Appetizer Recipes

Roasted Beets, Two Ways

There are so many ways to cook beets:  steam, boil, roast, microwave.  What is really the best way?  After trying quite a few methods over the years, I have settled upon two that produce perfectly cooked beets. In my opinion, roasting brings out the robust flavor of beets, allowing for a certain creaminess while maintaing…

Roasted Tomatoes with Whipped Feta…and some kitchen experimenting

My sister is an artist. At a very young age, she stunned everyone with an amazingly accurate sketch of a horse. Eventually, she became a painting major at Rhode Island School of Design. I always joked that she got all the artistic abilities and I got none! As I grew older, I realized that my…

Prosciutto Wrapped Grilled String Cheese

When we were visiting my in-laws recently, we got talking about cheese.  Most every night before dinner, we enjoy cheese and crackers when we are with them.  Given the flavor journey I have been working on with Sargento Cheese, it was only natural that we talked about cheese a little more than usual! One evening,…

Roasted Parmesan Zucchini Bites

My favorite way to eat zucchini is a tie between zucchini bread and this recipe where the zucchini is broiled with a simple coating of fresh Parmesan.  I’ve made these as rounds, sticks, and strips.  They key is to cut them fairly thick and cook only until golden.  This way, they won’t get mushy.  Also,…

Cheese Crisps

Low-carb cheese crisps require only one ingredient (jalapeño slices are optional) and cook in 2 short minutes-and believe it or not, the microwave produces better results than the oven. Perfect with a glass of wine or as a flavorful alternative to a crouton.     If I said you could make a light and flavorful…

Roasted Asparagus with Panko

Serve these deliciously crunchy spears as a satisfying side dish or appetizer – they can be finger food. For a delicious, gluten-free adaptation, substitute crushed Rice Chex for the panko. (Trust me, it works!)   Many years ago, I read Barbara Kingsolver’s book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. The story chronicles her own family after they vowed…

Maple Cinnamon Roasted Garbanzos

Recently, I posted my new and improved technique for roasting garbanzo beans–also known as chickpeas.  Additionally, I had fun experimenting with roasting various other types of beans lurking in my pantry.  (To see the details, click here.) Somewhere between the black eyed peas and the butter beans, My Whole Food Life shared her sweeter version of this…

Baked Cheddar Spinach Squares

Easy, cheesy spinach squares are a retro appetizer that make an equally delicious side dish. The squares may be baked ahead and reheated and freeze well too.   The look of today’s menu item may remind you of a crustless quiche. In this recipe, however, two eggs serve as a binder for the remaining ingredients…

Fiery Grilled Shrimp

Asian and Cajun flavors come together and create new levels of flavor in this prep-ahead recipe that’s delicious as an appetizer or entree.    You know how when you eat something at a friend’s house that is so delicious you hope to leave with the recipe?  This is one of those recipes. When I first…

Roasted Peel-and-Eat Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail Sauce

Easy to make and so much fun to eat. This recipe can be made with shrimp that has already been peeled and deveined. Simply adjust the seasoning amount, as noted.   There are certain foods my family refers to a “fun foods”.  Some of these include crabs, artichokes and anything for which we can use…

Salted Lime Baked Corn Tortillas Chips

The salted, lime-infused crunch of a favorite store-bought tortilla chip is easy to recreate at home with a short list of ingredients and in minimal time.   My family adores the store-bought “hint of lime” tortilla chips. As I was making my Tex-Mex Chopped Salad one evening, which includes a crunchy element on top, I realized…

Indian-Spiced Roasted Garbanzos

Whether you call them garbanzo beans or chick peas, they make a perfect snack food when roasted. They are an inexpensive, high-protein snack and a crunchy, low-fat alternative to croutons in a salad. Put out a pre-dinner bowl when company arrives. From boring can of beans to clever hors d’oeuvres…who knew?? A simple mixture of…

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