Dazzle your guests with these easy holiday appetizers and gingerbread espresso martinis.

Toast the perfect night with a delicious gingerbread espresso martini.

By Julie Brinkley

Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming.

These delicious appetizers and gingerbread espresso martinis are easy to make and will dazzle your holiday guests. 

Click here to watch a video on how everything is made.

 Gingerbread espresso martini

1 part Kahlúa

1 part vodka

1 part espresso

½ part gingerbread syrup

Combine, shake and serve.

Garnish with a graham cracker rim.

There are several variations of mini cheese balls you can make.

Mini cheese ball bites

16 ounces cream cheese

½ cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheese

1 cup Gruyere cheese

1 tbsp lemon juice

Cranberry pecan balls

⅓ cup chopped dried cranberries

⅓ cup pecans

½ tsp each of pepper, onion powder and garlic powder

Bacon Ranch cheese bites

1 tbsp ranch seasoning

⅓ parmesan cheese

⅓ cup bacon

1 tbsp chives

Honey sesame cheese balls

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp honey

⅓ cup feta

½ tsp each of pepper, garlic powder and onion powder

¼ tsp salt

For rolling: Cranberries, pecans, bacon, chives, Everything but the Bagel seasoning, pretzel sticks or small crackers.

HOW TO MAKE IT

Allow cream cheese to soften then combine with a mixer or spatula. 

Add the ingredients for each variety in a separate bowl. 

Roll bite size balls and dredge in topping desired. 

Place on parchment and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. 

Pecan pie dip

Pecan pie dip

8 oz cream cheese

4 oz whipped topping

1 cup powdered sugar

½ brown sugar

3 tbsp cold butter

⅓ cup light corn syrup

1 cup chopped pecans

1 large egg

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp salt

For dipping: Apple slices, graham crackers or pretzel crisps.

HOW TO MAKE IT

Combine cream cheese, whipped topping and powdered sugar in a mixer and blend until smooth. 

Spread mixture into bottom of pie plate and refrigerate while you prepare topping. 

Combine brown sugar, cold butter, corn syrup, pecans, vanilla extract, egg and salt in sauce pan; bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. 

Cook for one minute stirring constantly. 

Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes; pour mixture over cheese.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.