For our dinner party last night, I put together a nice cheese plate with brie, goat cheese, and a mozzarella with sundried tomatoes and an platter with parmesan, salami, olives, and a feta spread. But I wanted to have a couple of other appetizers, so I turned to my mom for inspiration.

My mom always puts on an incredible spread when entertaining especially during the holidays.  Everything is always elegant and bountiful!  The number of hors d’oeuvres and desserts typically exceeds the number guests in attendance.  Everyone loves the variety of tastes and usually leaves her house stuffed.

I made her classic cocktail hot dog recipe.  I can hardly remember a party growing up without them!  They are always a hit and so easy to make.  The recipe is below.

I also made her little toasts with goat cheese, pesto, and roasted red pepper.  They have the perfect colors for the season, look pretty on a platter, and are tasty little bites.  There really isn’t a recipe for these.  Just buy little cocktail toasts or a baguette.  Spread some goat cheese on the toast, add some store-bought pesto, and top with a piece of roasted red pepper.

Hope you put these ideas to use during your holiday entertaining.

Cocktail Hot Dogs in Mustard Sauce

• 1 jar guava jelly
• 1 jar Gulden’s Mustard
• 1 package mini hot dogs

Heat guava jelly in a medium saucepan until liquified.  Add mustard to the guava jelly and stir until well mixed.

Add cocktail hot dogs to mustard sauce and cook until heated through.

Serves 8-10.