Snack

Made of dried figs blended with coconut and a pop of cinnamon, pack these energy balls along for a post-workout snack or afternoon pick-me-up.

These buttery frangipane-filled pecan buttons are decadent without being fragile, and they make excellent cookies for boxing up and giving as gifts. Dusting them with powdered sugar before baking creates a crackly, glossy coating. Feel free to add more afterward as well.

The only thing more crowd-pleasing than cheese is marinated cheese. If Manchego isn’t your thing, go for any semi-firm cheese like white cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.

Cheddar crackers, all grown up, thanks to a little heat from the cayenne and a hint of sweet pepper from the pimiento. This dough can be formed into a log and stashed in the freezer so it’s on hand for whenever you just happen to need a party appetizer. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing.

A good party spread is as much about curation as it is cooking. By using quality store-bought items and plating them up with a little bit of TLC, you have a tasty, stress-free snack at the ready.

Bright citrus and fresh-ground pepper put a festive spin on two party staples: cured meat and Marcona almonds.

These homemade onion-flavored chips just might be more addictive than the store-bought versions.

These quick pickles have just the right amount of sweet, salt, and tang going on. The brine can work with any crunchy veg, but we like them best with cucumbers. We guarantee they'll be the sleeper hit of your next party spread.

Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 5 min

Classic German flavors bring a fresh twist to this beloved hors d'oeuvre.

A basket of unusual breadsticks will vanish in no time. The fact that you scatter the strips of dough on baking sheets rather like pick-up sticks results in great texture: they’re chewy where the strips overlap and crisp where they don’t.

Crisp pickled vegetables go brilliantly with cocktails (or with sandwiches, a hunk of cheese, a juicy steak...the possibilities are endless). Fresh ginger and dried chiles give them a bracing boost and orange juice plays up their natural sweetness.

A simmer and soak in sugar syrup glazes kumquats and liquifies their interiors so they taste like delicious shots of marmalade.

Great pimiento cheese is all about spice. Red peppers and hot sauce are essential to cutting through the richness of the cream cheese and cheddar.

Serve this easy-to-make “toast” just as you would traditional toast and top it with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, a poached or fried egg, microgreens, tahini, fresh berries, hemp seeds, a nut butter, bananas, or strawberries.

This not-too-sweet quick bread is like your favorite piece of toast in cake form.