Snack

Combine puréed dates, peanut butter, and puffed rice into these no-cook treats and gloss with a generous coating of chocolate for a (healthier-than-store-bought) candy bar whenever a craving strikes.

This nutrient-dense, gluten-free quick bread keeps for days and is a great vehicle for nut butters, dips, and spreads. Snacktime, solved.

Made of dried figs blended with coconut and a pop of cinnamon, pack these energy balls along for a post-workout snack or afternoon pick-me-up.

These buttery frangipane-filled pecan buttons are decadent without being fragile, and they make excellent cookies for boxing up and giving as gifts. Dusting them with powdered sugar before baking creates a crackly, glossy coating. Feel free to add more afterward as well.

Cheddar crackers, all grown up, thanks to a little heat from the cayenne and a hint of sweet pepper from the pimiento. This dough can be formed into a log and stashed in the freezer so it’s on hand for whenever you just happen to need a party appetizer. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing.

These homemade onion-flavored chips just might be more addictive than the store-bought versions.

Bright citrus and fresh-ground pepper put a festive spin on two party staples: cured meat and Marcona almonds.

A good party spread is as much about curation as it is cooking. By using quality store-bought items and plating them up with a little bit of TLC, you have a tasty, stress-free snack at the ready.

The only thing more crowd-pleasing than cheese is marinated cheese. If Manchego isn’t your thing, go for any semi-firm cheese like white cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.

These quick pickles have just the right amount of sweet, salt, and tang going on. The brine can work with any crunchy veg, but we like them best with cucumbers. We guarantee they'll be the sleeper hit of your next party spread.

Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 5 min

Classic German flavors bring a fresh twist to this beloved hors d'oeuvre.

A basket of unusual breadsticks will vanish in no time. The fact that you scatter the strips of dough on baking sheets rather like pick-up sticks results in great texture: they’re chewy where the strips overlap and crisp where they don’t.