Appetizers

Appetizers can be an art form.  Or they can be a super simple, low-stress snack to act as a prop while people arrive.  

My obsession with appetizers runs deep.  Because I usually don’t distinguish between finger foods, hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, canapes; my love of all these things gets smooshed together.  They do actually all have some differences.  If you want to learn more, check out my Art of the Appetizer.  If you are just looking for some delicious bites to serve your guests with special dietary needs, then you’re already in the right place.  

In the time before I worried about dietary restrictions, appetizers in a hurry weren’t a problem.  I would mix-and-match tasty crackers with any number of dips and could usually get away with it.  Since my keto adventure began, I’ve had to re-think dippers and pay much closer attention to what goes into a dip.  Then I started planning dinners and parties with more dietary restrictions and the issues to consider grew.  

Before you dive into the recipes, I just want to give the quick reminder that cut up veggies as dippers work with many dietary restrictions.  They also offer a light, crisp textural contrast to many dips and are just good for munching.  If you are planning to use them with dips, just please remember to make sure they are wide and / or sturdy enough to serve as a vehicle for a dip or whatever else guests will be using them to spoon up. 

As you browse the appetizer recipes, check out the linked Dinner Parties to see ideas of what to serve with them.