11 pasty recipes

These meat-filled pastries are the perfect appetizer for that upcoming Thanksgiving dinner with family. Just don't expect any leftovers!

Cheese pasties, hand-held British turnovers stuffed with sharp cheddar and diced root vegetables (turnip, carrot, leek, celery) in a flaky butter shortcrust, warmed with mace and cayenne. Crimped, baked golden, and even better the next day.

Crispy Sri Lankan beef pasties with a spiced filling of minced beef, potato, curry leaves, cardamom, and coconut milk tucked into flaky homemade pastry and deep-fried golden.

Lighter pumpkin pie with a gingersnap-graham crust, evaporated skim milk, and mostly egg whites for a lower-fat take. Molasses adds depth, cinnamon and nutmeg do the holiday work.

Make it ahead to save some time for your party day, and it tastes delicious when it comes out of the oven and freshly baked.

Party date cake is a big-batch chocolate date loaf topped with sugar, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips. Served warm in slices with whipped cream for a crowd-sized dessert.

Pink maraschino cherry layer cake with cherry juice in the batter, chopped nuts, and fluffy 7-minute icing. A retro party cake with a pretty blush color and sweet cherry flavor throughout.

A layered no-bake Christmas dessert with a pecan shortbread crust, cream cheese filling, swirled chocolate and vanilla pudding, and whipped topping. Four layers of crowd-pleasing holiday indulgence.

Party rye pizza: cocktail rye rounds topped with sausage, melted Velveeta, mozzarella, and tomato paste. Make-ahead freezer appetizers ready in 8 minutes.

Garlic curry vinaigrette mixes garlic powder, curry, mustard, and cayenne with cider and white vinegars. A bold, flavor-packed dressing that scales to a full gallon for catering or party prep.

Mexican beef casserole layered with flour tortillas, creamed corn, Rotel tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and two cheeses. A crowd-pleasing party dish with serious heat.