Dazzle Diwali with these instant food hacks

Make sure you're serving the right food delights for your Diwali party! Try combining something sweet and salty, or keep mostly finger foods, says an expert.

Here are some instant food hacks by Chef Tushar from McCain Foods Kitchen:

* Show of cards: While you are looking forward to win that game of cards, don't forget to serve the right food for that moment. Playing cards is a common Diwali ritual. Finger food comes in handy at this time. You never know, your guests might just let you win for the amazing food that you will serve.

* Something for children: Children are the hardest to please but you can easily get hold of their curious taste buds and mind by doling out delicious fried potato smiles and set them on a do-it-yourself project with cheese slices, chocolate chips, cherries and whatever they fancy. You may additionally fry some Burger Patty and place it between buns toppled with lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. Serve it with the right dip to add on to the presentation.

* Ace that dinner: Deep fry those delectable cheese bites with healthy vegetables and crunchy outside in a precooked gravy with a quick garnish and spare yourself the effort of making a from scratch to ensure the same keep some chopped vegetables and marinades a day before and store them in the refrigerator for them to last longer. This will give a new twist to your age-old dish and will make your guests ask for more. The best part about this is that you will be able to wrap up the kitchen work quickly and relax for the rest of the night.

* The sweet tooth: Traditional sweets are passe if you use your creativity in making the last course of your meal, you are sure to get some brownie points. For that enviable and winning combination of something sweet and salty. How about your favourite fries with a dash of strawberry and chocolate syrup or M&M marbles.