5 Fabulous and Easy Party Appetizers

Some of us just seem to attract unexpected company! (or freeloaders, as I teasingly call them in my home.) If you are the type of person whose home always seems to be where the party's at, chances are you're going to want a few quick and easy party appetizers in your repertoire. These are the type of recipes you can toss together in a few short minutes to feed --and impress-- your party guests (both of the "invited" and the "unexpected" variety).

Heck, even if you're the kind of person who rarely gives parties (in which case you're probably feeling like it's your turn now), you may be on the look out for appetizer ideas, too. Especially if you don't host parties every couple of weeks, you don't want to bog yourself down with overcomplicated recipes.

1. Blinis (aka Silver Dollar Pancakes)

Blinis are not only fancy-looking, versatile, and delicious, they are also quick and easy to make. You can make a fancy authentic blini batter if you want, but... why? Just use your regular pancake batter recipe and make tiny pancakes instead of full-sized ones. Then top them with whatever you want! My favorite easy party appetizer idea? Make up a "blini bar" where your guests can top their blinis with a variety of savory or sweet toppings. Some of my favorite blini toppings are:

- Creme fraiche and caviar
- Cream cheese, bacon pieces, and chives
- Creme fraiche and smoked salmon or trout
- Grated swiss cheese and wilted spinach
- Pickled beet, carrot, and cabbage slaw
- Brie, slivered almonds, and fruit preserves
- Chopped strawberries marinated in balsamic vinegar
- Chopped cooked or fresh apples with cinnamon

2. Cheese and Fruit Mini Kabobs

Especially for summer, light cheeses and fruit make wonderfully refreshing appetizers. They're also elegant and super easy to make. Simple slice up some inch cubes of Roquefort, feta, and cheddar cheeses. Marinate the cheddar and feta in white wine for a few hours. Place one piece of each kind of cheese along with one apple slice, one grape, and one piece of melon on a small skewer. Arrange on a tray.

3. Quick Party Pinwheels

These easy party appetizers are incredibly quick to make and you will be sure to get requests for the recipe. To make your pinwheels, simply combine two bricks of softened cream cheese with 2 tbsp. dried herb mixture of your choice. Drain and stir in about 1/4 c. roasted red peppers and a small can of green chilies (If you like it hot, use chopped jalapeno peppers instead of the green chilies.) Then add a small can of sliced olives. Stir to mix and spread on several tortillas. Roll up the tortillas and slice each one diagonally at 1/2" intervals to make pinwheels. Arrange prettily on a platter. These look really nice when arranged with the mini fruit and cheese kabobs on a tray or platter!

4. Stuffed Bacon Wraps

These are not only mouth watering but easy to make as well. Cut 1 pound of bacon slices in half crosswise and spread each slice on a large cookie sheet. Open an 8 oz can of crabmeat and place a small mound of crabmeat on one end of each half slice of bacon (shredded imitation crabmeat also works well!). Roll up bacon and broil in the oven, turning bacon as needed until bacon is cooked and crispy. Remove from broiler and insert a toothpick into each bacon roll. Serve with Duck Sauce or Honey Mustard.

5. Chocolate Covered Cherries

For either a snack or a dessert, these easy party appetizers are a great crowd pleaser when cherries are in season. Simply pit your cherries and dip them in dipping chocolate. Place on wax paper until cooled. Decorate with drizzles of white chocolate or crushed almonds, if desired. Keep your cherries in the refrigerator until your party is ready to begin.