Make Ahead Holiday Appetizers

Make Ahead Holiday Appetizer Recipes

For Your Refrigerator, Freezer, and Pantry

By Linda Larsen

Pesto Torte

Linda Larsen

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love appetizers; in fact, sometimes I make an entire meal of them! Appetizers can buy time when you're trying to finish meal preparation, they can take the edge off hungry teenager's appetites in the middle of a busy day, and they are the perfect cozy touch to welcome unexpected or drop-in company. And as a bonus, if packaged in a nice jar, pot, or container, they make great last-minute presents. Make ahead holiday appetizer recipes can solve many a problem during this busy season.Chutneys are great for spicing up sandwiches as well as pouring over slightly melted Brie or fontina cheese. Snack mixes keep well in a tightly covered container in the pantry, and salsas just need a bag of crisp tortilla chips. Frozen snacks can be popped into the oven or microwave to heat up, and terrines and spreads, surrounded with crackers and some fresh fruit, make a beautiful presentation.Keep a few of these recipes in your freezer, fridge, or pantry for the holidays. Make sure to follow storage instructions carefully for food safety reasons. Change the flavors of these recipes and use your favorite ingredients. Just a bit of time spent in the kitchen will save you time and hassle in the busy weeks ahead.Make Ahead Holiday Appetizer RecipeMini QuichesThese delicious little mouthfuls can be flavored with anything from tiny shrimp to chopped olives.

• Filo Onion Rolls
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  Filo Onion Rolls
  Linda Larsen
  
  Make long rolls of this appetizer, or fold into triangles using the flag folding method. Bake them just before serving.
• Tapenade
  Tapenade is a spread made with different types of chopped olives; it's a great appetizer.
• Apple Mint Chutney
  This sweet and spicy chutney makes a great Christmas gift; you'll also find my tip for sterilizing jars.
• Blue Cheese Terrine
  Use Granny Smith apples in this great recipe; they will not turn brown as quickly as other varieties.
• Pesto Torte
  This rich and beautiful appetizer has the colors of Christmas!
• Corn Salsa
  Try this salsa with blue corn tortilla chips for a beautifully colored appetizer.
• Praline Cranberry Dip
  This rich, creamy, and crunchy dip is really wonderful with shortbread cookies, apples, and pears for dipping.
• Curried Chex Mix
  I developed this recipe after learning how good curry powder is for you. This mix, which combines healthy nuts, whole grain cereal, and spices, is delicious and addictive.
• Original Chex Party Mix