The Most Popular Holiday Snacks

The number one item that is a "must have" is cookies. Everybody loves holiday cookies. You can bake them yourself or purchase them from your favorite bakery. Even classic Oreos are great! Get together with neighbors, friends or relatives for a cookie trade. This is when guests bring two dozen cookies to place on a table, and then collects a variety of cookies (up to two dozen) to take home. It's a fun and easy way to have a nice selection of cookies to offer.

Chips and dips are another favorite snack. Purchase chips when they are on sale and store. Homemade dips are especially nice. You can make large amounts in advance and place in smaller containers for storage. Spinach and artichoke dips are the most popular. These can be made at home or purchase at your local market.

Of course, cheese and crackers is a classic. Keep a variety of crackers in the pantry. Cheese can be purchased in advance and froze. However, cheddar cheese does become brittle and Colby cheese gets softer when frozen. Slice cheeses and store in zipper bags. Cheese balls are fun to offer, try some homemade recipes with meat in them.

Sausages and meatballs are great to keep on hand. They can be frozen and thawed or prepared quickly. Purchase different kinds of sausages. Visit specialty meat markets or hunting/fishing shops that offer wild game sausages. Cut sausages up and store in baggies. Precooked meatballs can be purchased in large bags, and you can take out whatever amount you need and save the rest.

Stuffed mushrooms, pigs in a blanket, mini calzones, bacon wrapped shrimp, and Buffalo wings are all items that can be made at home or purchased at the store. Check you local market for larger quantities, you may have to order them in advance. Visit a Sam's Club or warehouse grocery for discounts on prepared items.

Purchase a good supply of fruit and veggies. Cut them up and store in baggies. It's easy to throw together a fruit and veggie tray with a yummy dip. Keep a few refrigerator dips on hand. A couple jars of caramel are great to offer with some cut up apples.

If you have time - cakes, pies, and brownies are nice. They are best for planned entertaining. If you are going to a party offer to bring one of these baked goods, the hosts will be very appreciative.

For a get together of kids, have some fun. Toss some gummies, Teddy Grahams, chocolate chips, and pretzels together in a bow. Pick up some caramel corn if you didn't make any. Or offer them "Snowman Poop" - a dish of mini marshmallows. Instead of making a pizza, make mini pizzas. Take a tube of flaky refrigerator rolls and tear in half. Top with pizza or spaghetti sauce, cheese, a meat or whatever else you might have. Bake according to instructions on the tube. Kids love them!