Have to bring a dish?! Try this!

Its always, what to bring? what to bring? With the holiday season upon us, there will be an endless string of parties that require you to bring your own dish. Instead of opting to bring the plates and napkins this year (defiantly not a party favorite) opt to bring an appetizer!

I know what you're thinking (WHAT?!! I can't cook!!!) Don't worry, you don't have to!! Tell them that you will bring an appetizer tray with assorted goodies. Then, go out and load up on an array of lunch meats, cheeses, crackers, breads, fruits, and veggies! These are the perfect ingredients for the perfect appetizer plate! It's genius for several reasons.

1. No cooking - awesome.
2. You know that you are going to be eating pre-meal snacks that are healthy for you.
3. The pre-meal snack will help you not overeat at your actual meal.
3. It looks like you put a lot of effort into your dish.
4. You get to work in one of the dozens of holiday themed plates you have sitting in your kitchen closet! Score!

So, what do you get? Here are my suggestions....

*Start with cheese slices of several kinds...my favorite (pepper jack, cheddar, and Swiss). Slice in thin squares or buy the cubes (depending on how lazy you are) and fan them out on the plate.

*Next, slice the bread or unwrap the crackers. Head to the area of the grocery near the deli for a variety of breads to choose from. If you go with crackers, get a few that are seasoned for a little variety. No one wants to eat a plate of saltines. (For kids, try Goldfish - always a hit).

*Next, add your fruits and veggies. Try to pick options that won't brown. Try grapes, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, celery, etc.

All Veggie Tray

*Lastly, you can add a few slices of deli meat - try flavored varieties like Cajun or peppercorn turkey! Have the deli slice it thin and then fold pieces in half or roll up and fill in the last few gaps on the plate!

*If you are a real party champion, you can add some sort of cheese dipping sauce or fruit dip in the middle - not necessary though. There are usually some good options, again, near the deli or produce sections of the grocery - usually on a separate, refrigerated shelf. Or, if you are more of a Rachel Ray type, you could make your own.

Now you look like a party genius! Congrats!

Happy Potlucking!