Hello Diners!

I can’t believe it’s December already! We’re taking on India this month!

Usually, I like to do an “Around the World Appetizer Party” for my last post in December. I think we need to keep things simple in December since we’re all so busy. It feels right for appetizers instead of a full meal. I’ve got some ideas for you, but I also think it’s a great time for you to try out any new appetizer ideas on your friends and get great feedback before the holidays.

I’ve got six recipes for you – three of them are brand new, and three are rounded up from previous posts this past year.

Starting with Chai-Spiced Almond Cookies, representing India, these are similar to Mexican Wedding Cakes, but with subtle Indian spicing. It’s a wonderful twist on an old familiar standby and I recommend you give it a try.

Every party needs guacamole and chips, right? This Guacamole “Guatemalan style” has a hint of oregano in it that gives it a little bit of interest.

These Pupusas from El Salvador are the perfect party food and are easily picked up and eaten out of hand. They are like mini-turnovers. You can simplify the recipe and omit the curtido and use a purchased salsa. While these admittedly are labor intensive, I think you can make them ahead of time and freeze. Just put into an oven to reheat for 10 minutes to serve.

Peruvian “tequenos” are a two-ingredient recipe. It’s hard to get much simpler than that. Wonton wrappers are filled with a slice of cheese, pressed to seal, and then fried. Delicious, cheesy, crispy goodness!

From Africa, more specifically Senegal, I’ve come up with a new take on their national dish “Yassa.” Typically, chicken (and sometimes fish) is marinated overnight in lemon juice and onions, then grilled. I’ve reworked this idea and turned it into a marinade for shrimp that are to be served chilled.

And finally, my very favorite new spice blend, “Everything Bagel Seasoning,” stands in for the dried onion soup mix in that all-time favorite, onion dip. I just can’t find enough uses for this blend of seeds, garlic and onion bits. You can purchase the spice blend at Trader Joe’s, but I’ve learned to make my own seasoning blend since I go through so much of it!