Course: Appetizers
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Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
We asked our Whole Story blog readers to submit their best holiday appetizer for less than 50 cents each piece. Here’s our favorite, from Susan K., who got her recipe printed in The Whole Deal value guide and received a $50 gift card.
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Ham and Roasted Pear Crostini
Though these small bites are perfectly tasty made with an ordinary French baguette, choose a whole wheat or seeded one for a bit more flavor.
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Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Bites
Serve these savory sausage bites with a bowl of cranberry sauce for dipping, if you like. For a spicier version, omit the thyme and use red pepper flakes instead.
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Mini Potato-Carrot Pancakes with Festive Sour Cream
Make these easy bites ahead, if you like. Once cooled, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container then re-crisp on a lightly oiled baking sheet in a 400°F oven just before serving. There are three choices for flavoring the sour cream—spicy, savory or sweet and sour. Choose your favorite or reduce the amounts to make all three and offer a variety.
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Blue Cheese and Pecan Stuffed Dates
To ease the party rush, make the filling for these dates a few days in advance, keeping in mind that the flavor will get stronger over time. For a vegetarian version omit the bacon and sauté the onions in olive oil instead.
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Seafood Cucumber Stacks with Lemon Cream and Chives
These refreshing hors d’oeuvres are equally delicious made with salmon, trout, shrimp or crab, so pick a seafood that’s best for your budget. For vegetarians, a slice of baked tofu is a perfect substitute for the seafood.
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Brie with Cardamom-Scented Clementine Chutney
Serve these savory small bites with roasted turkey or spiral sliced ham instead of Brie, if you like. If Clementines are unavailable, substitute with sweet tangerines or canned mandarin oranges, drained thoroughly.
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Pita Chips with Sweet Potato Mash and Smoked Almonds
Smoky almonds and pimenton (Spanish smoked paprika)are a particularly good match for sweet potatoes.
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Grilled Salmon Spread with Fennel and Chives
Serve this creamy spread on grilled or toasted bread alongside grilled vegetables for a filling lunch or enjoy with crudités and crackers as the start to any summer meal. Use leftover salmon from making the Grilled Salmon and Lemons with Herbs and skip the first step all together.
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Marinated Feta Cheese with Lemon and Fresh Herbs
Spoon this elegant snack onto crackers or toast and serve alongside fresh veggies or a salad for a light lunch. Use any leftover olive oil from the jar to make fragrant salad dressings or marinades.
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