Appetizers/2 recipes

Eat heartily, accompanied by much loud Italian conversation. In fact, I typed this accompanied by much loud Italian conversation. My parents were here, and both were shouting instructions over my shoulder. They disagreed about the arrangement of the lettuce - my mother said that the hole in the middle of the platter was necessary; my father insisted that it wasn't, saying you can just dump the tuna on top of the lettuce. I finally had to give up on this reply until they went home. So now, in the peace and quiet of the aftermath, I've finished it. Hope you had a wonderful holiday.

Ranch flavoured cream cheese cheese rolled with ham in a flour tortilla. A favourite party appetizer that's very easy to prepare in a short amount of time.

Kay's apple pie is a classic double-crust pie with pared apples tossed in sugar and cinnamon, dotted with butter and finished with a milk-brushed, sugar-dusted top crust.

Best antipasto is a big-batch homemade relish of cauliflower, green beans, peppers, mushrooms, olives, tuna, and anchovies in a tangy tomato-vinegar base. Spoon it onto crackers for a make-ahead party and holiday spread.

Bacon-wrapped crabmeat balls with sherry, lemon juice, dry mustard, and fresh bread crumbs broiled until crispy. An elegant appetizer that makes about 2 dozen bite-sized hors d'oeuvres.

Crispy fried wontons stuffed with ground pork, minced prawns, dried mushrooms, and water chestnuts. A classic Chinese appetizer that fries golden in 2 minutes and freezes beautifully for make-ahead entertaining.

A bold Scottish appetizer: creamy Roquefort cheese pounded smooth with whisky, then chilled in earthenware pots. Just 2 ingredients, 15 minutes prep, and pure Highland flavor.

Marinated fresh mushrooms in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and tarragon. A make-ahead appetizer that improves over 1-2 days in the fridge.

Oysters wrapped in bacon and cooked in the microwave until the bacon crisps around briny, tender oysters. A classic 2-ingredient appetizer ready in 10 minutes.

Swedish pickled herring with a sweet-sour vinegar brine layered with red onion, carrots, ginger, and horseradish. A classic Scandinavian smorgasbord appetizer that only gets better after 2-3 days in the jar.

Ginger shrimp skewers marinated in a pureed lime-jalapeno-ginger blend and grilled until pink and firm. A quick, bold appetizer for parties that takes just 2 minutes per side.

Simple pork satay with sweet apricot peanut butter sauce. Quick marinade in soy and steak sauce, grill or broil in 10 minutes. Easy appetizer serves 6 or main dish for 2.

Savory bite-sized biscuits stuffed with sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and ham, then topped with herb cream cheese. The buttery dough chills overnight for flaky layers. Makes 2 dozen party-ready appetizers.

Simple Scotch eggs recipe with just 2 ingredients: hard-boiled eggs wrapped in savory sausage meat and fried until golden. Easy British-inspired picnic snack or protein-packed appetizer ready in 60 minutes.

Shucked oysters topped with fermented black beans and a savory sauce of soy, sesame oil, vinegar, and chicken broth, steamed for just 2 to 3 minutes. An elegant Chinese appetizer that's quick and impressive.

Note: In lieu of fresh trout, 1/2 lb cooked and flaked fish may be used. Make smaller protions and serve as an appetizer. Oatcakes that have been gently warmed in the oven go well with this dish.