Appetizers recipes

Chestnut-stuffed mushrooms on buttery whole-wheat croûtes: pan-fried mushroom caps filled with a chunky chestnut, onion, and nutmeg stuffing, grilled until bubbling. A festive vegetarian starter.

Norwegian fiskepudding: a silky cod mousse bound with cream and cornstarch, baked in a water bath until firm. Classic Scandinavian fish pudding served hot with sauce.

Salsa de Linda is an easy, no-cook salsa: a coarsely blended tomato base loaded with chopped onion, peppers, and green chilies, then spiced with cumin, oregano, garlic, and cayenne. Ready for chips in 10 minutes.

Manhattan clam chowder made in the microwave with minced clams, bacon, tomato juice, and thyme. A brothy, tomato-based chowder ready in about 20 minutes.

Pita pizza bites loaded with mushrooms, red onion, bell pepper, and melted mozzarella. Split, top, and bake in 20 minutes for a quick vegetarian appetizer.

Microwave-steamed globe artichokes with a zesty mustard dipping sauce made with brown mustard, Italian dressing mix, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.

Peppered seafood sausage: fresh fish, shrimp, jalapeños, and cilantro ground together, stuffed into hog casings, and gently poached. A Southwestern take on fish sausage, bound with egg whites and brightened by cumin and lemon.

Loaded queso dip with sausage, jalapeno, red bell pepper, and melted American cheese in chicken broth. A Tex-Mex cheese dip that doubles as a sauce for potatoes or noodles.

Cheddar sage and walnut torta: a layered no-bake cheese mold with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, fresh sage, and toasted walnuts. An elegant make-ahead appetizer for the holiday board.

Bean and Salsa Dip layers spiced pinto bean puree, sweet chili sauce, green onions, fat-free sour cream, and chunky hot salsa on a platter. A no-cook layered party dip ready in 20 minutes.

Kale and buckwheat with Brussels sprouts and mushrooms blends nutty whole grain with roasted sprouts, sauteed shiitakes, blanched parsnips, and onions. A hearty plant-based grain bowl packed with fiber.

New Year's Eve polenta squares crisp tube polenta under the broiler, then top each bite with a tangy sun-dried tomato, caper, and parsley pesto. A make-ahead cocktail-party appetizer that feeds a crowd.

Chili cheese dip made in the microwave with canned chili, a full pound of cheddar, sour cream, and picante sauce. Four ingredients and 10 minutes for game day or any party.

Crispy homemade bagel chips brushed with garlic, Parmesan, olive oil and Italian herbs. Easy day-old bagel rescue for crunchy dippers in 20 minutes.

Open-faced black bean nachos with spicy chorizo, melted Monterey Jack, and a smoky black bean pesto thickened with ham hock. Fried flour tortillas baked into crisp wedges. Loaded restaurant-style nachos.

Creamy Italian seafood risotto with shrimp, scallops, shiitake mushrooms, and Roma tomatoes. Arborio rice slow-stirred with chicken broth and white wine until silky.