Best-Ever Thanksgiving Hors d'Oeuvres

Set the tone for the big Thanksgiving dinner with easy, delicious appetizers. These healthy bites will keep guests out of the kitchen and give them something light to munch on throughout the day.
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1 of 13

Pear-Pecan Cheese Ball

Start to finish: 1 hr 15 mins
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Sweet pear, salty Cheddar cheese and crunchy nuts make this healthy cheese ball recipe an alluring holiday treat. Serve with an array of crudités and crisp party crackers.

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Curried Butternut Squash Dip

Start to finish: 4 hrs
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This healthy squash dip recipe, spiced with curry and made creamy with the addition of coconut milk, is a delicious alternative to hummus. You can also use other types of winter squash, pumpkin or sweet potatoes in place of the butternut squash in this dip. Serve with crisp raw vegetables or toasted pitas for dipping.

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Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp

Start to finish: 10 mins
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Marinating precooked shrimp in garlic- and lemon-infused oil is a simple yet elegant appetizer.

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Cheese Fondue with Fennel & Tomatoes

Start to finish: 30 mins
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The alpine cheeses in this healthy cheese fondue recipe by Laura Werlin are known for melting smoothly, which is key in a fondue. Adding vegetables brings texture and bonus nutrition, while complementing the buttery nuttiness of each cheese. To serve 12, plan to offer 6 cups of cut-up vegetables for dipping, such as steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets or strips of raw fennel and red bell pepper.

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Roasted Pears with Brie & Pistachios

Start to finish: 45 mins
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Roasted pears with Brie and pistachios is delicious as a first course or a side with roast pork or lamb. Leave the stems on for the prettiest presentation.

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Double-Tahini Hummus

Start to finish: 1 hr 15 mins
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You'll look like an expert with this easy hummus recipe that produces the lightest, silkiest hummus you've ever had. Chilling the cooked chickpeas ensures that when they're blended with the oil and cold tahini the hummus will come out creamy rather than oily. In a pinch, you can use the quick-soak technique (see Step 1), reduce the chilling time and still get great hummus.

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Rosemary-Garlic Marinated Vegetables

Start to finish: 2 hrs 15 mins
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Amp up your appetizer game when you make this easy marinated vegetable recipe. Soak asparagus, mushrooms and cauliflower in rosemary- and garlic-flavored marinade and in just a couple hours you'll have tasty vegetables ready to serve.

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Slow-Cooker Hot Cider with Brandy

Start to finish: 2 hrs 10 mins
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Brew up a batch of warm apple cider with ease in this no-sugar-added drink recipe. The hot toddy stays warm and party-ready in your crock pot all night long.

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Pear & Camembert Crostini

Start to finish: 20 mins
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Up your appetizer game with this fruit-topped cheese crostini recipe. Warm preserves give the pears a shiny glaze and prevent them from browning.

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Roasted Vegetable Antipasto

Start to finish: 1 hr
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A zesty vinaigrette makes these roasted Brussels sprouts, fennel, carrots and beets pop. If you can't find small carrots, halve larger ones crosswise then quarter lengthwise. Serve this vegetable antipasto as a side dish or appetizer.

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Spiced Pistachios

Start to finish: 50 mins
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Chinese five-spice powder is a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns; it adds subtle flavor to these pistachios. Look for it in the spice section at the market or with other Asian ingredients. Omit the added salt if you use salted pistachios.

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Marinated Olives & Feta

Start to finish: 1 hr 10 mins
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Olives and feta marinated with rosemary, lemon and garlic are great served on crisp flatbread-style crackers or warm slices of crusty baguette.

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