Appetizers might be the most adaptable party food out there. Whether hosting a crowd at home or going out to eat for a celebration, the appetizer course provides that special jolt of excitement at the start of the meal that primes the tastebuds for what’s to come.
Holiday dinners aren’t complete without appetizers — typically shareable platters and small bites that set the tone for the occasion — and speak to the host’s personality and culinary bona fides. Appetizers, meant to whet the appetite rather than satiate, are the perfect canvas for practicing creativity and trying something new.
Or, they can be a way to cultivate tradition with tried-and-true recipes. My go-to appetizer, perfected over the years to my taste and my family’s preferences, is a tray of deviled eggs with a very smooth filling. The special ingredient adds a true holiday touch — authentic, deeply aromatic smoked paprika…