So maybe you can’t afford a caterer. OK, really who can? Have no fear. Although holiday parties can cause a lot of stress, don’t pull your hair out quite yet. But every great party thrower knows that great food (and plenty of booze) is the key to any partygoer’s heart.

Have them snacking from the moment they walk in the door and you’ll be beloved by all.  Here’s a recipe that won’t cause you to pull you hair out quite yet.

Pigs in a Blanket

They may not seem sophisticated, but unless you don’t eat meat, there is not a soul that doesn’t love a pig in a blanket. And they are so easy to make.

Ingredients

2 sheets of Pastry dough (or you could cheat skip step and use crescent rolls, cut up)

Mini cocktail franks

Fresh shredded Parmesan

Poppy seeds

1 egg

Salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll 1 puff pastry dough sheet into a 12- by 14-inch rectangle. Cut rectangle in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3 equal pieces for a total of 6 pastry pieces. Repeat with second pastry.

In a small bowl, whisk together egg and salt for egg wash.

Roll each hot dog in 1 puff pastry piece, then seal with a bit of  egg wash.

Place pastry-wrapped hot dogs on parchment-lined baking sheets and lightly brush with remaining egg wash; sprinkle with poppy seeds and Parmesan. Tip for making sure they stay closed (especially if you go the crescent roll route, which have a tendency to expand in the oven) pin them closed with a toothpick.

Bake until puffed and golden, about 20 minutes. Slice each pastry-wrapped hot dog into 5 sections and serve warm with spicy mustard, if desired.

You can actually make your own spicy mustard too. Fancy pants.

 

-Arianna Schioldager