Easy Appetizers for Christmas Parties

With Christmas nearing, the inevitable is brought forth-- Christmas parties. Whether hosting or attending, you usually make a tray or a few of appetizers to share with everyone. Sometimes, you're at a loss as to what to make. Here are a few ideas for appetizers and snacks to bring to parties this Christmas.

1. Sausage balls. This is one thing my mom used to make at Christmas, but now makes year-round. She got the "recipe" from my grandma. There are three simple ingredients: 3 cups of Bisquick, 1 pound of pork sausage (mild or hot will work, according to your preference,) and 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix all these ingredients together well, roll into small balls, put on a greased baking sheet, and put into an preheated, 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. These appetizers pack big flavor, and are delicious and filling. These aren't only great to serve for Christmas parties, but I like to eat them for breakfast on Christmas morning.

2. Shrimp cocktail: At every Christmas party I've been to, the appetizers have always included shrimp. You can do this one of two ways: Buy a bag of shrimp, cook them yourself, let them cool, arrange them on a serving plate with a dish of cocktail sauce OR you can go to somewhere like Wal-Mart and pick up a pre-packaged version. I know that Wal-Mart has them on little black rings, available in small, medium, and large, served with a plastic container of cocktail sauce.

3. Antipasto platters: You can follow this link to see my article on the culinary art of antipasto. This array of appetizers is perfect, because it's honestly the perfect thing for everyone. From meats and cheeses, to fruits and veggies, and sometimes, even breads and sauces, there's something for each and every person. The larger your antipasto platter, the more to choose from.

4. Sweet and sour meatballs: Sure, you can spend over an hour making your own meatballs and sauce (trust me, it will take forever-- I've tried,) or you can buy two simple ingredients: a bag of meatballs from your grocer's frozen food section, and a bottle of sweet and sour sauce (such as Keikoman) in the internation food section. Simply empy these ingredients into a crock pot or a pot on the stove, and let them simmer. Once cooked, keep them on a low simmer, so they'll stay warm.

5. Mozarella sicks: Again, these can be found right in your grocer's frozen food section. And who doesn't love cheese? Just bake these and put them on a festive serving platter. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce, if you please.

6. Pigs in a blanket: This is an all-time favorite. All you need to do is prepare Bisquick for a pastry consistency, roll out, cut into strips, and wrap up small pieces of hotdog, brush with butter, and bake. It's as simple as that. If you're having a Christmas brunch, wrapping sausage in pancakes has the same effect.

7. Deviled eggs: Even though my family eats these for Christmas dinner, I think these make great appetizers. There are different recipes for deviled egg filling, depending on how or where you grew up. My filling is the egg yokes of hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise and mustard (use different amounts, varying on your taste-- but make sure it's the right consistency to put into eggs,) and sweet pickled relish. Once all mixed together, spoon into boiled eggs halves (cut longwise.) For added color, sprinkle paprika on top. If you're looking for a garnish, add a bit of dill, for a red and green effect for Christmas.

8. Ham and cheese rolls: Buy regular dinner rolls in a large package. Cut them in half, and fill with ham and swiss cheese. Put the tops back on the rolls. Make a melted butter and stoneground mustard mixture, and brush over the top of these. Put them on a non-stick baking sheet, and put them in the oven to bake until the cheese is melted, and the rolls are lightly toasted. I got this idea from a hostess of a Christmas party I go to every year.

9. Miniature pies: If you're having a Christmas appetizer party, you have to have a sweet treat. If you don't feel like baking, you can pick up miniature versions of holiday pies, at places like Wal-Mart. This holiday season, I have already seen miniature pecan pies and pumpkin pies, with a cream cheese icing on top.

10. Cookies: Lastly, what's Christmas without cookies? You can borrow my sugar cookie recipe here, and my cookie and candy, Reese's chocolate chip cookie recipe here. There are certainly other cookie recipes you can use-- your old favorites, friend and family recipes, or even some borrowed from your favorite chef. However, the two I have listed, are my favorite.

If you are hosting a Christmas party, or going to one that you need to bring an appetizer to, try some of these quick and easy recipes, to put out or take along.