Taking a page out of the Barefoot Contessa's book, to create an easy, healthy, delicious supper of Salmon with Creamy Mustard Yogurt Sauce.

We successfully fed 25 guests on $250, cooking up an array of tasty hors d’oeuvres. I mean, who doesn’t love appies? They’re usually the best part of the meal anyway. Plus, they’re perfect for large parties. They’re unassuming, filling, and allow people to mill around and chat while noshing on bite-sized bits of delicious.

Just chop up some eggplant, red peppers, onion, and garlic, roast them off, and puree in a food processor (or strong blender) with some tomato paste. Roasting takes some time (about 45 min.) but it is worth it with the intensified, caramelized flavors you get from the veggies.