This month has been a blur of holiday parties and gatherings, and during this festive timeframe, I make more appetizers in a few weeks than I usually do the rest of the year.

Because I'm in snack-making mode, I thought a lot about hors d'oeuvres lately, and for an unknown reason, challenged myself to find the top appetizer for each of the last four decades. How did I do?

1960s -- Cocktail franks floating in a sweet / spicy sauce and served in a chafing dish.
'70s -- Ham roll-ups made with ham, cream cheese and pickles.
'80s -- A bread bowl filled with spinach dip.
'90s -- Hummus with pita triangles or chips and salsa.
2000+ -- Sushi or in-season fruits /veggies.

Top timeless appetizer: Taco dip, sometimes referred to as "trailer trash taco dip," is loved by even the foodiest of foodies.

Other popular apps: Bacon-wrapped water chesnuts (aka rumaki), "pigs in a blanket" (mini hot dogs wrapped in a biscuit / crescent roll), fondue and hot wings with blue cheese dressing.