The world has changed, at least for the time being, and meetings and parties have moved online. Zoom has become invaluable to businesses, families, and friends alike. As we strive to connect remotely, there’s much need for the ability to chat and even celebrate via video from the safety and comfort of home. If you’re planning to celebrate a momentous occasion (or just a Friday night) via Zoom, here are some easy appetizers for a party that you can prepare for yourself and whoever else is at home with you. Now more than ever, no one needs a reason to eat well and have a party.

Quick Deviled Eggs

One of the many drawbacks to quarantining has been the difficulty finding the variety of food we usually enjoy. Fewer trips to the grocery store and limited quantities of items once you get there means trying new and different recipes made of strange ingredients, or eating pantry staples more than you ever have before.

Herein lies the beauty of a recipe like deviled eggs. Chances are good you have eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard at home. These staples make a delicious appetizer that’s ready in just a few minutes. First, hard boil six eggs on the stovetop. Run them under cold water when finished, then peel the eggs. Next, cut the eggs in half lengthwise.

Scoop the yolks out of each egg and place them in a bowl. Add ¼ cup mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon mustard. You can choose any variety of mustard you prefer. Mash the yolks and the condiments together. You might also wish to include black pepper, onion powder, or a few teaspoons of sweet relish.

Once the mixture is well combined, scoop it back into the egg whites. Top the deviled eggs with smoked paprika or chopped chives to taste. The beauty of this recipe is it’s quick, easy to prepare, and simple to scale depending on how hungry you are.

Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip

Munching plus Zoom parties equals great fun. For a delicious summery treat, make this hot crab and artichoke dip for your next Zoom gathering. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and coat a one-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Next, microwave two ounces of cream cheese for about 20 seconds. Spread it into the bottom of the dish. In a bowl, stir together ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 2 chopped scallions, ¾ teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, and 3/4 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. If you wish, you can also add some hot sauce, either ¾ teaspoon or to taste.

If you have one teaspoon of lemon zest and one tablespoon lemon juice, add those, too. Add ½ cup finely shredded artichoke hearts, four ounces crabmeat, one ounce of mozzarella, and 2 ounces of Parmesan.

Stir the entire mixture together until well-blended. Then, spread the mixture on top of the cream cheese in your baking dish. Top it with additional Parmesan to taste.

Bake the dip for about 25 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly. Serve with your favorite vegetables, chips, or crackers.

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

For a delightfully refreshing Zoom appetizer, make this strawberry shortcake ice cream bar dessert. You’ll certainly thank yourself later. First, heat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9” by 9” baking dish with parchment paper, and allow it to hang over the sides of the dish by two inches.

Next, set four cookies to the side, and blend the remainder of approximately 10 ounces of butter shortbread cookies (this is similar to two packages of Walker’s shortbread cookies). Stir in ¼ cup of salted butter, and then press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish. Bake the dish for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the crust to an iron rack and let it cool.

While the crust is cooling, let a carton of vanilla ice cream soften on the countertop. Once the crust is cooled, spread vanilla ice cream onto the crust. Freeze the dessert for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, let a carton of strawberry ice cream soften on the countertop.

Finally, layer the softened strawberry ice cream onto the dessert. Top the mixture with the remaining four shortbread cookies, roughly crumbled. Then, dig in and enjoy, all while making your Zoom buddies jealous.