Those requisite olives that you plonk on the coffee table before company comes just got more respectable–but no more troublesome. Of course, no one else needs to know that last part…

This chicken liver pâté, which hails from Ireland, is coarsely textured and freckled with parsley and cilantro and studded with bacon. A great party nibble, lass.

A little late-harvest Chardonnay lends balance and elegance to this already luxe foie gras number. Best reserved for when you truly, madly, deeply love your guests.

These savory-sweet cocktail cookies are simple to make yet pack a wallop of flavor. Set them out as a pre-dinner nibble when you want something fetching.

Behold the romesco sauce. Not only is it vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, but it comes together in a snap. It’s the great Spanish acquisition.

This figs and burrata salad takes all of minutes to put together. Just tear the figs, rip the cheese, and drizzle with rosemary oil. Badda bing.

This luminously green goddess dip recipe has the advantage of being low cal and having a creamy texture and luscious flavor.

Simple, simple, simple. Salami and Manchego, one of Spain’s finest cheeses, sit on top of chewy, crusty country bread. It takes just minutes to make.

This Mexican mojito, inspired by its Cuban cousin, is sexy and light thanks to smooth white tequila and wisps of mint and sweetness. Now go celebrate.

For this warm arugula salad, caramelized red onions, pancetta, and pine nuts are drizzled with balsamic vinegar and tossed with cool arugula. Marvelous.

Lofty, airy, and oh so rich, these simple souffles take stiffly beaten eggs, Parmesan, and Gruyère to new heights.

This Pecorino and bean salad is a classic dish you’ll find in Italy. It’s so easy to throw together and more impressive than the usual mixed green salad.

This arugula and ham salad balances the saltiness of the ham, the juiciness of pears, and the tartness of the dressing. Serve it as an entree or appetizer.

Potatoes sarladaise, usually made with duck of goose confit, gets an American twist here by being cooked with ham. The porcine meat gives the dish a silky finish.

These goat-cheese-filled dates offer a perfect sweet-salty mouthful in every bite. Serve them with a crisp white wine as an ideal before-dinner nibble.

Butternut squash, red onion, and Parmesan cheese make this tart sing–okay, not literally, but it may make you hum a happy little ditty. Ideal for entertaining.

The combination of peppers, both sweet and hot, lemon zest, cilantro, cinnamon, and cumin make these plump oysters something special.

These mini airy puffs are made with sharp Cheddar cheese and chives. For a little bit of spice and heat, dry mustard and cayenne pepper are mixed in.

This gratin is flavored with sharp Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses and smoky bits of bacon. Use other pasta besides elbow macaroni for a different look.

Olives are stuffed with a spicy beef mixture and then simmered in a piquant harissa-spiked tomato sauce. The stuffed olives make a lovely party nibble.