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The holidays are upon us now, aren't they? You may already be traveling to see loved ones or making last minute plans for get-togethers with family and friends.
Here at The Café, we've actually already "done" Christmas (this past weekend) with our children and grandchildren, who we affectionally call "the herd"...
For us, the next few days will be relatively quiet and peaceful, with time to contemplate the "reason for the season", help out at church on Christmas Eve and celebrate with Scott's mom and dad on Christmas day.
If you're anything like me, it's appetizers that will often get forgotten until the last minute. So we thought we'd share the last post in our "Getting Ready" series with some Festive, Fun and Easy Appetizers. All of these delicious appetizers are either super simple or make-ahead. Some of them can actually be used for multiple entertaining events, as they store well and the recipe makes a decent amount.
Best Ever Super Easy Salsa - be sure to make plenty of this crazy-good, super-fresh tasting salsa, as no one can ever stop eating it. You'll see sad faces if there are extra chips and an empty salsa bowl sitting idly beside!
Fresh Herb Marinated Feta - I love this pretty, Mediterranean-inspired appetizer because you can put it together in the morning and the flavor just keeps getting better.
Cranberry and Cranberry and Pomegranate Bruschetta - bright, fresh, festive and vibrant, this makes the prettiest appetizer tray you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting! Oh, and the cranberry/pomegranate mixture is delicious on a turkey or chicken sandwich too!
Apple and Pear Chutney - keep a jar of this yummy chutney stashed in the fridge, and all you'll need to do is slice up some cheese, pull out a package of nice crackers and... voila! A delightful and unique appetizer tray!
Pear and Pomegranate Salsa - this salsa is pretty as a picture and comes together quickly. It can also be served as a delicious side or tossed with your favorite greens for a fabulous, light salad.
Sweet and Spicy Maple Pecans - just a warning, these are extremely addictive! They make a wonderful pre-dinner nibble, but are super delicious on salads too.
Cranberry Sriracha Pepper Jelly - this one will take you less than an hour to put together and you'll have the most delicious appetizers from now till well after the New Year rings in. Just spoon it over a block of cream cheese or a log of goat cheese. Warning: be prepared to replenish the jelly long before the cream cheese or goat cheese disappears! You can also use it for grilled sandwiches or as a glaze for chicken, shrimp, pork, etc.
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Throw together one or more of these Festive, Fun and Easy Appetizers and you'll be all set for some effortless entertaining. Hope these help you to enjoy delicious time with family and friends over the days ahead. Bon Appetit!
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I came here the other day and when I saw the cream cheese, pomegranate and cranberry appetizer, I ran to the kitchen and made something similar using mint, lemon and pomegranate on buttered, grilled baguette slices. I only got one - the rest flew off the plate. Today I realized I left without saying a word. Thank you for a wonderful slew is recipes and for your warm and loving friendship.
looks like a party to me!
Yummy ideas!
Happy holidays, sweet Chris!
That pretty pic of the Feta speaks to me, I'd love to have some of that! Merry Christmas Chris and Scott-enjoy:@)
What a terrific round up of some of your BEST appetizers! Need to make that salsa. Happy Holidays to you and your family!!
How lucky is Scott to stillhave his parents... and how kind of you to help at church..you must enjoy that very much
.I love your list here and 2 of your recipes are being used tomorrow night..Your cheese ball is at stage one in the fridge:) And I will add a small vessel w/ your cranberry pepper jelly on the platter..I think that could work.
You are so nice to share your wonderful recipes.
I am most appreciative.:)
I know I always repeat myself..
But thank you again.
Wonderful round up Chris, the pear and apple chutney really caught my eye~love the suggestion of orange marmalade with Sriracha to kick it up...I am madly trying to create something sophisticated for our family Christmas tomorrow, and happen to have some lovely pears 🙂 My "herd" consists of 10 wild Indians, 1- 7 years old, and arrives at 11 am for finger food for the kids and cocktails for the adults...we will enjoy noshing on this while they have their pigs in a blanket! You have saved the day, I'm too tired to think!!
Merry Holidays to you!
Fantastic round-up Chris, I am always searching your site for avocado dishes and now appetizers, these look fabulous!
The marinated feta looks like the Christmas tree of foods! So many of these are just jeweled and wonderful. Wishing you the best Christmas ever!
I want to come to your house for cocktails and appetizers! I'd park myself right next to the chips and your best ever salsa 🙂 Wishing you a most Merry Christmas!!! xo
If I had my way, Christmas dinner would be all of these scrumptious appetizers plus a dessert platter :). Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I have been thinking to make that feta appetizer for long! Thanks you, Chris, for taking time to do the roundup.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Angie
All of these sound delicious! So great to have some quick but party-fancy recipies. I will be making the feta and the chutney for my houseguests this week. Thank you.
Hope you enjoyed them!
Thank you Chris for reminding me of appetisers, these look so delicious, your photography is amazing! Rose x