Simple New Year's Appetizers

I have said it before and I will say it again: a good party offers a variety of food and drinks. Your guests will definitely appreciate it if you have more than the average Chex-Mix, chips and salsa and premade snacks. Below are some of my favorite finger foods to make. They are relatively cheap and easy, and every time that I have made these for a party, I have never had leftovers.

1. Piglets

- 2 cans of Pilsbury Crescent Rolls

- 1 package of Johnsonville Little Smokies (you will still have extras for yourself)

- Shredded Cheddar Cheese

- Optional: Hot sauce (Tapatio or Sriracha Hot Chili work much better than Tobasco), Spices

Open and unroll the crescent rolls. Cut up each individual roll into 2-3 equal pieces depending on its size (remember it has to be able to wrap around a single little smokie). Place a little smokie on each slice along with some cheese (hot sauce and spices too) and wrap them up. Place them point down (so they don't unwrap while baking) and bake in the oven as the crescent roll container recommends and enjoy.

2. Dorm room Spanakopita

- 1 can of Pilsbury Biscuits or Crescent Rolls

- 4oz Feta Cheese

- Small package of Frozen Chopped Spinach

- Optional: Butter and Garlic

Heat the spinach in a skillet/non-stick pan (feel free to add a little butter and garlic for extra flavor). If you have crescent rolls then you can cut them up into smaller pieces and wrap them with spinach and feta. If you have biscuits, then you simply open each biscuit and stuff with spinach and feta; you can cut them up after they are cooked. Cook the rolls or biscuits according to the recommendations on the container and enjoy.

3. Chili Cheese Dip

- 1 can of Chili (Dennison's, Hormel, Nalley's...whatever you prefer)

- 4oz Grated Cheddar Cheese

- Optional: Finely Chopped White or Yellow Onion, Hot Sauce (See recommendations above)

Heat the chili in the microwave or by stove top. Stir in the Cheese, Onions and Hot Sauce. You may need to reheat the chili after adding the cheese. With this dip it is important to present it well. Bread Bowls are extra points but a simple bowl surrounded by a platter of tortilla chips and/or bread does the job just fine.