Editor Favorites: Appetizers and Cocktails

Salt-and-Pepper Cheese Puffs (Gougères)

"These are my favorite because of the sheer ease of baking them and because they are completely irresistible, especially when hot out of the oven and accompanied by a glass of chilled Champagne."
–Margo True, Food Editor, Sunset

Recipe: Salt-and-Pepper Cheese Puffs (Gougères)

Peppered Three Onion Tart with Smoked Salmon

"One of my favorite recipes–Peppered Three Onion Tart with Smoked Salmon–gets multitasked into an appetizer, a side dish, or perhaps a brunch dish. It's so good I have to make more than I think I'll need because it disappears fast."
–Julia Rutland, Senior Editor, Coastal Living

Recipe: Peppered Three Onion Tart with Smoked Salmon

Endive Stuffed With Goat Cheese and Walnuts

"Every bite packs a contrast of sweet, salty, tangy, bitter, creamy, and crunchy. They're easy to make, and I love to double the candied walnuts and save for another use such as salad toppings."
–Mary Creel, Projects Editor, Cooking Light

Recipe: Endive Stuffed With Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Pear Sidecar

"This slightly sweet, mellow, golden cocktail has been my pre-dinner drink of choice this year. It's really good with a crunchy cracker smeared with soft blue cheese."
–Margo True, Food Editor, Sunset

Recipe: Pear Sidecar

Smoked Salmon Canapés

"I love these buttery canapés because you can make the dough ahead and top it with just about anything that appeals to you: a tapenade, sour cream and caviar, or Stilton and sautéed mushrooms, for instance. They're very good with the smoked salmon topping, too."
–Julia Rutland, Senior Editor, Coastal Living

Recipe: Smoked Salmon Canapés

Cranberry Liqueur

"I made the Cranberry Liqueur to take to my sister's house in Georgia where my entire family was gathering. (Be prepared: It has to 'ferment' for a few weeks.) Before Christmas dinner I made up the Cranberry Cosmopolitans that are a serving suggestion with the recipe, and they were a hit. For a housewarming gift, I gave my sister some martini glasses to serve the drinks in."
–Mary Creel, Projects Editor, Cooking Light

Recipe: Cranberry Liqueur

Feta Cheese Truffles

"Serve a tray of these truffles with various veggies and crackers for an affordable variation on the traditional cheese plate. Have fun with the toppings by rolling the truffles in chopped parsley, basil, toasted pecans, or bacon." Holley Johnson, Food Editor, MyRecipes.com

Recipe: Feta Cheese Truffles

Pancetta Crisps With Goat Cheese and Pear

"I always look for quick appetizers with short ingredient lists when I throw a party, so the Pancetta Crisps With Goat Cheese and Pear is a perfect pick. The touch of honey with the pancetta and pear make for a winning combination of tastes and textures."
–Ashley Leath, Assistant Recipe Editor, Southern Living

Recipe: Pancetta Crisps With Goat Cheese and Pear

Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip

"I particularly like this dish because it's a combination of two dips that I love–spinach dip and hot artichoke dip. It's the best of both worlds. This dip does not compromise on flavor or texture, even with the reduced-fat cheeses and fat-free sour cream. Because of the spinach, it seems a little healthier than some of the other holiday dips. I like it so much that sometimes I just eat it as a side dish instead of scooping into it with a chip."
–Anne Cain, Senior Food Editor, MyRecipes.com

Recipe: Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip

Spicy Chipotle Barbecue Sausage Bites

"I love these bite-size delights because they're easy to make and fun to eat. It never fails that this yummy appetizer is always the first to be gobbled up at parties. I never seem to make enough." -Virginia Switzer, MyRecipes.com

Recipe: Spicy Chipotle Barbecue Sausage Bites

More Beverages

Whether you are in needs of a warm mulled cider, a sparkling aperitif, or a robust cup of coffee, these recipes are for you.

• Toast the New Year
• Warm Winter Brews
• Be Your Own Barista
• Party Pleasing Cocktails