"Appetizers" is one of the most searched-for terms on our website, and that's no surprise. Apps are associated with so many pleasant things — parties and social gatherings, a satisfying sampling of different small plates, and a taste of indulgence without the mass of a full-blown meal. Whatever the occasion, there's an app for that!

So we were delighted when our Virtual Supper Club bloggers chose appetizers as this month's theme. As the holidays approach, this is a great time to revisit old favorites (like the Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip that has become a staff all-time fave) and expand our repertoire with newly discovered recipes. 

If you love to entertain but feel overwhelmed by the thought of hosting a big holiday dinner, consider a tapas potluck party. Make a couple of simple appetizers (chips and salsa and shrimp cocktail never fail), supply the drinks, and ask each guest to bring an appetizer. With the right number of people, your table will overflow with goodies. It's a clever excuse to round up favorite folks without dampening your fun with a lot of work.

Here's what our Virtual Supper Club brought to the table this month. Make sure to visit their blogs for their full report on each recipe, and leave a comment while you're there! If you want to join us, post a link to your blog in comments.

Awesome Appetizers

Grilled Pepper Poppers — by Helene, from La Cuisine de Helene
Harvest Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Tartlets — by Shelby, from The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch
Windowpane Potato Chips — by Val, from More Than Burnt Toast
West Indies Shrimp — by Aggie, of Aggie's Kitchen
Mini Frittatas with Ham and Cheese — also by Aggie
Warm Cranberry Walnut Brie — by Jamie, of Mom's Cooking Club
Mini Crabcakes with Herbed Aioli — also by Jamie

Photo credit: Images courtesy of the bloggers (aren't they great?). Clockwise from top left: Grilled Pepper Poppers by Helene (actually, this was taken by her 15-year-old son, Matheiu!); Windowpane Potato Chips by Aggie, Warm Cranberry Walnut Brie by Jamie; Mini Crabcakes by Jamie; Pecan Pie Tartlets by Shelby.

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Join the Club! The Virtual Supper Club is a group of Cooking Light readers who dazzled us with the idea of blogging CL recipes once a month. They live in two countries and several states, but get together (virtually) once a month to enjoy a seasonal menu of their choice. Please make sure to visit their blogs to read more and enjoy their great photos. If you're a food blogger and wish to join, post a link to your blog here.