In the hours before Thanksgiving, most cooks are so focused on getting the meal on the table that appetizers are the last things on their minds. And that's just fine, says Sam Sifton. Appetizers don't belong at Thanksgiving. More

Throwing a cocktail party this holiday season? Going to a potluck? Doing any kind of entertaining at all?! Yup, Salty Snacks is going to be a lifesaver. With clever ideas for everything from cheese straws to something simply (and temptingly) called "Deviled Bacon," we definitely won't be bringing the same dish twice to any parties this season. More

Is it just me, or is anyone else always on the hunt for good snack ideas? I can usually manage coming up with a healthy lunch or an inspired dinner, but my afternoon hunger often caves to chips, salsa, and melted cheese. Seriously, you'd think I would have outgrown that old standby by now... More

Call me crazy, but I love a good holiday potluck. Filling my plate with a taste of this, a scoop of that, one or two of those — hand me a fork and I'm in foodie heaven. But before that can happen comes the agony of deciding what to bring myself. Finding that perfect dish that will simultaneously please and impress, plus be easy to shuttle along in a car or on a bus, is no small feat. Perhaps one of these this year? More

Last month's Everyday Food magazine shared a great way to make your meatballs literally burst with cheese. It's easy to do, and while they recommend using ground chicken for a different take on chicken Parmesan, you can choose whatever meatball you like best. More

Time seems to speed up this time of year as we near the holidays. In preparation, I like to make and freeze a big batch of Asian dumplings like these tofu and kimchi-filled Korean mandu. They're easy to heat up as a bite to eat between running to events and make a nice appetizer for guests, too. More

With the approach of the holiday party season, I am always on the lookout for make-ahead appetizers that are a little different from the usual spread of cheeses, meats and crudite. Chicken liver pâté doesn't enjoy the popularity it had when Julia Child was queen, but this elegant yet economical hors d'oeuvre is due for a comeback. Cooked down with apple, shallots, fresh herbs and brandy, lowly liver transforms into an umami-rich spread that can be made up to one week ahead and will have even those hesitant about liver reaching for more. More

Q: Smitten Kitchen's chicken meatballs are one of my go-to party foods. For an upcoming election results party, I need to find a way to make them kosher — any idea what I could use in a panade that's not milk? (I already omit the pancetta.)

Sent by Nicole More

What do you get when you combine highly nutritious quinoa with superfood kale? A delicious, nutritious lunch, especially when topped with a few pieces of avocado. More

Cheese balls have a bad reputation, probably because they often look (and taste) like they belong in the pages of a faded food magazine from the 1970s. But with the right ingredients and some updated styling, these make-ahead party appetizers can be a modern twist on the usual cheese plate. More