Organizing a party at home is more of a responsibility than a fun activity. You all would agree that the host generally gets occupied and eventually gets tired with party preparations, food, decorations, etc., and the guests are the ones who actually have a good time. Sometimes when we go to a party or a family gathering, we get surprised and impressed on seeing the variety of appetizers and finger foods offered to us, that too with the host also enjoying and having good time along with the guests. This keeps most of us wondering how others prepare so many delicious appetizers in a short span of time and still manage to look fresh and cheerful. It is not only their efficiency, but also some basic party finger food ideas, that cut down on their preparation time and give them enough time to relax and enjoy. Besides making early food preparations, one has to be smart enough to pick those appetizers recipes which are not only delectable, but also easy to prepare, like veggies and dips, chicken fingers, nachos, finger sandwiches, meatballs, cheese, crackers, etc. These are not only easy to prepare, but are also always loved by everyone. Apple Cheese Quesadillas Ingredients:

• 8 inch flour tortillas - 8
• Butter or margarine - 2 tbsp
• Dijon mustard - 2 tbsp
• Green onions, chopped - 2
• Red apples, cored and thinly sliced - 2
• Shredded Gouda or Brie cheese - 2 cups

Preparation: Spread about ½ tbsp of mustard on one of the tortillas and top with green onion, apple slices, and about ½ cup of shredded cheese. Keep a second tortilla on top and like before, repeat all the ingredients and stack the quesadillas on a plate. In a frying pan, add some butter or margarine and as it melts, put one of the assembled quesadillas in. Cook for around 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom becomes crisp. Flip and cook on other side, and transfer the quesadillas from the pan to the serving plates. Cut them into quarters, and serve hot. Cream Cheese Wontons Ingredients:

• Wonton wrappers - 16
• 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened - 1
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• A jar of sweet-and-sour sauce, for dipping

Preparation: In a deep skillet, heat oil at high temperature. Meanwhile, lay out as many wrappers as you want. Put a small dab of cream cheese in one corner of each wrapper, about ½ inch from the edges. With your fingers, wet the two edges nearest to the cream cheese, fold the other half down, and seal the edges, forming a triangular shape. Seal the edges tightly, but leave small gaps at the corners so that the triangles do not expand so much that they burst. Drop the wontons into hot oil and turn over when the edges turn brown. Cook for another minute or two, and place on paper towels to drain. Serve hot with sweet-and-sour sauce. Ricotta Prosciutto CrostiniIngredients:

• Whole milk ricotta cheese - ½ cup
• Fresh rosemary, diced - 2 sprigs
• Shredded parmesan cheese - 4 oz
• Prosciutto, de parma - 4 oz
• Crusty Italian bread - 1½ loaf
• Roma tomatoes - 4
• Basil - 3 leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil - 1 tbsp
• Balsamic vinegar - 1 tbsp
• Lemon - 1
• Salt and pepper

Preparation: Preheat an oven to 375ºF. Meanwhile, slice bread in to ¼ inch rounds on a diagonal. Slightly coat the bread with extra virgin olive oil. In a glass or plastic bowl, mix the zest of the entire lemon, ricotta cheese, rosemary, parmesan cheese, and ½ of lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste, and spoon the ricotta mixture on to the bread. Cut prosciutto into half and keep the slices on top of the ricotta mixture. Slice the roma tomatoes into small rounds and keep one slice on top of the crostini. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the mixture is set. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and slightly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. These finger foods are a delight not only to make, but also to eat. Although finger foods are served as snacks, when prepared in large quantity, they can make up for a balanced meal. So next time, try these simple, yet mouth-watering, recipes and surprise your guests!