Appetizers

While it's unlikely that one could ever tire of pigs in a blanket, it's about time the appetizer received a slight revamp. Rather than hot dogs, why not experiment with a fancier sausage flavor, like chicken apple?

The easiest, least-messy way to wrap these "chicks," or chicken sausages, is with crescent dough. Divide the dough into four rectangles, and wrap it around each sausage tightly.

Pinch the edges of the dough to completely seal it around the sausage.

Slice the rolls with a serrated knife, then pop them in the oven until the sausage caramelizes and the dough turns golden. These are guaranteed to go fast for breakfast, at a party, or for a game-day appetizer. Keep reading for the recipe.

As a California girl by way of New England, I had yet to taste the wonder-inducing substance that is pimento cheese till a few weeks prior. Let's just say that since that first sharp, creamy, and all-around mind-bogglingly delicious bite, I've been making up for lost time and then some. Luckily, I live with a Southern lady who shares a passion for all things culinary related, and — as luck would have it — comes from a family that's involved in the restaurant and catering business. So, when I decided to re-create this revelatory retro treat I knew exactly who to turn to.

Tangy, twangy, sharp but smooth, and studded with chunks of sweet pimento peppers, this classic, no-frills recipe comes courtesy of my roommate's stepmother — who happens to own a catering business — and is pretty darn perfect. If you've yet to become acquainted with this Southern luncheon staple, there's no time like the present — whip up an addictive batch today.

March Madness is already here, and if you're convinced your team is going to take it to the end, have friends over to watch the games. There's no better way to warm up than with a lineup of seriously delicious appetizers, from hot and cold dips to easy-to-eat finger food. For more slam-dunk starters, check out the rest of our appetizers, too.

Buffalo Chicken Dip	Antipasto Skewers	Mushroom Queso
Carbonara Potato Skins	Mediterranean 8-Layer Dip	Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes

Who needs a fussy deviled egg recipe when there's a mountain of hard-boiled eggs to get through? Devouring the eggs can be as simple as deviling them with this four ingredient recipe. The version calls for honey Dijon mustard, which gives the egg filling a sweet touch and cayenne pepper for an unexpected, spicy kick.

See the recipe.

While this may seem like a complicated recipe, it's deceivingly simple. The lamb chops practically cook themselves in the broiler, and the pesto forms like presto after a whirl in the food processor.

The bright green star of the show is pesto made with mint, pistachios, and Pecorino Romano, rather than the typical trinity of basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Keep the mint-pistachio pesto slightly chunky so you can top it over the lamb chops like salsa.

While appetizer appropriate, lamb chops are a fairly expensive item that you may want to reserve for a special occasion dinner. To keep with the Mediterranean theme, serve these lamb chops over a bed of couscous or orzo.

Keep reading for the recipe.