killer apps

I've always chalked up my rare party planning to the fact that I get stressed easily trying to please a large group of people all at once. But since I've discovered an increasing number of easy killer apps, I've begun to second-guess myself.

Case in point: this smoked mozzarella spread. It's meatless, mind-bogglingly easy, doesn't require cooking, and only calls for four ingredients. And with its smoked and sun-dried elements, this dip and spread appeals to both the brainy as well as the brawny.

With an appetizer like this one, I've got no excuse to, say, not throw a Super Bowl shindig. Get your easy app on when you read more.

We last took you to Mexico for a bright and tangy take on one of America's favorite game-day foods, but our next culinary adventure sends us across the Pacific to South Korea for some sweet and spicy finger-licking. If you've been lucky enough to dine at the KyoChon or BonChon chicken restaurants, then you know that Koreans love fried chicken. One of the most popular varieties is yangnyeom dak, a crisp, twice-fried wing or thigh tossed in a fiery sauce that reminds me of the classic buffalo wing with an Asian twist.

Just as buffalo wings marry a zesty tang with mouth-numbing heat, Korean wings combine the acidity of rice vinegar with the peppery punch of fermented red-pepper paste and red-pepper powder (found at many Asian grocery stores). Mix in sweet honey and fragrant sesame oil, and you have a crowd-pleasing and conversation-starting app that will make your game-day get-together a hit.

For this unique take on an American classic, just read on.

Wings are a game day mainstay, but before you grab that bottle of Frank's RedHot, consider a version or two that journey beyond buffalo. This week, we tread the less-beaten path through wing-dom with a look at five recipes that shed new light on our favorite chicken part.

Today, our wings get a south of the border kick with tomatillo-based salsa verde. Taking a page from the popular Mexican dish chile verde, which tempers the bright tang of this tomato relative with smoky braised pork, I simmered the salsa in some chicken broth for some added flavor depth before thickening up the sauce. Serve the wings drizzled with the salsa verde, and for an over-the-top delight, topped with sour cream and crumbled cotija cheese.

Of course, don't shun the buffalo sauce entirely. For a spectacular game day spread, fry up a large batch of wings, serve them with a variety of sauces, and let your guests pick their favorites!

Keep reading for this finger food treat.

Every party needs a cheese plate, and warm, baked brie makes a comforting cold-weather addition. While some recipes serve up the gooey goodness in puff pastry, this version takes an even simpler approach, with just four ingredients to spread atop accompanying crackers or crostini.

I worried that without a pastry shell, the bake-ahead brie would cool off too quickly, but the maple-pecan-topped wedge stayed warm well after serving. It doesn't hurt that my guests scooped it up faster than anything else on the app table. Learn to make baked brie now.

Hummus is one of my party-spread staples, but the beige-colored chickpea spread doesn't exactly brighten up a table. For a fresh, green take on this Middle Eastern classic, swap out the blah-looking garbanzos for vibrant edamame and frozen peas.

Perked up by mint, cilantro, and plenty of garlic, the flavors will appeal to fans of traditional hummus without feeling too familiar. Serve it alongside endive, celery sticks, or pita for dipping or use the healthy vegan dip as a spread for sammies. The recipe makes a whopping six cups, so you'll have plenty for a party and then some.

Get the edamame hummus recipe now.

In my family, the holidays mean one thing: cheese diablo wafers. This is a longstanding family recipe that we make every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the whole family inevitably ends up fighting over them. They're spicy, crumbly, and irresistibly rich, and they set the stage for a decadent holiday feast.

Another bonus? They're a cinch to make, meaning you can make several batches (which you'll probably need) without much added effort. Use good-quality cheddar — I like sharp Tillamook — and keep an eye on them in the oven because they bake up quickly! Side note: best enjoyed with a Manhattan. Keep reading for the recipe!

If you want to bring something to Thanksgiving that everyone is bound to love, then get cooking with this supersimple mushroom, spinach, and goat cheese queso! This melted and creamy dip can be served with crostini, crudités, or even crackers and chips for a little extra crunch. The sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor that is complemented by the tangy goat-cheese base, and the chipotle pepper adds just a touch of spiciness to the dish. This dip could easily be prepared today, then baked just before serving tomorrow to ensure that it's nice and gooey. Surprise your Thanksgiving feasters with a new take on an old classic dinner-party favorite; keep reading for this incredibly easy recipe.

Around my house, Thanksgiving calls for flavorful appetizers, Manhattan cocktails, a huge turkey to feed our giant clan, and several side dishes and desserts that we never do without. One of those flavorful appetizers is bruschetta topped with mushroom and melted brie. Fresh thyme – a lot of it – is a key component in this dish and the flavors of all the different components marry together so brilliantly, you'd swear you could skip the rest of the feast and munch on these all day. This appetizer is elegant and rustic at the same time. It's finger food, but it presents beautifully, making it a wonderful start to a Thanksgiving feast. Keep reading for the recipe!