With the holiday season in full swing, there are a multitude of reasons why it's time to dig deep and find some killer appetizers to pull out of your pocket. But this year, for various reasons (among them, health, budget, and more sustainable eating), there are sure to be at least a few partygoers who are passing on the poultry, meat, and seafood this year. Thankfully, we've got an array of vegetarian options so superb that no one will be missing out on the meat at all! For a sampling of stellar veggie-forward starter ideas, keep reading.
What could be better than an effervescent glass of Champagne? Well, this bracing cocktail for starters. Begat by a happy accident, this honey-sweet twist on an old classic might just be my new go-to cocktail for day or night — it's equally well-suited for a New Year's Eve toast as it is for a booze-fueled brunch. 
What sets this sparkling sipper apart from its 
If you've ever tasted a gougère — essentially savory cheese-flecked cousins of cream puffs and eclairs — then little needs to be said in order to convince you to head to the kitchen to whip up a batch of these luxurious appetizers. If not, I'll keep it simple: airy and light, with just enough nutty cheese to keep things lively, these pâte-à-choux party favorites will go fast if included in a party spread.
Put off by the slightly strange method of cookery that's outlined in the recipe below? Don't be. It may be a slight step outside of your baking repertoire if you've yet to try your hand at any treats in the choux-pastry family, but their assembly is actually quite simple and intuitive and can be made in large party-friendly quantities in precious few minutes. 
Whether you're ringing in the New Year, celebrating a 
