What are the chances that you are either hosting a gathering in the next few weeks or that you are responsible to take a “dish to share” to someone elses home?  Pretty good, I would assume.  Tis the season for cocktails, appetizers and gorgeous, festive finger food and friends, I’ve got the hookup right smack dab here.

So, without further ado, I present to you the most merry, yummy, gorgeous little ditties south of the North Pole.  Happy App’ing!  

Sweet and Savory Crostini

You just can’t go wrong.  Spread herbed goat cheese on crostini, dollop with a favorite store bought jam or chutney (we love fig or mango around here) and finish it with a piece of prosciutto.  It doesn’t get more simple…and they are always a hit!

Ingredients

1 Baguette, sliced in to 1/2 inch slices-or store purchased “appetizer toasts”

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

Herb and/or Garlic Goat Cheese

A Chutney or Jam of Choice: try mango chutney, fig jam, garlic and onion jam

Torn Prosciutto

Directions

If making the crostini yourself (I prefer this method) preheat oven to 425 and brush both sides of the bread with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until just lightly toasted; about 4-5 minutes. Cool. Can be made head and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.  If using store bought, proceed below.

To assemble crostini: Spread goat cheese over the bread, top with a small spoonful of chutney and a piece of prosciutto

 

Honey Garlic Meatballs

These have become such a favorite around here.  A favorite of my kiddos because they are sweet and sticky and perfectly pokeable with an appetizer pick-and a favorite of my own because, well, just look at the directions below.  They are effortless!  These meatballs are always a hit as an appetizer-but often you’ll find them on our dinner table paired with steamed broccoli and brown rice.

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Ketchup

1/3 Cup Honey

3 Cloves Garlic, grated or pressed

2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce or Tamari

1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Teaspoon Molases

1 1/2- 2 Pounds Frozen Meatballs

Directions

Place honey, ketchup, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar and molasses in a small bowl and whisk until combined. Place meatballs in the bowl of a slow cooker, pour the sauce over the top an stir. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.

 

Panzanella Skewers with Pesto

With a little help from store bought pesto these adorable little skewers come out festive and so yummy!  Think a caprese panzanella salad that’s finger friendly.  So cute!

Ingredients

1 Small Baguette, cubed

1/4 Cup Olive Oil + more if needed

Fresh Mozzarella Balls

Cherry Tomatoes

Prepared Pesto

Directions

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bread cubes in two batches and cook, stirring occasionally, until bread is lightly browned and golden but not crispy; you want a little chew to it, adding more olive oil as needed. Let bread cool-can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

Make skewers by alternating bread cubes, mozzarella and tomatoes and drizzle with a bit of pesto.

 

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

I’d hardly call this one a recipe, it’s so simple, but it will be gobbled up in no time!  Store bought cranberry sauce makes this such a breeze-we love Trader Joes version but any will do.

Ingredients

8 Ounces Cream Cheese

1/2-1 Cup Prepared Cranberry Sauce

Chopped Pistachios

Directions

Use a small spoon to indent the top of the cream cheese block to create a small well. Pour cranberry sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Serve with crackers.

 

Festive Holiday Cheese Plate

I love nothing more than snacky foods, so this one is a favorite to serve up.  You can never go wrong with a cheese plate, you just can’t,  and this one is amped up with gorgeous pomegranate, prosciutto and salami.   And don’t forget the rosemary for garnish, it totally sets the holiday mood-and smells pretty darn wonderful, to boot!  It’s perfect for a cocktail party but works amazing for a gathering with kiddos too-little ones love this stuff just as much as us big kids!

Ingredients

Assortment of Cheeses: Try brie, cranberry goat cheese, manchego, bleu, etc

Fruits: Try grapes, pomegranates, dried fruits such as cranberry or apricots

Nuts: Try a mixed variety, cashews or almonds

Meats: Try Salami, Prosciutto

Crackers or Breads

Olives or Banana Peppers

Rosemary, for garnish

Directions

Assemble ingredients to your preference on a platter or tray. Can be assembled ahead and stored in the refrigerator.