With all the holiday parties and get-togethers, a great host needs an arsenal of quick appetizers for their favorite snackers and grazers. Continuing with my theme, this week's column features a few tidbits with five ingredients or less! Datin' the Bacon are quick, cheesy and delicious. Don't let the dates scare you away! Crabby Crockpot Spread is hot and delicious. And, Holiday Cheesy Puffs are to die for!

Next week: my annual Christmas breakfast recipe column. Happy eating!

Datin' the Bacon 1 package whole pitted dates 1/2 cup cubed Asiago cheese 8-10 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thirds

Stuff dates with a piece of the cheese. Wrap one of the pieces of the bacon around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick if necessary. Place on broiler pan with a rack.

Preheat broiler. Broil bacon wrapped dates 4-6" from the heat source for 9-12 minutes, turning twice during cooking time, until bacon is crisp; don't let it burn! Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve.

Crabby Crockpot

Spread 3/4 cup mayonnaise 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 2 Tbsp. apple juice 1 onion, minced 1 lb. lump crabmeat, picked over to remove cartilage and shell bits (or use imitation crab if you must)

Mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, and apple juice in medium bowl until blended. Place in 1 to 3 quart crockpot. Stir in onions and blend well. Gently stir in crabmeat. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours. Dip will hold for up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. 8 servings

Holiday Cheesy Puffs 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup butter 1/8 tsp. salt 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour 2 eggs 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup Cheese Whiz

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a heavy saucepan, combine water, butter and salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add flour all at once, stirring constantly until mixture forms a ball and cleans the sides of the pan. (You are making a cream puff dough.) Remove from heat. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating vigorously after each till mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in softened cream cheese and Cheez Whiz until blended. Drop by teaspoons onto well greased or parchment paper lined cookie sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately.