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Hey, Reader!

Christmas has come and gone, so it's time to look towards 2026 — can you believe it?!

If you're ringing in the new year at home with family or friends, this email is for you. Skip the sit-down dinner and opt for quick and easy appetizers instead! I love a meal made of finger foods, both for its simplicity and the opportunity to snack on several favorites rather than just one meal.

Appetizers are the unsung heroes of many celebrations. Together, they're strong enough to feed a crowd; on their own, they are a wonderful complement to the meal itself.

AND they keep people going enough to enjoy the beautiful New Year's Eve drinks you'll inevitably be serving! Plus, most have an easy recipe to keep you at the party and out of the kitchen.

Here's a list of favorite recipes that everyone will enjoy:

cheesy

• ​Cranberry brie bites are savory and sweet with all the flavor of the holidays.
• ​Marinated cheese is colorful, tasty AND easy – you even make it ahead of time!
• Add puff pastry cheese twists to a charcuterie board or enjoy them on their own.
• ​Caramelized pear baked brie is ideal for winter entertaining.
• ​Puff pastry pinwheels are bite-sized and full of flavor.

dips

• My favorite spinach artichoke dip only needs five ingredients. Need I say more?
• ​Pizza dip is easy to customize to fit the tastes of your crowd.
• Fluffy and delicious, whipped feta dip isn't overpowering with feta flavor. Don't forget homemade pita chips for dipping!

meaty

• Keep the holiday spirit going with a Christmas charcuterie board! Charcuterie cups are another option for easy eating while mingling.
• Simple and savory, sausage balls are always a hit at my gatherings.
• ​Bacon-wrapped dates are the perfect sweet and savory appetizer.

veggie

• ​Tuscan white bean dip packs in Italian flavors that are perfect with fresh bread.
• Let guests munch on the move with Caprese skewers.
• ​Shishito peppers take less than 15 minutes to make and are so versatile!

munchies

• There's nothing quite like homemade cheddar cheese popcorn!
• ​Blue cheese stuffed olives can serve double duty as an appetizer and a cocktail garnish.
• Simple, yet full of flavor, spicy garlic chickpeas are a crowd-pleaser!

I hope these recipes are a hit as you ring in the new year!

Enjoy!
Susannah

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