**Dazzle Your Guests with These Simple Appetizer Recipes**

When throwing a get-together, the right starters can establish the atmosphere for the entire occasion. Whether you’re getting ready for an unexpected drop-in, attending a friend’s celebration, or hosting an elaborate meal, having a collection of quick and tasty appetizers is crucial. This guide presents a variety of the simplest and most enjoyable appetizer recipes that are guaranteed to wow your guests.

**1. Silky Avocado Dip**
A charming variation of classic guacamole, this silky avocado dip requires merely four essential ingredients. Ideal as a party dip alongside vegetables or chips, it also pairs well with tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. The recipe produces approximately 1 1/2 cups, but feel free to double it for larger events.

**2. Luscious Mango Salsa**
Vibrant and appealing, this mango salsa is both sweet and spicy. It’s an adaptable dish that goes well with chips, tacos, salads, or can even be savored by itself. The recipe yields about 3 cups of salsa, making it an excellent option for sharing.

**3. Charred Shishito Peppers**
These peppers provide a straightforward yet captivating appetizer. With just shishitos, olive oil, and a skillet, you can whip up a dish that serves 4. For bigger crowds, simply double the recipe.

**4. Pimento Cheese Spread**
This spreadable cheese is a hit with crowds, delivering a cheesy, tangy, and spicy flavor. The recipe yields 2 cups, making it perfect for slathering on crackers or bread.

**5. Kalamata Bean Dip**
Crafted with pantry basics, this white bean dip is enhanced with Kalamata olives and optional fresh basil. It produces about 1 3/4 cups, making it a practical and delicious choice for any occasion.

**6. Ideal Stovetop Popcorn**
Skip the microwave popcorn for this stovetop alternative that takes under 10 minutes to prepare. The recipe yields around 10 cups, providing sufficient servings for about 4.

**7. Top-Notch Red Salsa (Ready in 10 Minutes)**
This genuine Mexican salsa is fresh and tasty, needing only 6 ingredients and 10 minutes to whip up. The recipe yields 2 cups but can easily be increased for larger gatherings.

**8. Green Goddess Hummus**
Infused with fresh herbs, this green hummus offers a delightful twist on the classic. The recipe yields approximately 1 3/4 cups and can be tailored with your preferred herbs.

**9. Zesty Red Pepper & Feta Dip**
Drawing inspiration from Greek cuisine, this roasted red pepper and feta dip is bold and piquant. The recipe produces 1 1/2 cups and can be doubled for bigger parties.

**10. Dill Pickle Spread**
Rich and creamy, this dill pickle spread is a healthier homemade alternative that’s ready in just 10 minutes. It yields about 3 1/2 cups, sufficient for 7 to 10 servings.

**11. Simple Tapenade**
This fresh-flavored French olive spread pairs perfectly with crackers, crostini, or cheese platters. The recipe yields 1 1/2 cups of tapenade.

**12. Easy Caprese Skewers**
Featuring cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella balls, these skewers are drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The recipe produces around 20 skewers, making it perfect for summer celebrations.

**13. Effortless Blue Cheese Dip**
This creamy blue cheese dip complements Buffalo Cauliflower, bell pepper, celery, or carrot sticks. The recipe yields about 2 cups.

**14. Quick Quesadillas (Ready in 10 Minutes)**
Fast and simple, these vegetarian quesadillas are ready in under 10 minutes. The recipe yields 1 quesadilla (3 slices), but can be multiplied as necessary.

**15. Green Goddess Tahini Spread**
This vegan spread is perfect alongside crudités, crackers, or pita wedges. The recipe yields a generous 1 cup.

**16. Rosemary Roasted Nuts**
These party nuts offer a blend of spicy, sweet, and herbed flavors. The recipe yields 5 1/2 cups, making it an excellent snacking option.

**17. Silky Spinach Artichoke Dip**
A classic comfort dish, this hot and creamy dip is simple to prepare with basic ingredients. The recipe yields 2 cups, but can be doubled for larger gatherings.

**18. Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas**
Extra crispy and bursting with flavor, these roasted chickpeas are a versatile snack. The recipe yields 1 scant cup, with guidance for doubling.

**19. Strawberry Salsa**
Vivid and simple to prepare, this strawberry salsa is ideal for spring or summer events. The recipe yields enough for 4 to 6 servings.

**20. Baked Goat Cheese**
This creamy, honey-drizzled baked goat cheese is a swift and simple

# Traditional Skillet Challah French Toast with Berry Sauce and Whipped Cottage Cheese

Every cook should have a recipe for traditional, reliable skillet French toast. This particular version is noteworthy as it makes use of challah bread, resulting in a light, rich, and subtly sweet French toast with crispy edges and a custardy center. The addition of a berry sauce and whipped cottage cheese enhances this meal to a brunch-worthy status, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch.

## Ingredients

### For the Berry Sauce:
– 2 cups (10 ounces) mixed frozen berries
– 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
– Pinch of salt
– 3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons water, divided
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

### For the Whipped Cottage Cheese:
– 2 cups (16 ounces or 455 grams) cottage cheese, whole or low-fat
– 1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

### For the French Toast:
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) milk, any type
– 1 large (1-lb) loaf of challah bread, sliced into 1 to 1.5-inch thick pieces
– Butter for the skillet, salted or unsalted
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

## Directions

### Prepare the Berry Sauce:
1. In a small saucepan, mix the frozen berries, sugar, salt, and 3 tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and let it simmer while stirring occasionally until the berries thaw and form a sauce, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the remaining 2 teaspoons of water, and then stir this into the berry sauce. Simmer for another minute until it slightly thickens.
4. Off the heat, add lemon juice to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and set aside.

### Prepare the Whipped Cottage Cheese:
1. In a food processor or powerful blender, blend the cottage cheese, sugar, and vanilla until completely smooth and airy. Adjust sweetness as desired. Spoon into a serving dish and set aside.

### Prepare the French Toast:
1. In a large bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs and vanilla until well combined. Slowly add in the milk while continuing to whisk.
2. Heat a large skillet on medium-low for about two minutes. A drop of water should dance in the pan when it’s ready.
3. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Dip the challah slices in the egg-milk mixture, soaking briefly before turning over to soak the other side.
4. Place the soaked challah slices in the skillet and cook until browned on the bottom, around 2 to 3 minutes. If they are browning too slowly, increase the heat to medium. Flip and cook until the second side is browned. Transfer to a serving plate and repeat with the rest of the slices, adding more butter as required.

### To Serve:
1. Dust the cooked challah French toast with powdered sugar. Arrange two slices on a plate, add a dollop of whipped cottage cheese, and pour some berry sauce on top. Serve immediately.

## Notes:
– The berry sauce can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
– Whipped cottage cheese remains good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
– French toast can be kept warm in a 200°F oven until you are ready to serve. Leftover French toast can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
– If challah is unavailable, brioche bread can be used as an alternative.
– For firmer or older challah, allow it to soak longer in the egg-milk mixture prior to frying.

This traditional skillet French toast recipe is straightforward yet delectable, ideal for impressing guests or savoring a leisurely breakfast at home.

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### About the Author: Holly Nilsson

Holly Nilsson is the visionary behind Spend With Pennies, a culinary site committed to offering simple and comforting recipes crafted for real-life cooking scenarios. With a strong passion for nostalgic flavors and effortless cooking methods, Holly empowers busy home chefs to whip up tasty meals that are both attainable and gratifying.

Her cooking philosophy highlights the significance of crafting hearty, homemade dishes that connect with daily life. Holly’s recipes often take cues from classic meals, redesigned to meet the demands of contemporary families. This emphasis on comfort food not only enhances the joy of cooking but also nurtures a sense of closeness and warmth around the dining table.

In addition to her role at Spend With Pennies, Holly is the author of “Everyday Comfort,” a cookbook intended to motivate readers with even more satisfying recipes. This book showcases her dedication to making cooking enjoyable and approachable for everyone, no matter their culinary expertise.

For those keen on discovering more of Holly’s culinary creations, her posts and recipes can be found on her website. She also connects with her audience through various social media channels, where she shares tips, ideas, and inspiration for home cooking.

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Holly Nilsson continues to motivate home cooks to relish the joy of cooking with her simple, comforting recipes that bring families together at the table.