Traditional But Interesting Appetizers & Sides That Are Also Gluten-Free? Good Questions

Q: I'm looking to cook Christmas dinner for my parents for the first time this year. They're very traditional in what they like to eat and my mother is also gluten-free. Can you recommend some traditional but interesting gluten-free recipes for sides and appetizers?

Sent by Peter

Editor: Peter, here is a big list of gluten-free appetizer ideas:

Ditch the Crackers: 20 Gluten-Free Party Snacks

Readers, what traditional (but interesting) sides and appetizers would you suggest for a gluten-free guest?

Next question?

Related: 10 Delicious Gluten-Free Desserts

(Image: Zoe Nachman)

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Thanksgiving Appetizers: Why Sam Sifton Thinks You Don't Need Them

In the hours before Thanksgiving, most cooks are so focused on getting the meal on the table that appetizers are the last things on their minds. And that's just fine, says Sam Sifton. Appetizers don't belong at Thanksgiving.

Quite simply, Sifton believes appetizers take up valuable stomach space that should be reserved for the main meal. He has a couple exceptions to his no-appetizers-at-Thanksgiving rule oysters or any special pre-meal family traditions, such as his own father's bisque but for him, the best appetizer on the big day is simply the scent of roasting turkey.

This rule is just fine with me, as I hate sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner stuffed with cheese and charcuterie, and skipping hors d'oeuvres means I can spend more time in the kitchen prepping the real meal.

Read more: A Few Thanksgiving Questions for Sam Sifton at Dinner A Love Story

What do you think? Are appetizers a part of your holiday tradition or are you just as happy without them?

Related: Not Your Mother's Cheese Ball: 5 Fresh Recipes for Autumn Entertaining

(Image: Faith Durand)

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5 Favorite Mediterranean Appetizers

We've been talking about European foods this week on The Kitchn, and I couldn't help but feature a few of my favorite Mediterranean-style appetizers. This time of year, especially, when fresh tomatoes are everywhere you turn, snacks can be simply made from a little hunk of salty cheese, some good olives, and sliced heirlooms.

I find we naturally cook in a very Mediterranean-inspired way at home, always reaching for good olive oil, lemons, nuts, spinach and good cheeses. But what I love about this line-up of appetizers is that they veer towards the hearty side of things and could easily be made into a summer meal as well. Pair the lamb kabobs with a cucumber dill salad and some barley and dinner is served. Serve the halloumi bites with fresh pita, hummus, and a tall glass of beer to put a cap to the workday. Here are a few ideas that I hope may mix up how you typically think about appetizers:

5 Winning Mediterranean Appetizers:
Halloumi and Watermelon Bites with Basil Mint Oil (pictured) - The Curvy Carrot
Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip with Pomegranate Molasses - Fine Cooking
Grape Leaves with Bulgar and Mint - Bon Appetit
Zucchini Keftedes with Feta and Dill - Carpe Cibus
Greek Lamb Kabobs - Williams Sonoma

Related: Smoked Deviled Eggs with Greek Yogurt

(Image: The Curvy Carrot)

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