Amazing Appetizers for the Holiday Season

No matter what holiday you’re celebrating this season, these appetizers are sure to be crowd-pleasers. From hummus to tacos, you can’t go wrong serving up these bad boys to your most esteem guests. The best part? Most of them can be prepared the night before! Happy holiday cooking!

Photo: Sunset

Cashew-Lime Cilantro Hummus

While you could just stop by the grocery store and by pre-made hummus, why would you? Enjoy this bright and fresh cashew-lime hummus with your closest friends and family this season. Served best with pita, chips, and raw veggies. Recipe: Cashew-Lime Cilantro Hummus

Pumpkin Tacos

Pumpkin everything is the way to go. While you may be accustomed to pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin pies, I’d bet that you’ve never tried a pumpkin taco. So why not? Enjoy pumpkins every serving this year by incorporating pumpkin tacos into the mix. Your family might be shocked, but they won’t be disappointed! Recipe: Pumpkin Tacos

Winter Squash Soup with Red Chile and Mint

Everybody loves soup! The weather is chilled and the soup is hot, so dig right into this new family favorite. For this soup, all you have to do is set a pot with 5 cups of water on the stove, chop up and add squash peels, pulp, and seeds, the ends of an onion, some basil and mint sprigs, and lastly, 1 tsp. each of coriander seeds and peppercorns. Let that baby simmer and enjoy the results. Recipe: Winter Squash Soup with Red Chile and Mint

Mussels Baked with Hazelnut Herb Butter

Mussels might not be your traditional holiday favorite, but these babies are baked to perfection. With delicious butter and aromatic herbs, these mussels will be the talk of the party. Insider tip: when buying mussels be sure to get the largest ones you can find, as they tend to shrink as they cook. Recipe: Mussels Baked with Hazelnut Herb Butter

Sweet Potato Crostini

Sweet potatoes are a staple of many holiday festivities. So bump up their impact by adding melted brie, crushed pistachios, and savory diced pancetta. As the chef be sure to grab some of these before you put them out at the party, because they’ll be gone before you even know it. Recipe: Sweet Potato Crostini