The Hot Dip That Always Disappears First

This one is always a hit. It's warm, cheesy, and has just the right mix of spinach and artichokes. I like putting it out with veggies, crackers, or whatever dippers I have on hand so everyone can grab what they like.

The Little Dish That Makes It Look Fancy

For dips like this, I almost always bake and serve them in a small baking dish. I have this one in just about every size because it goes from oven to table so elegantly and looks like servingware, not just a pan. It comes in lots of colors, too!

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When You Need A Set It And Forget It App

If you want something you can just set out and forget about, crock pot queso is perfect. You stir everything together, let it melt into a smooth sauce, and keep it warm while people snack all night.

The Mini Crock That Keeps It Warm

For parties like New Year’s, you don’t really need a full size slow cooker for queso. This little one keeps it warm and melty without hogging the counter, and it fits right on the snack table so people can scoop as they go.

The Fancy Bite That Is Secretly Easy

These crab stuffed mushrooms look super fancy, but they’re really just mushrooms piled with creamy crab dip and baked until golden. I love serving them for New Year's when I want something that feels special without a lot of effort.

These Tiny Picks Make Them Party Ready

For stuffed mushrooms, I like to set out little forked toothpicks so guests can pick them up easily. They keep fingers a little cleaner and makes the platter look extra put together.

The Bacon Bite That Never Leaves Leftovers

You get smoky bacon on the outside, juicy shrimp inside, and a sweet, sticky glaze on top that makes them disappear fast.

My Secret To That Sticky Glaze

For that sweet, sticky finish without all the sugar, I use my Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Honey. It tastes and drizzles like the real thing, brushes on easily, and gives the shrimp a pretty shine with just the right amount of sweetness.

The Snack Everyone Hangs Around

This cheese ball looks like you spent a lot more time on it than you did. It is creamy, cheesy, rolled in something crunchy, and comes together in about 10 minutes.

How I Like To Serve It

I usually serve the cheese ball on this cutting board. It doubles as a charcuterie board, so I just add some crackers, veggies, and a couple cheese knives. It looks like a party board without any extra fuss.

My Favorite Clean Ingredient Wine

I love this one because it’s made with clean ingredients and has no added sugar. It pairs perfectly with appetizers or a midnight toast, and it’s one of those bottles that instantly becomes a favorite.

Cheers-Worthy Glasses

Whether you're toasting with wine ☝️ or champagne, these are the glasses I always reach for. They feel elegant and give me a nice, satisfying clink, but they're still sturdy enough to be dishwasher safe.

P.S. If you want something even easier, these disposable glasses are great, too. 🥂

Trending Recipe This Week 🔥

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“This is a great snacking appetizer filled with protein, and not much work is needed to make this. Crock Pot for the win." -Veronika

🍽 This Week's Meal Plan

With the holidays winding down and New Year’s Eve around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get back into a routine. My custom weekly meal plans make it easy. You can choose a balanced, low carb, or keto plan, and everything is customizable. Pick your meals, adjust the servings, and make it work for your week.

Here's a peek at what’s on the menu this week:

• Chicken Dijon – Simple, elegant, and flavorful
• Stuffed Pork Chops – Fancy enough for New Year’s Eve
• Healthy Detox Soup – Warm, cozy, and veggie-packed to reset after the holidays
• Easy Rice Krispie Treats – Perfect for New Year's Eve party trays

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Life Update

The kids decided that we need to get a big New Year's tree this year, and we put it up this week! Yes, I said New Year's tree. This secular tradition sounds unusual for people here in the U.S. but it's common in Eastern European countries, where my husband and I moved from when we were little.

Whatever you celebrated this month or this week, I hope it was memorable and special, surrounded with people you love. Happy holidays and cheers to an amazing 2026!

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