A scrumptious array of appetizers can sure get the conversation going÷and lips smacking÷at parties, special dinners and other festive occasions. So you can't have too many recipes on hand for these enticing finger foods.

That's why we've chosen "Party-Perfect Appetizers" as the theme of our next recipe contest. Our judges can't wait to sample a variety of hot and cold bites, from elegant hors d'oeuvres to fun football-watching snacks. So thumb through your recipe box and send us your very best·the appetizers you're always asked to bring to a neighborhood potluck or serve to guests on New Year's Eve.

We're looking for hot favorites like chicken wings, cheese puffs, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs and mini egg rolls. Or maybe your specialty is potato skins, zesty nachos or an appetizer pizza.

Both hot and cold dips are eligible to win, too. Share your luscious fondue, zippy bean dip, savory chip dip and more.

Other cool possibilities include yummy cheese spreads and cheese balls, colorful vegetable or fruit salsas, mini fruit kabobs, tortilla pinwheels, antipasto platters and stuffed cherry tomatoes.

And don't forget about seasoned party popcorn, spicy nut mixes and munchable snack mixes.

The "Party-Perfect Appetizers" contest will close on April 15, 2008. Winners will be featured in the Dec/Jan '09 issue. So enter soon!

You could win a fabulous prize!

The Grand Prize winner of each issue's contest will receive $500 in cash. And the second-place finisher will win dinner for four at the restaurant of the winner's choice (a $150 value). Ten runners-up will receive a free copy of our Contest Winning Annual Recipes 2008 cookbook. So enter today!

CONTEST RULES

Be sure to include the contest topic and your name, address and phone number on each recipe you submit.

It's easy to enter online. Click on "Submit a Recipe" to find a handy form with space for the contest title ("Party-Perfect Appetizers"), ingredients, directions and comments. Be specific with measurements and sizes of cans, packages and pans. Please include a few words about the recipe and yourself.

Or, type or print each recipe on one side of an 8-1/2- x 11-inch sheet of paper. Send entries to "Party-Perfect Appetizers," Diane Werner, Food Director, 5925 Country Lane, Greendale WI 53129. Remember to include your name, address and phone number on each entry.

Entries become the property of Reiman Publications. Recipes that are not among the winners may be published in a future issue of TOH, in a cookbook or on our Web site (www.tasteofhome.com).