by CRYSTAL JOHNSON

Nothing says holidays or party like the appetizers that have been around forever and are still requested/eaten first. If there’s one way to make these there must be fifty! Here’s a version without the usual biscuit mix - only because I didn’t have any and didn’t want to buy it for one recipe. This is the moment to buy good sausage and a good block of cheddar cheese. Use the grater and freshly grate cheese for this one. It makes a big difference!! I’m a fan of white cheddar an

It’s a good time of year to have quick and easy appetizers in mind. These shells are no secret but I do forget about them sometimes. They’re perfect for elegant little bites! You’ll find these in your freezer section of the grocery store. They are usually near puff pastry and pie crust. I think they are quite popular during the holidays because I had to search a few stores to find them recently. So-stock up! Keep a few boxes in your freezer for a go-to appetizer. These are as

If I want to be nostalgic for my teenage years, I make these sausage bites. They are SUPER simple and only require 3 ingredients. My mom used to make them anytime we had a crowd gathering for breakfast or as appetizers. Of course you can zhuzh them up by adding different kinds of cheese or spices, but the original is pretty great! INGREDIENTS 1 pound breakfast sausage 1 block cream cheese, leave out at room temperature to soften 2 packages crescent rolls (the kind that come p

My grandparents had a huge pecan tree in their yard when I was growing up and it usually produced a ton of pecans. When I visited, after having moved a couple hours away, my grandfather would have bags of SHELLED pecans for me. I found out later that he gave my parents and uncles pecans too…but not always the shelled ones. Makes me feel special to this day! These have become a holiday tradition and I look forward to making them every year. They’re quick and truly easy - great

Loads of healthy veggies and whole grains in a tiny little package. These little bites are so versatile and easy to adapt. I ended up with the base recipe when my friend Beth was reheating some of these at work. She raved about how easy they were and gave me one to try. I’ve made them ever since and switched out the ingredients many different ways over time. Originally they included ham and cheese-yum! This version is all veggie but additional ingredients/swaps are listed bel

My mother-in-law makes cheese straws every year around the holidays and they are one of my favorites. I suppose they must be everyone's favorite because they are her most requested recipe! What a great way to start December!! Not only are these tasty but they come with a story. Before she retired, Diane worked with a lady who would bring this recipe to work to share. She quickly found out that her colleague's mother was the master behind these little snacks and kept telling h

Being born and raised in The South, I grew up eating pimento cheese. It was something I remember my grandmother making sometimes and something that could always be easily found in the grocery store. Pimento cheese reminds me of summer... Run in from being outside/in the pool and the easiest, quickest thing to do was grab the container of pimento cheese and spread it on sliced bread or pieces of celery for a quick snack or meal. Nowadays, it is listed on more than just basic S

After writing about last year's trip to Spain I'm craving those Spanish foods we enjoyed! I ate so many tapas - I lost count some days. One combo that is etched in my memory is a tapa of tuna in oil tossed with slivers of roasted piquillo pepper and onions. Closest to the right in the photo. This was enjoyed with friends on Christmas Eve in the streets of Alcala, Spain. Man. This was THE best bite! So, today - my own version! I have no piquillo peppers so I'm using roasted r