Elegant Appetizers

One of my favorite treats is any kinds of herbed cheese spread and I've discovered that it is almost easier to make your own. There is nothing better than using fresh herbs in any kind of cooking- they are so simple and delicious! I picked some of my favorites- basil, sage, oregano and a little bit of chives and I diced them up I added the herbs to cream cheese- but you could use any kind of soft cheese. I mixed up the cheese and herbs. The herbed cheese could be used on all kinds of things…

Why buy crackers when they're so easy to make at home? These shortbread crackers use fresh herbs and cheese. A perfect party appetizer.

potato nests with sour cream and smoked salmon

These little bacon and goat cheese pops were inspired by these very popular cake pops, Elizabeth’s wonderful bacon-wrapped potato bites, and these goat cheese balls from Neiman-Marcus. (We love the apple-serving idea; we incorporated it into this recipe, in fact.) These are not for the dieting or those of a non-bacon-loving persuasion. In spite of the addition of lower-fat cream cheese and fresh herbs, these are very rich. They are also creamy, cool, and bright with spring flavors.

Olives — stuffed or wrapped in cheddar — are a foolproof appetizer. They’re the perfect nibble for a small party plate, and easy to serve up in a little bowl. As such, they aren’t usually granted centerpiece status, but that’s about to change. Say hello to the olive wreath! Amazing how olives go from ho-hum status to something really beautiful just by arranging them in a circle on a bed of rosemary.

This recipe calls for 1 1/2 pounds of ahi tuna because the tuna will need to be trimmed to get the square shaped pieces needed for the appetizer. The excess tuna is perfect for making tuna tartare.

Sharon and Tony have been married less than a week but I’m already planning their next wedding celebration a week from today. It reminds me of when Mom used to tell me we celebrated my birthday like the president’s. I was an only child so I got a birthday party with my friends, another with …

"Wonton wrappers are terrific for making ravioli when you don't have time to make homemade pasta," says Jill Donenfeld. The wontons here, filled with mashed butternut squash and roasted garlic, get nicely crispy when sautéed in a touch of oil, but they're also delicious simply steamed. More Great Asian Recipes

To get ahead, make these appetizers through Step 2 and freeze up to 1 month. Go straight to the oven from freezer; simply add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time.Use our Easy Apple Butter for the best flavor and texture. In a pinch, store-bought apple butter that has been boiled for 5 minutes (to thicken) may be substituted.

Wondering how to how to use puff pastry like a pro? Learn how to whip up hors d'oeuvres, main courses, and festive desserts with our puff pastry tips & recipes!

Why are stuffed (or wrapped) dates so delicious? For me, eaten alone, dates are almost too decadent – chewy with a cloying sweetness that likes to linger. Wrap dates in a cured pork or fill them with tangy goat cheese and it is a match made in heaven! I first had something like this years ago at a potluck and have been making variations of it ever since. I think this particular candied pecan recipe achieves the perfect balance of savory, sweet, spice and crunch. Whenever I make these, I…

Nutty Gruyère is de rigueur for a classic Swiss fondue. Hard apple cider, cider vinegar, and Calvados (apple brandy) give this great version added interest. Kielbasa, apples, and bread are served alongside for dipping— but potatoes are also good. Just steam some new potatoes or fingerlings until cooked but not falling apart, and cut them into wedges. Also, any sausage—not just kielbasa—will do. We like andouille…

Make a healthier version of your favorite takeout treat with this recipe! These are crispy, creamy, spicy, and will leave you with much less guilt than the fried version.

Using bagel chips as the base for an hors d'oeuvre is a quick way to add flavor and crunch. Grace Parisi tops the chips with fresh ricotta, chive puree and prosciutto. As an alternative, she sometimes uses dried apricot halves in place of the chips. More Fast Hors d'Oeuvres

Joy the Baker makes homeamde cheese-it crackers.

Don't be shy about letting your onions get some char.