I'm a fan of shrimp, and my family loves nachos. When I combined those favorites and added fresh avocado, the result was a cool yet satisfying snack. -Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience- I serve it straight from the slow cooker,...
A tube of refrigerated pizza dough and frozen chopped spinach make these impressive appetizers a cinch. "I found the recipe in a cookbook but lightened it up," explains Prospect, Kentucky's Juliet Lodge....
Who would have guessed that mixing maple syrup, chili sauce and lime juice would make chicken wings taste so good? Family and guests alike will scramble to ensure they get more than one of these utterly...
When I lived in Seattle, one of my favorite places was a small stand that sold piroshki-Russian stuffed pocket sandwiches. Whenever I'm missing my former town, I make my own batch. -julie merriman, Seattle,...
Cumin and chili powder pack plenty of zip into this chunky bean dip, which is served warm. It's a great make-ahead dish for any kind of party or get-together. -Lynda Cavanaugh, De Forest, Wisconsin
Frico, or "little trifles" in Italian, are very thin and crisp. When sprinkling the cheese mixture in the skillet, don't worry if there are spaces; the cheese will melt into a lacy whole. In Italy, frico...
I tried this at a friend's house and modified the recipe to appeal to my family's tastes. I recommend cooking the asparagus outside on the grill. It's excellent for any celebration. -Karyl Tobel, Helena,...
From Cincinnati, Ohio, Paula Alf shares her most-requested recipe. "Whether served whole for lunch or cut into bite-size appetizers, these light wraps are always a hit," she assures. "We prefer this blend...
These golden brown plantain fritters are a favorite in West Africa, where my aunt served as a missionary for 45 years. Make sure the plantains are very ripe, or substitute bananas instead. -Heather Ewald,...
My family prefers these mild-tasting chicken wings more than the traditional hot wings. They are great for any gathering. -Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
These tempting cheese-stuffed tomatoes are bursting with fresh flavor. Use the small end of a melon scoop to easily remove the pulp. -Laura LeRoy, Waxhaw, North Carolina
"I entered this recipe in a local fair, and it took first place! This is one of my favorites because all of the ingredients (except for the lime juice) came directly from my garden and bee hives." -Carolyn...
This Thanksgiving, we're saying "Goodbye" to basic biscuits and "Hello" to a subtly sweet twist. Step up your side dish game by pairing these biscuits with a homemade honey butter. It's guaranteed to be...
"This cheese-, spinach- and sausage-filled bread is a real crowd-pleaser," assures Suzanne Hansen of Arlington Heights, Illinois. "Tasty slices are great as a snack, served with a bowl of soup or as a...
This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear at the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious-and easy! -Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
For a formal dinner, try my elegant scallop recipe as a first course. The buttery scallops are served in a rich, creamy sauce. -Jane Rossen, Binghamton, New York
Cranberry wings remind me of all the wonderful celebrations and parties we've had through the years. My daughter's friends can't get enough of them. -Noreen Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Strawberries are a satiating and exciting alternative to tomatoes in this bright and fruity salsa; they pack an extra gram of fiber per cup. Serve it with chips or use it as a topping to grilled fish or...
This recipe is best made a week in advance-they really reach perfection at 10 days. Double or triple this zippy recipe...you won't regret it!-Dean Schrock, Jacksonville, Florida
I get repeated requests for this easy-to-prepare appetizer. It's one of the first to disappear from the table.-Sheila Styles, Travelers Rest, South Carolina
An appetizer bursting with flavor from bleu cheese, caramelized onion, jam and balsamic vinegar-tasty bites that vanish in a hurry. -Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
My family enjoys the wonderful Indian flavors in a traditional samosa. Baked instead of fried, this version has fewer calories but keeps all the classic tastes and textures we love. -Amy Siegel, Clifton,...
Adults and kids alike enjoy the make-it-yourself aspect of these festive appetizers. The mint and cilantro add so much flavor, and the lettuce cup provides a refreshing crunch. For accompanying recipes,...
The crunchy chicken-apricot salad can go from a ladies' luncheon to your picnic basket. As an appetizer, try it on top of crackers or toasted bread. This recipe is from reader Darlene Rose Cook of Corvallis,...
When friends who love crab were planning a party, I created this recipe just for them. These comforting baked bundles wrap up a cheesy seafood filling in convenient crescent roll dough. -Noelle Myers,...
Because I live in an area where there aren't many Chinese restaurants, I developed this Asian-inspired starter. A combination of soy and plum sauces, red wine, garlic and ginger create a full-bodied marinade...
I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that's sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. -Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
When my family gathers for a party, someone serves this flavorful, creamy dip. Everyone loves its zip from the jalapeno pepper and the crunch of the broccoli. -Barbara Maiol, Conyers, Georgia
Living near the ocean, I have a wide variety of seafood available to experiment with in recipes. This one uses salmon and scallops, but shrimp, crab, lobster, or any firm white fish, such as halibut or...
My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Use your favorite beer or ale, but steer clear of dark varieties. -Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
I'm always prepared for recipe requests when I serve this outstanding stuffed loaf. It's excellent not only as an appetizer but also as a side for pasta or chili. -Heidi Mellon, Waukesha, Wisconsin
As a cook for a commercial salmon fishing crew, I found this recipe to be a wonderful variation in the use of salmon. The roll-ups are terrific as an addition to a festive Mexican meal or as a delicate...
Every person who tries this dip wants to know what makes it taste special. The secret is the blend of yogurt, sour cream and mayo. -Krisann Durnford, Muskego, Wisconsin
Everybody loves this simple dip. If you have any left over, spoon it on toasted English muffins for a great open-faced sandwich. -Sara Nowacki, Franklin, Wisconsin.
If five cheese fonduta isn't one of the most mouthwatering foods of all time, I don't know what is! Swap out any cheeses you don't like for your favorites. -Cheri Gilmore, Festus, Missouri
This luscious cheese bread will have your guests reaching for more. The cheese, onions, and olives make this bread a delicious and flavorful appetizer. -Amy Voights, Brodhead, Wisconsin
Serve shrimp toast as part of a pupu platter for a stunning -- and delicious -- presentation. This recipe is adapted from "Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres for Entertaining."