When it comes to bitesize appetizers, what could be better than deviled eggs, bourbon balls and chicken salad? Whether your hosting a big party or just having a couple of friends over, these appetizers will always be appropriate! Best of all, you can basically make these recipes ahead of time and take a couple of shortcuts to save you some time in the kitchen.

Recipes

Butternut Squash Bacon Deviled Eggs

12 boiled eggs

1 butternut squash diced and cooked (I buy the pre diced pack at Central Market!)

2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise

1 sprinkle of cayenne pepper (about an 1/8th of a teaspoon)

1 sprinkle of salt (taste and adjust)

1 sprinkle of nutmeg

3-4 pieces of cooked thick cut bacon

Heat your oven to 425 and roast your butternut squash with salt, pepper and olive oil. While the butternut squash is cooking for 20-25 min, cook, peel and slice your hard boiled eggs into halves. Remove the yolks with a spoon and place them in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, salt and nutmeg and mix until well blended. Remove butternut squash from oven and blend until creamy. Add butternut squash to yolk mixture and stir in until combined. Place mixture into a ziploc bag and cut off a corner. Fill each egg with mixture and top with crumbled bacon. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper or paprika for a little kick!

Bourbon Balls

2 cups of crushed vanilla wafers (Slaton’s Bakery is my favorite!)

1 cup of finely chopped toasted pecans

8 oz or 1 cup of melted chocolate

1/2 cup of heavy cream

1/4 cup of light corn syrup

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/3 cup of good bourbon

1/2 cup of powdered sugar

Combine all ingredients except powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Form small balls and place into the refrigerator for at least one hour. After chilled, remove the balls and roll them around in the powdered sugar. Serve immediately or place back into the refrigerator.

Chicken Salad on Apple Slices

1 container of your favorite store bought chicken salad (Newk’s is my favorite!)

3 large honeycrisp apples

3-4 sprigs of thyme or rosemary

Slice your apples horizontally to make little medallions for your chicken salad. Scoop your chicken salad onto the apples and garnish with thyme or rosemary. Wasn’t that the easiest!?

Happy hosting friends!

xx,

CKS