10 Crazy-Good Holiday Cocktail Party Recipes

Throw away those old kitschy cocktail meatball recipes that call for grape jelly and frozen meatballs -- these are easy-to-make and so much better.
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Throw away those old kitschy cocktail meatball recipes that call for grape jelly and frozen meatballs -- these are easy-to-make and so much better. You'll love that the meatballs are baked, not fried, and the sweet and tangy sauce is ready in under 15 minutes. Just be sure to make extra -- they disappear in a flash. GET THE RECIPE

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Crisp and flaky cheese straws specked with fresh herbs and crushed red chili flakes make a wonderful hors d'oeuvre to go along with wine and cocktails. Though they look like bread sticks, they're actually more akin to savory pie crust or pastry. I find them wildly addictive, and just plain fun to serve. GET THE RECIPE

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This is one of my go-to recipes when I have to hit the kitchen running. It takes just twenty minutes to make, I always have all of the ingredients on hand, and there's barely any clean-up! It makes a fabulous appetizer for a party -- just keep the tails on and serve with plenty of napkins. GET THE RECIPE

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Slightly sweet, salty and spiced with an exotic blend of cinnamon, cumin and paprika, this stuff is downright habit-forming. GET THE RECIPE

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Everyone loves a warm spinach and artichoke dip, but a good one is hard to come by. Most recipes call for canned or marinated artichokes, sour cream and an ungodly amount of mayonnaise. This version is updated with a French twist. Instead of sour cream and mayonnaise, I use a Mornay sauce to thicken the dip. I also use frozen artichokes, which are the closest thing to fresh. It bakes up creamy, cheesy and wonderfully rich, with chunks of artichoke hearts and bright green spinach within. GET THE RECIPE

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Sweet, salty, spicy, and rosemary-infused, these nuts are the perfect nibbling food. Serve them with cocktails, enjoy them as a snack or give them as a gift. But don't say I didn't warn you: they are crazy addictive! GET THE RECIPE

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Every party needs a signature cocktail and this seasonal twist on a traditional margarita is perfect for the holidays. Use a good quality 100% agave tequila like Patron Silver -- it'll taste better, and you'll be glad for it the next day. GET THE RECIPE

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If you're a fan of Pecan Pie, you're going to love these pecan squares. With a buttery shortbread crust and rich caramel-pecan topping, they're the perfect finger food dessert for the holidays. GET THE RECIPE

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A boozy butter and rum soaked pound cake is a welcome addition to any holiday buffet table. Set it out with a knife and watch your guests swoon! GET THE RECIPE

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What's a party without chocolate, and who doesn't love cupcakes? GET THE RECIPE

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