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You might be thinking that I'm getting a little feeble...
If you're a regular Café follower, I can just hear it: "Didn't she just do a post on appetizers"?
"Yup", she did.
In fact, it was just a week ago that we shared Festive, Fun and Easy Appetizers.
But think about the season.
With two major holidays (Christmas and New Years) tucked into one little seven day stretch, I thought you might need a few more fun and delicious nibbles. There are all kinds of parties, get-togethers and celebrations that the end of the old year and the ringing in of the new one brings.
So here we go: Five Celebration-Worthy Appetizers that will be just the sparkle for your next big celebration. They're real showstoppers.
California Fig and Pistachio Crisps - these delicious crackers are just like the ones you buy (for a fortune) at the gourmet markets. You can make them at home for pennies and they're perfect with cheese, spreads and dips. I love to serve them with a log cream cheese in a pretty dish, topped with a big spoonful of my Cranberry Sriracha Pepper Jelly. If you have any fresh herbs, a little sprinkle makes it look so festive. Sometimes I add a handful of pomegranate arils too.
Orange and Avocado Salsa - this beautiful salsa is as fresh and delicious as it is pretty! Perfect with chips or spooned over grilled chicken, pork or seafood. Check out how delightful it looks when you put it all together!
Candied Bacon Wrapped Pineapple - these are crazy good, probably the most delicious, addictive appetizer we've ever had! This is what one Café reader wrote after trying them:
I recently made this for my son’s wedding , about 80 people. It was a huge hit! I have people asking for the recipe so I am directing them to your website. Thanks so much for such an awesome dish that was loved, it made me look like a rock star in the kitchen!!!
Southwestern Bacon Jalapeño Cheeseball - an old-fashioned cheeseball, all dressed up in brand new clothes. Oh my word, with bacon, cheese, jalapeños and peppers, it's loaded with fabulous flavor!
Guacamole Hummus - a delicious combination of guacamole and hummus. You'll be making this healthy dip over and over per request of family and friends! Everyone seems to love it. And there's something magical about it as the avocados don't turn brown - it's just as pretty and good the next day!
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Are you all set to party? I am. See you there! It's true, I might be a little feeble, but I can be lots of fun too!
P.S. We'll be back on Wednesday with The Café's Best of the Best 2014 - a roundup of the most popular and pinned recipes of the year. Don't you dare miss it!
We'll also get you off to a good start for 2015 with a Orange and Avocado Salad with Peanut-Hoisin Dressing - it's fresh, healthy and fabulous. You'll be wanting to drizzle the flavorful dressing on everything you eat! Here's a sneak-peak.
Lisa says
the candied bacon pineapple appetizer looked so good but mine turned out awful with the bacon completely disintegrating into a sticky, greasy pool. I served the pineapple alone on skewers because the bacon just broke off into crumbles
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Lisa, So sorry you had poor results with these. I've made them several times with great results. I wonder if your bacon might have been too thin???
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Happy New Year Chris! Hope you and your family had a lovely day filled with good food - any of these appetizers would be quite the crowd pleaser!
Liz says
Is it wrong to want them ALL??? I'd rather eat nibbles all day long than a heavy meal, plus your salad, of course! Wishing you and your family a very blessed New Year!
Jenna says
mmmm, everything you make always is so tempting, and the California fig and pistachio crisps have been on my to do list since you first posted them...I found bags of shelled pistachios at Fresh Market recently so these crisps are really calling my name! Happy New Year Chris, can't wait to see what you cook up in 2105~
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Great appetizers to welcome the new year in great shape. Thank you for a year full of scrumptious recipes and gorgeous photos, Chris! Wishing you and your family a 2015 full of health and great surprises. Happy New Year!!!
Kathy says
Chris…such beautiful appetizers…celebration worthy indeed! I am looking forward to making those pistachio crackers! Wishing you and your family a blessed and Happy New Year!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
They all look so tasty and appetizing! I love esp. that guacamole and hummus.
Happy New Year, Chris!
Angie
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
You can never have too many appetisers. They are the most sourced recipes on the net I heard somewhere (on the net).
All of these look so good!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
Chris, you had me a bacon! These all look stunning as well! I must try the pineapple and bacon!
Vick Bensinger says
Chris each of these look so tasty. Especially love the bacon wrapped pineapple. I will definitely be adding that to my list. Hope you and Scott have a very Happy New Year!!!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Gorgeous food and photography, my friends! Oh, so inspiring. 🙂 More fun and delicious nibbles are always welcome coming from The Café! I must try your California Fig and Pistachio Crisps, the cheese ball and guac hummus! Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
Ginny Hartzler says
Your header picture is stunning. In fact they all are, but that is my favorite. these all look so good that one could eat a lot of one and it would be a meal. Happy New Year my gourmet friend!