostess. I am afraid they are pretty set on the baked brie (I agree with you all that it gets icky) but maybe I can talk them into baked brie bites in the little phyllo cups with various toppings instead. That way they would be butlered when they are warm and we can do several batches. Thanks again!

I rarely never serve cheese as part of a buffet but always include a small cheese and "relish" tray at cocktail parties. I serve the cheese whole, usually no more than 3 types, and NEVER any cheese in a rind. I make sure there is lots of other things on the board, pickled mushroom, pepper jelly, olives, some sort of salami or kielbasas. Seems to always be gone! Having a party on Sunday and a cheese board is on the list...along with the meatballs! Also serving stuffed mushrooms, escargot in mushroom caps, stacked pizza, smoked salmon with red onion and capers, spiced nuts, prosciutto palmiers and cold shrimp with a couple of dipping sauces. Let you know how much cheese is left!