Snack

Here, a classic Spanish pairing gets reinvented as a bite-size cheese course. We're particularly enamored of the added textural contrast provided by the sliced almonds.

These sexy little bites have a flavor as sharp as Dorothy Parker's wit. And because they're toasted with butter in the oven, they taste deliciously fried (only without the regret).

Here, broccoli gets turned into irresistible finger food, while silken tofu adds a creamy touch to the dairy-free dip.

Papaya brings a fresh twist to the traditional tomato salsa.

These fried cheese crisps are fun to make, so enlist a few guests to help if you decide to make them at the last minute.

Dried fruit, nuts, and oil-cured olives make this fruitcake something special.

Crisp disks of two kinds of radishes taste clean and sweet in this Japanese- and Korean-influenced pickle.

If your dried cranberries aren't plump and moist, cover them with boiling water and let soak for 5 minutes. Drain them and pat dry before using. If you prefer, walnuts or hazelnuts can be substituted for the pecans.

This particularly enticing version of the holiday favorite includes fresh rosemary and thyme along with the spices. The nuts can be made several days in advance and stored in resealable plastic bags in a cool, dry place.

These irresistible nibbles are at their best served within minutes of deep-frying. If that seems like a little much for Thanksgiving dinner, you can fry them up to 4 hours ahead and warm them up in the broiler or microwave as your guests arrive. You could also serve them at room temperature, though they won't be quite as crispy on the outside and creamy in the center.

These brownies are extra chocolaty: Each one has a caramel- or cappuccino-filled chocolate square in its center. You can also use filled truffles or an assortment of chocolate bars with soft fillings. For an even more decadent dessert, serve the brownies with vanilla ice cream.

Egg whites replace the usual oil or butter. This recipe makes a lot of granola, but that's just fine because there are so many things you can do with it. 1. For a breakfast parfait
Layer thawed frozen berries, vanilla yogurt, and granola in a tall glass. Drizzle with honey.
2. As a topping for apple pie
Instead of streusel, sprinkle granola over the apples during the last five minutes of the pie's baking time.
3. For trail mix
Just add M&Ms or white-chocolate chips, and you're ready for a hike.

Flavored with traditional stuffing herbs, these are great for mopping up gravy. They also make a tasty snack sandwich with leftover turkey.

Deliciously sweet, savory, and salty.