Host a Happy Thanksgiving with these Appetizer Recipes

    I don't know about you, but as the teacher in the family (or one of them) I am often asked to bring an appetizer to family holiday meals.  I think this is because my kind caring family doesn't want to strain my teacher budget.  So I have become a connoisseur of inexpensive appetizer recipes.  Here are just a few of my go-tos!

1. Bacon Wrapped Dates
Bacon wrapped dates are my favorite recipe to cook for holidays.  While they take a bit of preparation, if you buy pitted dates they aren't that bad. Plus there are minimal ingredients and once prepped they only take about 10-15 minutes to cook.  I like to stuff my dates with ricotta cheese, here is one of my favorite recipes.

2. Rosemary Roasted Cashews
This recipe is by far one of the easiest on your budget and your time.  All you need to do is mix the ingredients together, coat the cashews, and toss them in the oven.  I have even taken to making bags full of these to give out as inexpensive holiday gifts.  Also, I leave out the cayenne pepper when I make it (but that's just personal preference!)

3. Artichoke Dip
This is also an extremely easy recipe.  It involves all of four ingredients and tastes delicious.  It was, however, originally found by my mom on the side of a container of mayonnaise.  So it is not exactly the healthiest recipe out there, but your guests are guaranteed to love it!

4. Baked Brie Bites
I cannot yet attest to the quality of this recipe.  However, a friend of mine posted it on Facebook and I have been dreaming about it ever since.  It involves store bought dough, small cut pieces of brie, and pre-made cranberry sauce.  Definitely an easy recipe to put together.  This will be the recipe I make for my appetizer this year.  Here's hoping it's as good as it looks!

Whether you're cooking or not cooking, celebrating with friends or family, Happy Thanksgiving from Equity for Educators!