(Family characteristics)-In addition to food, gifts and festive cheers, gatherings with friends and family are also precious. Whether it’s a warm weekend dinner with friends or a happy hour to celebrate the holidays, you can enhance the atmosphere of any party with unique small plates and appetizers.

Use California grapes to make this season special. Supply California grapes in large quantities in January as an ingredient in your favorite dishes, or use them to decorate colorful pops of red, green and black. If time is tight, they also provide simple, fresh and healthy snacks or side dishes to add color and flavor to your table.

As a multifunctional ingredient that increases taste and visual appeal, grapes can help you make unforgettable appetizers that will surprise and delight friends and family. For simple and delightful appetizers, turn to a tricolor grape pizza with goat cheese and thyme or smoked chicken and grape bruschetta, each offering simple and delicious ways to please the crowd.

Find more delicious appetizers, meals, desserts and more on grassfromcalifornia.com.

Tricolor grape pizza with goat cheese and thyme

2 cups halved green, red and black California grapes

2 ounces fresh goat cheese, crushed

2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh pepper, to taste

Place the grill on the bottom of the oven and place the inverted baking pan on the top of the grill; heat the oven to 500 F.

On a lightly floured surface, press the pizza dough into a 10-inch circle and cover it with a towel when preparing the topping.

Lightly sprinkle flour on a large baking sheet. Stretch the pizza dough into an oval shape, about 14 x 10 inches, and place it on paper. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with grapes, thyme and walnuts. Place the baking tray on the baking tray that has been placed in the oven and bake until the outer shell is bubbling and golden brown, 8-10 minutes.

Remove the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle with goat cheese and parmesan cheese. Season with pepper and taste. Transfer the pizza to the board, cut into pieces, and serve while hot.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 350 calories; 10 grams of protein; 47 grams of carbohydrates; 14 grams of fat (36% of calories from fat); 2.5 grams of saturated fat (6% of calories from saturated fat); 5 mg of cholesterol; 580 mg of sodium ; 1 gram of fiber.

Smoked chicken and grape bruschetta

8 ounces smoked chicken breast (1 3/4 cups), chopped or cut into bite-sized strips

1 1/2 cups red, green or black seedless California grapes, halved

12 ounces fontina, port salute or Monterey Jack cheese, grated

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In a small bowl, mix garlic, olive oil, and salt. Set aside. Cut the baguettes diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices. Brush the baguette slices with garlic oil and place them on the biscuit slices. Bake in broilers for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove from the broiler.

On each slice of bread, put about 1 tablespoon of chicken breast and three and a half grapes, and then put 2 tablespoons of grated cheese on top.

Place the biscuit slices about 8 inches away from the broiler and bake for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and frothy. Place on a plate and sprinkle with chopped chives and pepper.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 125 calories; 7 grams of protein; 9 grams of fat (68% of calories from fat); 3 grams of carbohydrates; 24 mg of cholesterol; less than 1 gram of fiber; 154 mg of sodium.

Naturally beautiful fresh grapes are a simple and classic way of holiday decoration. Consider the following ways to improve your home and dining table:

* Hang bunches of red, green and black grapes in a decorative bowl and alternately place them with candles to create a dazzling centerpiece.

* Fill the vase with grapes and water to obtain color and texture to complement and support the flowers in the arrangement.

* Use small bunches of grapes and fresh herbs to complement your ham or turkey platter.

* Use grape and rosemary skewers to add color to the perfectly cooked steak, and the aroma is tangy.

* Decorate dessert plates and trays with frosted grapes to add a special luster.

Today's breaking news and more information in your inbox

Dear Annie: I am a 15-year-old boy, and my family hates me because I am gay. As far as I can remember, I have...

Dear Heloise: In your Parkersburg News and Sentinel column, you wrote about the preservation of old family photos. ...

The American Legion sets a meal schedule GLADSTONE-Gladstone The American Legion Post 71 will not hold a steak...

Young American Indians with early signs of plaque in their arteries may be particularly susceptible to heart attacks,...

Dear Annie: After going to university and graduating from a different state a few years ago, I moved home with my parents, so I...

Today's breaking news and more information in your inbox

Copyright © Daily Press | https://www.dailypress.net | 600 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829 | 906-786-2021 | Ogden Newspapers | Nut Company