Appetizers/3 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.

Kielbasa simmered in spaghetti sauce with honey for a sweet-savory glaze. Just 3 ingredients, works on the stovetop, microwave, or crockpot as a main dish or party appetizer.

Fresh oysters on the half shell topped with a puréed shallot and red wine vinegar mignonette. Only 3 ingredients for an elegant raw bar appetizer at home.

Cheesy pigs in a blanket made with crescent rolls, hot dogs, and American cheese. Just 3 ingredients and 20 minutes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer kids and adults love.

Cheesy sausage balls roll bulk sausage, sharp cheddar and biscuit mix into walnut-size bites baked golden. The 3-ingredient Southern appetizer for parties and brunches.

Grilled artichoke bottoms stuffed with bay scallops, bread crumbs, tarragon, and garlic. A 3-minute grill appetizer that looks like it took hours.

Crispy breaded meatballs packed with ground pork, sauerkraut, and cream cheese, fried golden and served with a mustard-mayo dipping sauce. A bold German-style appetizer that makes 3 dozen.

Baked chicken liver pate with brandy, sage, thyme, and cream, molded in juice cans and rolled in fresh parsley. A make-ahead appetizer that freezes well for up to 3 weeks.

Baked Brie with toasted slivered almonds, served warm with sesame crackers. A 3-ingredient appetizer that looks impressive and takes 20 minutes start to finish.

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.

Plump oysters simmered in spicy Tabasco cream and served in hollowed-out brioche rolls. Just 3 ingredients and 40 minutes for an elegant Cajun appetizer or brunch showpiece.

Nutty cheese brulee: warm Brie drizzled with fruit or chocolate ice cream topping and a scatter of toasted pecans, microwaved until soft and served with crackers and fresh fruit. A 3-minute appetizer.

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.