About Food: Holiday Party Season Kickoff

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Food From Hilary Pollack, your About Food Editor Well, friends, Thanksgiving has come and gone (thanks indeed ... for the heartburn). Which can only mean one wonderful thing: holiday party season has officially commenced. Whether you're celebrating with pals, schmoozing with coworkers, or getting cozy with your extended family, 'tis the season for living it up (and we all know that great food and potent cocktails are the best way to do that). From mint chocolate martinis to meatballs, we have everything you need for one superb soirée. Want delicious daily recipes, cooking tips, and more from About.com Food? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. The Best Bar Cookies From lemon bars to blondies, shortbread to brownies, it's hip to be a square. We might not nuzzle up to a tray of Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting in mid-summer, but this month is a free pass to delight oneself in desserts of all kinds. Baking Expert Carroll Pellegrinelli has the full rundown here--trust us, you'll want to make them all. Cinnamon Topped Shortbread Lemon Snowbars Chocolate-Coconut-Graham Bars Search Related Topics:  bar cookies  cookie recipes  step by steps Potent Punches Entertaining in coming weeks? Then you know that picking the proper cocktail can be tricky. Although you can't go wrong with a champagne cocktail, it can also be fun to try something beyond the bubbles. Try one of Expert Colleen Graham's Holiday and Christmas Cocktails and don't fear the festivity. Candy Cane Cocktail Endless Eggnog Varieties English Christmas Punch Search Related Topics:  winter cocktails  cocktails for special occasions  christmas traditions Fab Finger Food Got plenty of appetite but not much time? Not a problem. Our About.com Experts have tons of appetizer recipes that are ready in 15 minutes or less. The only stress you can expect is trying to choose between Tapenade Tarlets and Spicy Cheese Straws. For a lengthy list of fabulous Five-ingredient Appetizers, click here! Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Spinach Quesadillas Search Related Topics:  five ingredient recipes  four ingredient recipes  last minute appetizer recipes Cheese, Please No party table is complete without a decent assortment of cheese and crackers. From Havarti to Roquefort to Brie, there are so many creamy, tangy ways to spread (literally) holiday cheer. Get fancy with fondue or keep it simple with cheddar. Even our dairy-free friends can enjoy vegan cheeses! Our Cheese Expert is here to help you make the best cheese platter ever. Classic Cheese Fondue Fried Cheese Bites Baked Brie with Peaches Search Related Topics:  cheese plate  buying cheese  Related Searches Food Finger Free Food Party Food Recipes Food Soup Cheese Snack Recipes Featured Articles Make a Healthy Winter Salad Apricot-Glazed Tofu Chicken and Pea Pilaf Curried Pumpkin Soup Will Eating Nuts Make You Gain Weight? DIY Beef Jerky   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Food newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com   Popular Links 8 Beauty Secrets from Grandma Woman Spots UFO in Kentucky Scientific Arguments Against Hunting   Follow us on: Advertisement