Presenting the Winners from Our ‘Party in a Pinch’ Recipe Contest

Ivis Estrada

By Ivis Estrada

Updated on Oct. 10, 2025

Home cooks shared their quick recipes that get them out of the kitchen and into the heart of the party. These crowd-pleasing recipes range from savory party bites to fruity cocktails.

1/12

Grand Prize: Orange Snow Balls

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:about 2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These snow balls are perfectly sweet with just a hint of tart orange flavor. Everyone loves them, and I always get recipe requests when I bring them to a party. —Brooke Wofford, Travelers Rest, South Carolina
2/12

1st Place: Muffuletta Dip

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:2 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love everything about a Muffaletta sandwich, so I just had to make it into a dip. It makes for a great party appetizer! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
3/12

2nd Place: Guava Margaritas

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: While visiting family, I tasted a guava margarita and fell in love with the tropical flavors. I rushed home to create my own version! —Renee Page, Rochelle, Illinois
4/12

3rd Place: Japanese Crab and Avocado Salad

Contest Winner
Total Time:20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: It can be a challenge to find winter holiday recipes that are suited to warmer climates. This luxurious Asian-inspired crab salad fills the bill with its festive colors and flavors. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California
5/12

Runner-Up: Cheesy Bruschetta Dip

Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:3 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy, flavorful dip comes together quickly and is a real crowd-pleaser. It is a delicious complement to a meal or a fun appetizer to serve at a party. —Theresa Ravencraft, Marysville, Ohio
6/12

Runner-Up: Creamy Apricot Stuffed Dates

Contest Winner
Total Time:10 min
Servings:about 2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These delightful date bites are ridiculously easy to create. They always hit the sweet spot, whether served as an appetizer or dessert. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
7/12

Runner-Up: Crispy Party Bites

Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These are so quick to make and are great as a bite-sized appetizer. Throughout the years, I have substituted different meats, toppings and cheese, and it's always a favorite of guests. —Kristie Schley, Pasadena, Maryland
8/12

Runner-Up: Crunchy Cheesy Crisps

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I found a recipe in one of my cookbooks, which I've had for quite some time, and tweaked it to make these cracker-like crisps. They go well with any dip or spread. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
9/12

Runner-Up: Hot Apricot Chai Cocktail

Contest Winner
Total Time:20 min
Servings:2 quarts
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This lovely wintertime cocktail is a hit with my friends for its rich flavor and easy prep. I like to garnish it with a slice of orange. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
10/12

Runner-Up: Pickle Canoes

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:8 pickles
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this recipe when I was looking for a snack in my grandparents' fridge and saw these ingredients. Everyone in my family wanted to try my creation and said it was amazing. —Donnie Voss, Savage, Minnesota
11/12

Runner-Up: Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads with Jam

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:about 3-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A twist on the classic jam-filled shortbreads, these savory and sweet treats are packed with flavor. Try mixing things up by using tomato bacon jam or raspberry jam instead of hot pepper jelly. —Courtnee Williams, Luray, Tennessee
12/12

Runner-Up: Spicy Cantaloupe Bites

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:3 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Juicy melon, tangy sauce and assorted peppers come together to create a sweet and spicy tidbit. Combine these peppered melon balls with plain melon for a refreshing salad. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho