Appetizer Recipes

Crispy Latkes

There’s no draining or soaking in this recipe for the crispiest latkes this Hanukkah season, which come together quickly and easily, and are enjoyed by all members of the family. Serve with Ann’s homemade applesauce, creamy horseradish dill sauce, or simply sprinkled salt!   I grew up in Pennsylvania (for those who are local –…

Spanish Tortilla

Make this traditional Spanish dish in your own kitchen with a few basic ingredients and enjoy it as a light meal, a satisfying snack, or a filling addition to a Spanish-themed charcuterie board.   In Spain it’s called a tortilla Española, sometimes a tortilla de patata. The name translates to Spanish tortilla or potato omelet,…

Pumpkin Cornbread

Classic cornbread gets a seasonal twist in this lightly sweet, spiced bread that’s delightful alongside soups, stews, poultry, and pork. Or top the warm bread with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey and enjoy with a morning cup of coffee or tea!   When I hit upon a solid recipe, one that my…

Air Fryer Polenta Fries (with oven option)

A tube of prepared polenta and simple seasonings are the key to these irresistible bites. Serve the quick and easy recipe as an appetizer or side dish and watch them disappear!    Tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, these golden bites are as irresistible as they are versatile.  Based off my Polenta…

Air Fryer Mini Peppers

No peeling, cutting, or seeding needed for these bite-size poppers. A drizzle of olive oil and dash of seasoning will transform a bag of mini bell peppers into a deliciously easy side dish or appetizer. (Oven option included.)   A bag of mini bell peppers is a staple on my weekly grocery list. These multi-colored gems…

Cilantro Lime Edamame & Black Bean Salad

Quick to prepare and brimming with zippy flavor, this colorful salad can be served as a versatile side dish or as an appetizer with tortilla chips. (We love it with Scoops!) Filling and fiber rich, leftovers make a great lunch. Essentially an elevated version of the age-old three bean salad, this recipe updates that classic with…

Grilled Chicken Wings

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, grilled wings are fuss-free and finger licking good. A choice of flavorings will satisfy every taste preference. In the early days of the quarantine, I was asked to start a recipe exchange with a group of women who were feeling cooped up and in need of…

Baked Tomato Bruschetta

Canned tomatoes work beautifully in this fresh-tasting, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to whip up any time of year.   I’ve been making these tasty bites for more than 20 years, and they still haven’t lost their luster. A simple tomato mixture (which may be prepared in advance) is scooped onto toasted baguette slices (which may…

BBQ Chicken & Rice Quesadillas

Stretch and transform leftovers into a deliciously filling meal with these family-friendly quesadillas that will be ready in a flash!   Maya (14), Gabi (12), Jalen (11), and Sophia (11) Coon are back for the latest edition of Fountain Avenue Kids, and they’re making quesadillas with an upgrade. Maya started making this meal when she battled cancer the…

Homemade Crostini

Crisp, golden crostini are easy to make and form the perfect base for a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres. Delicious for general snacking too!   The day I prepared this easy recipe for a photo shoot was “one of those days.” I woke up to no heat and a 59℉ (brrrr!!!) house. Outside temps, by…

Easy Italian Stromboli

Modeled after a favorite at a local pizza shop, this flavor-packed stromboli is easy to assemble and may be prepped in batches and frozen for later use. Perfect for game day, casual entertaining, and easy weeknight meals. Gluten-free adaptation included. After baking strombolis recently with my nieces, Evie declared them a 10½ out of 10! Grace…

Baked Havarti with Dill

A crisp, golden crust and gooey cheese are the hallmarks of this irresistible appetizer – and you won’t believe how easy it is to prepare! I have a stash of stained and tattered recipe cards (always a good sign!), which I consistently return to when I need something quick, foolproof, and guaranteed to please. Baked…

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