Cocktail Party Hors d'Oeuvres

Serrano ham or prosciutto can be used in these savory morsels.

With just a few ingredients, these quick-cooking skewers become an elegant starter to stave off hunger or an easy addition to any menu.

Sweeter and smokier than regular roasted red bell peppers, piquillos form an ideal shell for tangy, creamy goat cheese speckled with scallions and mint.

For this classic starter, you have two options. You can buy "flash-frozen" (frozen at sea), which can be purchased in advance and thawed when needed, or fresh. If you choose to use fresh shrimp from a fishmonger, buy it on the day you plan to use it.

This tasty snack is easier than you might think -- it requires only three ingredients.

Creamy crab salad gets crunch from diced fresh vegetables, and sits atop slices of baguette.

Tamari, a form of soy sauce, combines with maple syrup for a salty-sweet combination.

These freezable ham-and-cheese pastries are based on a French classic.

These savory bites are perfect for a special occasion.    

For an extra indulgent hors d'oeuvre, top this shortbread with smoked salmon and caviar, and serve with glasses of Champagne.

Cipollini onions are perfect for these tarts -- which can be baked in mini-muffin tins -- because they are small, flat, and sweet.

This light fare is perfect for vegetarians, or anyone who needs a refreshing bite.