Impress Guests with Decadent, Easy Appetizers

It's possible to cook for a party -- or last-miute guests -- without spending all day prepping your food. These low-maintenance yet decadent appetizers can be prepped the day before, so you'll just have a few last-minute additions, and voila, ready to go! These appetizers speak for themselves, and believe it; the conversation won't lag.

Garlic Toasts with Red Pepper Aioli

(Adapted from Giada de Laurentiis' TV show, "Everyday Italian")

Cook Time: 5 min | Easy | Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp. olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 12 slices ciabatta bread, 1/2-inch thick slices
• 1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers, drained and patted dry
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

The aioli can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. To make the aioli, first finely chop 2 cloves of the garlic in a food processor. Next, add the peppers and blend until almost smooth. Next, add the mayonnaise and blend again. Once that is done, keep the machine running and pour in 2 Tbsp of the olive oil, blending as you go. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.

The day of the gathering, make the garlic bread. First, preheat the oven to 400° F. Drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil over the bread slices. Next, transfer the bread slices to a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Slide the baking sheet into the oven for 5 minutes.