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Cheddar Rice Fritters

Your guests will still be talking about these zingy, crunchy bites long after the party's over. A combination of tender rice, melting Cheddar, and a crisp bread-crumb shell, paired with a spicy vinegar dipping sauce that cuts right through the richness, these irresistible nibbles will disappear almost before you finish frying. It might seem a little unusual to cook the rice in a combination of water and milk, but it imparts a luxurious creaminess that makes the fritters all the more addictive.

Shrimp Butter Toasts

In the South, you'll usually find this delicate spread — not a smooth paste, but slightly textured, to play up the flavor of the shrimp — on "benne wafers" (sesame-seed crackers). Spooned onto buttery toast points, it makes for tiny little bites with big sea flavor.

Cheese Bread Bars

Using three high-quality cheeses makes all the difference in these bars. The result is a versatile hors d'oeuvre that's sure to be a hit.

Chicken Tikkas

There are a mulitude of richly spiced tikkas (or marinades), and many of them, says Kiran Desai, "were coaxed to fineness by the Patiala royals of Punjab." Using small pieces of chicken, as we do here, cuts down on marinating time.

Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Frittata

This dish, from Golden Door executive chef Dean Rucker, only feels indulgent.

Honey-Mustard Glazed Shrimp and Scallops

If you wish, feel free to make these hors d'oeuvres on a regular charcoal or gas grill instead of a grill pan.

Spicy Avocado-Stuffed Eggs

The Easter Bunny will get a kick out of these deviled eggs that are a little Mexican and a little Asian.

Beet Soup with Horseradish Cream

Editor's note: This recipe was created by chef Einat Admony for an Israeli Passover menu. This recipe uses fresh beets — not canned — to give the broth more flavor. It's a good idea to wear gloves when peeling and slicing the beets, but if your hands get stained, wash them right away with hot soapy water and the color should come off. If you like, additional grated horseradish can be added as a garnish.

Spinach and Mint Soup

Paprika oil adds a hit of color — and flavor.

Golden Beet Carpaccio

Here's a veggie take on classic carpaccio. Chioggia beets would also be beautiful.

Calamari Fritti with Creamy Ponzu Dipping Sauce

Asian ingredients update this Italian appetizer. Specialty foods stores and Asian markets carry ponzu.

Bacon and Cabbage Soup

Editor's Note: This recipe is adapted from chef Paul Flynn of The Tannery in Dungarvan, Ireland. In Ireland, boiled bacon and cabbage is a domestic staple. The bacon is usually a "collar" or shoulder, a moderately marbled cut with less fat than American bacon but a bit more than Canadian. The ingredients are boiled together and served with potatoes and a parsley cream sauce. Among contemporary Irish chefs, it's become popular to reinvent this hearty, homey recipe in the more rarefied form of bacon and cabbage terrine. Flynn's version, however, stays closer to dish's comforting roots, while adding a touch of elegance.

Fish Kebabs

At street stalls, fish kebabs come in various forms, but when prepared at home, says Kiran Desai, they are not grilled on skewers but fried and served on plates with a little chutney drizzled on top.

Santa Barbara Spot Prawns in Pernod

>Editor's note: The recipe below is from Govind Armstrong's Small Bites, Big Nights and is part of a special menu he created for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program.

Hummus

Editor's note: The recipe below is from The Best Recipes in the World by Mark Bittman. For Bittman's tips on preparing a modern Passover meal, click here. Chickpeas are among the best legumes, and this is among the best recipes you can prepare with them, an eons-old Middle Eastern classic. Generally, I'm not a big fan of canned beans, but for whatever reason canned chickpeas are not bad at all, and I always keep some on hand so I can make a batch of this at the last minute, to use as a dip or a spread. You can make hummus without tahini; it will be a little looser and less complex tasting but still good.

Griddled Eggs

Editor's note: This original recipe was created for Epicurious by Mark Bittman. For Bittman's tips on preparing a modern Passover meal, click here.
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