39 Recipes to Make for Your 1970s Cocktail Party

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39 Recipes to Make for Your 1970s Cocktail Party2/39 Three-Cheese Fondue 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Three-Cheese Fondue Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 cups Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family. —Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 191 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein. 3/39 Cheese Puffs 7 Reviews Contest Winner

4/39 Seafood Cakes with Herb Sauce

Test Kitchen Approved Cheese Puffs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I found this cheese puffs recipe in one of my mother’s old cookbooks and updated the flavor by adding cayenne and mustard. Tasty and quick for this busy season, these tender, golden puffs go together in minutes and simply disappear at parties! —Jamie Wetter, Boscobel, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1 puff: 30 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. 4/39 Seafood Cakes with Herb Sauce

2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour 10 min Servings 40 appetizers (1/2 cup sauce) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Living near the ocean, I have a wide variety of seafood available to experiment with in recipes. This one uses salmon and scallops, shrimp, crab, lobster or any firm whitefish (such as halibut or even cod) would work equally as well. —Elizabeth Truesdell, Petaluma, California Nutrition Facts: 1 seafood cake with about 1/2 teaspoon sauce (calculated without garnishes): 88 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g

For appetizers, I like to keep things simple but dressed up

protein. 5/39 Pistachio and Date Ricotta Crostini 4 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Pistachio and Date Ricotta Crostini Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 3 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I regularly have date night at home where we make a four-course meal. For appetizers, I like to keep things simple but dressed up. I’ve found that making a special appetizer helps transform the atmosphere into a fancy meal. We’ve grown to really cherish these long and luxurious evenings together in our living room. Fresh figs can be

used in lieu of dates if that’s what you have on hand!

used in lieu of dates if that’s what you have on hand! —Kristin Bowers, Gilbert, Arizona Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 57 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. 6/39 Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 40 min Servings 2-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Among my friends I’m known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine

The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly

soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. 7/39 Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs 24 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings about 3 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It’s a sweet contrast with

the chili sauce

the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 106 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. 8/39 Curry Pineapple Dip Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 15 min Servings 1-1/4 cups dip Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: The flavors blend deliciously in this refreshing pineapple dip. It’s also terrific with an assortment of vegetables or your favorite fancy crackers. —Barb Meninga, Kalamazoo, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons with 3 pineapple pieces: 179 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g

sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein

sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. 9/39 Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 25 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These cute stacks really stand out in an appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1 canape: 50 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. 10/39 Mini Cheese Balls 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 3 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe

Creator: These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party

Creator: These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. —Judy Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina Nutrition Facts: 1 cheese ball: 47 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. 11/39 Ambrosia Fruit Salad 12 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My mom’s ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a

great addition to a backyard barbecue

great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 229 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. 12/39 Effortless Guacamole 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 1 cup Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Here’s one delicious, extra-easy classic you’ll turn to again and again. I’ve been making this recipe since I started cooking, and that was a long time ago. —DeAnn Lokvam, Tijeras, New Mexico Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 175 calories, 16g fat (2g

The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time

saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 2g protein. 13/39 Pina Colada 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Velvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 457 calories, 13g fat (10g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 0 fiber),

—William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons:

0 protein. 14/39 Oyster Cheese Appetizer Log 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 32 servings (2 logs) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When you say “holiday tradition” around our house, this appetizer comes to mind immediately. Every winter, I make lots of cheese logs and freeze them for when I’m expecting company or need to take food to someone’s home. The blend of smoked oysters, chili powder, nuts and cream cheese tastes good—even people who don’t like oysters may enjoy this interesting appetizer. —William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons:

117 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. 15/39 Marinated Shrimp and Olives 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Marinated Shrimp and Olives Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 20 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This is my favorite appetizer to serve party guests. The flavors in this colorful dish blend beautifully, and the shrimp are tender and tasty. —Carol Gawronski, Lake Wales, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1/3 cup: 71 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0

sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein

sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1 fat. 16/39 Swiss Potato Puffs 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Swiss Potato Puffs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings about 3 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Encourage guests to mingle by serving these cute little morsels. They’re transportable, mess-free and easy to eat in a few bites. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas Nutrition Facts: 1 potato puff: 37 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. 17/39 Crab Appetizers 2 Reviews Test

If you’re out of crab, water-packed tuna works well too

Kitchen Approved Crab Appetizers Recipe photo by Isabella Cassini Total Time 20 min Servings 2-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you’re out of crab, water-packed tuna works well too. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona Nutrition Facts: 1 filled phyllo cup: 34 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. 18/39 Savory Cucumber Sandwiches 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Savory Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 3

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• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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