Skewering mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes makes them easy to nosh at a party

Makes 16 pieces

Ingredients
16 small fresh mozzarella balls
16 fresh basil leaves
16 cherry tomatoes

Instructions

Thread mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on small skewers. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Smoked Salmon Spread

Plain vodka can be substituted for the pepper-flavored vodka, but season generously with cracked pepper. Serve on crostini with freshly cracked pepper.

Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients:
8 ounces smoked salmon
1 ½ cups nonfat cottage cheese
3 tablespoons pepper-flavored vodka, such as Absolut Peppar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish

Instructions

Cut half of the salmon into chunks. Dice the remaining salmon. Place cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve and press on it to remove excess moisture. Transfer the cottage cheese to a food processor. Add the salmon chunks, vodka, lemon juice, mustard and horseradish. Process until smooth. Transfer the mixture to bowl and fold in the diced salmon. Refrigerate until chilled.

Tips

Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.