Bite-Size Delights: 6 Easy Appetizers Under 100 Calories

Pretty-in-Pink Deviled Eggs

Makes: 24

Hands-on time: 20 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Curried Shrimp Cocktail

Makes: About 18

Hands-on time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Spicy Pickled Vegetables

Makes: About 8 cups

Hands-on time: 20 minutes
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Coconut Chicken and Waffles

Makes: 24

Hands-on time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Chocolate Souffle Cakes

Makes: 24

Hands-on time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Tropical Panna Cotta Parfaits

Makes: 12

Hands-on time: 15 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Low-Cal Cocktails

Skip the sugary spiked punch and whip up one of these drinks, each around 200 calories or less.

Rye's Rain: Combine 3/4 ounce whiskey (preferably rye), 1 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup, 1 1/2 ounces apple cider, and the juice of an orange slice in a cocktail shaker. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Earl Grey-Prosecco Sparkler: In a small saucepan, simmer 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, and an Earl Grey tea bag until sugar dissolves. Pour 1 1/2 teaspoons of the mixture into a champagne glass and add 4 ounces prosecco and 2 ounces grapefruit juice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

Concord Martini: Combine 2 1/2 ounces Concord grape juice, 1 1/2 ounces vodka, 1/2 ounce lemon juice, and a pinch of pepper in a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake and strain into a martini glass.

Pomegranate Mojito: Muddle 8 mint leaves with 1 ounce lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Add 2 1/2 ounces pomegranate juice, 1 ounce white rum, 1 tablespoon agave nectar, and ice; shake and strain into a stemless wineglass filled with ice. Top with club soda and 1/4 ounce dark rum and garnish with a mint sprig.

Be a Cheese Whiz

Put together the perfect cheese plate with these tips from Deena Siegelbaum of Murray's Cheese in New York City.

Make a mix: Include something old (meaning aged, like cheddar or Gouda), something new (think fresh goat cheese), something stinky, and something blue. You'll want an ounce of cheese per person.

Pick your vehicle: Keep it simple with crusty baguette slices or crackers so the flavors of the cheese shine through.

Sweeten the deal: Add fruit — try fresh grapes or dried cherries, figs, or apricots — or honey.

Polish your presentation: Remove cheeses from the fridge an hour before your party starts so they can come to room temperature. Arrange on a wood or slate serving board and provide a knife for each cheese.