A Stress-Free Summer Party

These yummy appetizers let you impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Crispy Chickpeas

• 1  can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and dried
• ½ cup olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic salt

Make sure chickpeas are dry to ensure crispy results. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the chickpeas, and fry, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove, and transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Repeat with remaining chickpeas. While still warm, season with paprika and garlic salt.

Garlic-and- Red-Pepper Shrimp Skewers

• 2 pounds medium shrimp, deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced flat-leafparsley
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red-chili-pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper
• Wooden skewers

In a large bowl, combine shrimp with all the ingredients, and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. While the shrimp is marinating, place wooden skewers in a bowl of water to soak. Preheat grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread a few shrimp onto each skewer. Cook about 3 minutes per side, until shrimp is cooked through.Serve these hot or cold.

Black-Bean-and-Peach Salsa Scoops

Mix 1 cup canned black beans with 1 cup diced peaches, 2 tablespoons minced red onion, 1 tablespoon minced cilantro, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into tortilla  scoops, and serve.

Spiked Watermelon Punch

• 3 cups cubed watermelon
• 3 cups crushed ice
• 1 cup lemon-flavored vodka
• ¼ cup agave nectar
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

In a blender, combine watermelon, ice, vodka, and agave nectar. Pour into a pitcher, and stir in lemon slices.

Source:  Cosmopolitan.com