Small, more individually-sized servings of food — served before, after, or as the main meal — are not unique to Spanish tapas. Happily, this dining style is savored throughout the world.

Mezedes or meze	Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Countries
Amuse-Bouche or Hors d'oeuves	France
Antipasto, Antipasta	Italy
Starters	United Kingdom, India
Tapas	Spain
Appetizers	United States
Otooshi	Japan
Dim Sum	China
Botanas or Antojitos	Mexico
Ban Chan	Korea
Entremeses Or Aperetivos	South America

Plan to serve several recipes that complement each other and can be easily served in smaller portions.

Contrast textures and presentation. Use a creamy spread on a coarse-style bread or cracker. Top with a simple garnish of fresh herbs to add color.

Cut food into smaller-sized portions before placing on the table.

Serve sliced baguettes crackers as hors d'oeuvre holders for cheese, dips or spreads. Guests can put together their own serving and use ingredients they like.

Keep the recipes simple and include make-ahead dishes to avoid last minute preparation.

Be creative and use your imagination to mix-and-match the flavors!

When time is short, purchase toppings and spreads. Give yourself permission to visit the gourmet food aisle of your favorite grocery store.

Scoop, dip and top! These easy-to-find products are the building-blocks to quick and easy appetizer sensations:

• Crackers, pita bread triangles, bagel chips,
• Sweet potato chips, taro chips, salt and vinegar chips, blue corn chips,
• Pre-cut vegetables, perfect for crudit?s
• Baguette slices

Favorite Store-Bought Toppings:

• LAND O LAKES® Cheddar, Provolone or Swiss Cheese
• Onion dip, spinach dip, hummus, tapenade, pesto
• Gourmet-style salsa
• Fig or other specialty jam
• Dijon or whole-grain mustard
• Sliced deli-meats like Chorizo, Pepperoni, Prosciutto di Parma
• Olives, gherkin pickles, roasted peppers