Chips and pretzels are great snacks...but this year, you can wow your holiday guests by serving a few simple, tasty starters. We've got a lot of ideas here, some straight-out healthy, others point-blank fried.

Pick just one or two of these to serve as appetizers, and keep portions small so that guests are primed for the main course. Or just make a bunch of these starters in larger portions for more of a cocktail gathering. Guests certainly won't feel like they've left with an empty stomach, and nearly everyone enjoys grazing!

1. Bruschetta: People just gobble these up when I make them as starters. Other than chopping up some tomatoes, garlic and swirling with some balsamic and olive oil—it just doesn't get easier that this! The beauty of bruschetta is that you can flavour it with whatever spices suit your fancy. I use basil, parsley and even hot pepper flakes.
2. Veggie Bean Chili on Chips: I don't know about you, but if anything comes with a side of tortilla chips, I'm totally digging in!
3. Prosciutto e melone : It sounds fancy. It looks fancy. It requires zero cooking. Make sure to ask someone at the deli counter to cut the proscuitto paper thin.
4. Garlic Bread: If you serve garlic bread, you might have to remind guests to save room for the main course. Just like bruschetta, garlic bread is fabulously flexible in terms of what you can throw on top. You can keep it simple and stick to Kathy's basic recipe, or you can dress it up with chives, some parsley flakes or oregano. This is a great way to liven up day-old bread if you're in a pinch.
5. Corn Fritters: Not only are fritters tasty, but they are fairly simple to whip up and there are variations including zucchini, shrimp, eggplant or even apples. And don't think for a minute you can't bake these!
6. Cranberry pinwheels: In these festive little snacks, cranberries are mixed with feta and cream cheeses, then rolled up in flour tortillas. No cooking required.
   
   
7. Shrimp Cocktail Rolls: Put a spin on the standard shrimp cocktail , by offering it in an unusual way. If you like the more traditional version, but still want some flair, try this guacamole infused adaptation. Grilled shrimp on skewers is always a good idea, too.
8. Deviled Eggs: This classic appetizer will always have a following. Add them to a platter of veggies and dip or cheese and crackers.
9. Plantain Chips: Forget boring and bagged chips! Plantains are a Cuban delight that are always a conversation starter. Add in a garlicky sauce to dip them in, and your company will no doubt ask you for this simple recipe.
10. Olives: Sometimes putting out a simple bowl of scrumptious picking goodies is more than enough. Head to your supermarket or local gourmet shop and get a bunch of mixed olives. They might be stuffed with red peppers, anchovies or even blue cheese. It's always best to get the pitted type so your guests don't have to worry about where to toss them.
11. Cheese Platter: A grouping of interesting cheese varieties and thinly-sliced French bread or crackers makes for a great appetizer. Since it requires no cooking, you can have it ready on the table while you're baking something else. Try a white sharp cheddar, a softer brie, and something more unusual (but readily available) like Spanish manchego.
12. Caprese Antipasto: Get those palates ready for a great meal with a platter of tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Drizzle with a little olive oil and balsamic and serve with a side of crusty French bread slices. You can always have thin slices of hard salami on the side, too.
13. Jalapeno Bacon Poppers: Some like it hot and this one is for them. You'll get to see which of your guests like a jolt of chili when you serve this. Here's a version without the bacon if you're looking to keep it healthy or vegan.
14. Fried Ravioli: Crazy as it sounds, you can bread and fry up ravioli for a delicious and simple starter. Just add a little tomato sauce marinara as a dipper and you've got a crowd pleaser!
15. Stuffed Mushrooms: These sound intimidating, but they're really quite simple and festive. People love these at parties!.

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