Easy Appetizers That'll Upgrade Your Holiday Party

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Hosting for the holidays is a sure-fire way to shoot your stress level from 0-100. But throwing an elegant Christmas or New Year's bash doesn't have to send your heart rate above 60 BPM, check out this list of easy appetizers! Not only are they quick and elegant but they all taste amazing too! Best of luck and bon appetit! 

1. BROCCOLI RABE AND ITALIAN SAUSAGE FRIED RAVIOLI 

These hearty, fried raviolis are sure to disappear in the blink of an eye! Stuffed to the brim with a delicious filling of broccoli rabe, Italian sausage, cheese and cherry peppers, they're the perfect combination of class, simplicity and deliciousness.

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2DWpFFw

2. SPICY ROASTED OLIVES 

Give your guests an olive bar experience their taste buds will never forget. This dish is oh-so-easy and oh-so-good. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2Qz4HTR

3. PINE CONE CHEESE BALL WITH ALMONDS

How cute are these? Spruce (pun definitely intended) up your typical humdrum cheese ball with almonds to create a nature-themed snack that will appeal to your guest's eyes and their stomach. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2Q7LvNq

4. CLASSIC SCOTCH EGGS

This old-fashioned favorite is bound to please at any event. Hearty and flavorful, your guests will be begging you for the recipe. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2BO7hgB 

5. WHIPPED FETA DIP

This creamy, tangy and salty offering is a step-up from the usual buffalo chicken or artichoke dip. It's easy, elegant, and tastes amazing! Use leftovers as a spread for pita sandwiches, a dipping sauce for fries and more! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2SqBvLQ

6. ZA'ATAR POPCORN

Give regular old popcorn a makeover with the traditional Middle Eastern spice blend Za'atar. Trust us, you're going to want to put this seasoning on everything. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2FY13ig

7. PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED ARUGULA 

This is literally the easiest appetizer ever, it takes about 5 minutes to make and it's so pretty! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2PhEiVT

8. PECAN PIE BRIE

Let's be honest what party is complete without brie? Step away from the traditional cranberry or cherry and brie combinations and try this sweet take on a renowned classic. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2DWzAuJ

9. REUBEN EGG ROLLS

We know, it sounds weird, but seriously, these egg rolls are bound to become one of your go-to party snacks. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2zFxtZ6

10. BUTTERNUT SQUASH, RICOTTA AND SAGE CROSTINI 

Bring your winter flavor A-game with these sage and squash crostinis. Not only are they beautiful, we guarantee they'll disappear in no time. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2SsEsvI

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Give Thanks for Vegan Thanksgiving!

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- November is National Vegan Awareness Month! In recent years, this entirely plant-based diet has garnered quite a few avid followers, and along with them, it's own share of controversy. We're sure at least one of your loved ones has adopted the zero animal product diet, so we've decided to give you a few ideas for Vegan holiday recipes to create the perfect, inclusive Thanksgiving dinner. Let's hear some thanks for vegan Thanksgiving! 

1. VEGAN ROASTED GARLIC AND HERB DINNER ROLLS

Rolls are an essential component of any holiday feast, they fill the house with that homey "warm bread smell" and are perfect for sopping up gravy and transforming your Thanksgiving leftovers. These vegan rolls from Foodal are buttery, delicious, and animal-product free! 

Get the recipe here: https://bit.ly/2yG8tRe  

2. VEGAN STUFFING

You just can't have a holiday dinner without stuffing, to put it plainly, it's a major faux pas. This hearty mushroom-laden stuffing tastes just as good, if not better than the turkey version, and the best part? It's guilt-free! 

Get the recipe here: https://bit.ly/2DdHLDm

3. VEGAN MUSHROOM GRAVY

Gravy is a commonly overlooked dish when it comes to accommodating vegans at holiday meals. It may seem like a simple sauce, but it ties the whole meal together. Substituting mushrooms for turkey is your best bet for veganizing your gravy recipe, they lend such a deep, earthy flavor that you won't even miss the meat! 

Get the recipe here: https://bit.ly/2zkokUU

4. VEGAN MASHED POTATOES

Think the creamy mashed potatoes of your dreams are impossible without the dairy? Think again. These fluffy taters will have you under their vegan spell. 

Get the recipe here: https://bit.ly/2Jvey79

5. VEGAN GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

This veganized version of the classic green bean casserole won our taste buds approval with it's homemade "fried onions" they're so frickin' good you'll want to put them on everything! Hearty and filling this warming casserole is insanely delish! 

Get the recipe here: https://bit.ly/2Jv3zL0

6. VEGAN MAC-STUFFED SWEET POTATOES 

Swap out the traditional, sickeningly sweet marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole for this fun and delicious side. Flavorful and smoky, this dish is sure to add that wow-factor to your holiday spread. 

Get the recipe here: https://bit.ly/2ERdjQU

7. CINNAMON PECAN ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

These sweet, autumn side dish is like having dessert for dinner. Simple,  and oh, so good. It's sure to become on of your favorite side dishes. 

Get the recipe here: https://bit.ly/2qlhAlP

8. MAPLE CRANBERRY SAUCE

Easy and delicious, this cranberry sauce is vegan, paleo, GF, and free from refined sugars! The additions of maple and orange lend it a deeper flavor, and it only takes 15 minutes to make!

Get the recipe here: https://bit.ly/2QdTO6F

9. KUNG PAO BRUSSEL SPROUTS

Asian-inspired veggies for Thanksgiving? You betcha. Surprise your guests with this out-of-left-field dish that's sweet, salty and a little spicy. These saucy veggies make the perfect appetizer, serve the leftovers with rice for the perfect "after black-friday shopping" snack

Get the recipe here: https://bit.ly/2gwm4EA

10. VEGAN TURKEY ALTERNATIVES 

Last, but not least...the main event! What can you possibly offer your vegan guests in place of the traditional turkey course? Fortunately, there's a dizzying array of meatless "turkey" and "roast" options for those following a plant-based diet, and you'd be surprised how delicious some of them can be! Check out this list of meatless products that are the perfect holiday dinner meat alternative. 

Click here: https://bit.ly/2gpSgVK

We hope this blog was helpful in giving you ideas for feeding your plant-based guests this holiday. If you try any of these recipes, feel free to comment and let us know how they turned out for you!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.