Appetizers

A list of appetizers.

Spicy Tuna Avocado Towers

This spicy tuna avocado tower is a show stopper with so many possibilities. Serve as a Christmas Eve fish course, appetizer or add another layer and call it an entree. The combination of the spicy mayo mixed with sushi grade tuna, avocado and the crunchiness of the fried wontons…..hit all […]

Rustic Chicken Piccata Meatballs

A new twist on the classic chicken piccata….meatballs!!! The savory, lemon cream sauce has bright notes of lemon and pops of briny capers. Serve this dish over pasta, quinoa, or with crusty bread on the side. These also would make a tasty appetizer. Thanks for the inspiration, Cathy!! Rustic Chicken Piccata […]

Fresh Corn Salsa

Make this recipe before the season is over! All ingredients are fresh and only requires chopping. It’s made simply with sweet corn, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime, avocado and a dash of chili powder. You can pull this appetizer together quickly for a delicious appetizer. Fresh Corn Salsa and Baked Chips […]

Smashburger Tacos

Layers of crispy beef, melty cheese, delicious sauce and all your favorite toppings are folded into street size flour tortillas. A very quick sear on your griddle and these Smashburger Tacos are ready to eat. Smashburger Tacos Makes 8 1 pound ground beef, 80/20, portioned into 2-ounce balls Salt & pepper to […]

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Topped with an amazing gorgonzola slaw, these grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches are delicious and hit all those Buffalo notes!!! These sandwiches are packed with bold flavors, and are healthier and easier than their fried counterpart. How about making these into sliders for game day! Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Serves 4 4 to […]

Brie, Fig, and Apple Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is the classic comfort food and this version takes it to a new level. The creamy brie, crunchy apple slices and sweet fig jam create your knew seasonal favorite. And of course, pair this with the other classic…tomato soup. Brie, Fig and Apple Grilled Cheese Serves 2 4 slices sourdough […]

Tomato-Pimento Cheese Galette

Another simple recipe for those farm stand tomatoes! Store bought pie curst and an easy blender Pimento Cheese spread make for another delicious galette recipe. Tomato Pimento Cheese Galette 2 lb. tomatoes, cut into 1/2″ slices Store bought pie crust Pimento Cheese (recipe below) or store bought Preheat the oven […]

Ham and Cheese Danish

This delicious ham and cheese pastry was inspired by one of the favorites at Chicago’s Kasama. The flaky puff pastry balances sweet and savory flavors from the Gruyere cheese, salty ham and sweet turbinado sugar. Before you add this to your brunch buffet next weekend, drizzle with peppered honey. Ham […]

Shrimp Toast with Sweet Chili Sauce

Shrimp toast is one of those classic dishes so often seen on Chinese American restaurant menus. This irresistible combination of shrimp, green onion, and water chestnuts is mixed in a food processor, smeared over slices of bread then pan fried until soft on the top and crispy on the bottom. […]

Asparagus Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles

These Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles are an easy and elegant appetizer or brunch idea! Perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day or any other springy occasion! These buttery bundles are filled with roasted asparagus, smoked Gouda and prosciutto along with a touch of honey mustard. Fun to make and a real crowd […]

Thai Lettuce Wraps

Thai Lettuce Wraps Positively bursting with fresh flavors and textures, these Thai lettuce wraps are quick and easy to make and are low carb, low calorie and low fat. The perfect balance of sweet, savory and spiciness with aromatic herbs and the fresh crunch from lettuce. Perfect as a healthy […]

Artichoke & Olive Naan Pizza

This quick Mediterranean-Style flatbread pizza makes the perfect lunch, light dinner or appetizer. On store-bought naan bread, spread your favorite basil pesto, then add artichokes, fresh mozzarella and olives. Bake for 8-10 minutes. To serve, add pine nuts, parsley and a squeeze of lemon.   Artichoke & Olive Naan Pizza 2 plain […]

Thai Red Curry Mussels

This is a simple mussels in red curry sauce recipe. The sweet-and-spicy curry with the sweet-and-briny mussels make an irresistible pairing. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or will impress as a dinner party entree. Serve with crusty bread to sop up the spicy, delicious sauce. Thai Red Curry Mussels […]

Loaded Brisket Baked Potato and Tomatillo Jam

Leftover brisket? I love turning leftovers into another meal and making it seem like an original. Adding a savory-sweet tomatillo jam pairs perfectly with the spicy, tangy brisket. Top with sour cream and chopped chives. Serve with a side of greens. Loaded Brisket Baked Potato and Tomatillo Jam 1lb tomatillos […]

THAI CHICKEN NAAN PIZZA WITH PEANUT SAUCE, RED PEPPERS & CARROTS

Simple and unexpected. A flatbread smothered in a savory peanut sauce then topped with chicken, crunchy carrots, red peppers, mozzarella and cilantro. Ready in 25 minutes. All. THE. FLAVORS. Game time. Thai Chicken Naan Pizza with Peanut Sauce, Red Peppers and Carrots Serves 4 Peanut Sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1/4 cup peanut butter […]

Buffalo Chicken Bites with Blue Cheese Dressing

A game day favorite. This healthy-ish version of wings hits all the classic flavors minus the deep frying and bones. Simply cook the cubed chicken breast pieces in a little olive oil, then add in Franks Red Hot Sauce, butter and spices til fully coated. Serve with the usual suspects…celery […]

Beef Tenderloin Sliders

Here’s a fancy EASY appetizer to celebrate the end of 2020 and the hope of 2021. We are celebrating with beautifully rosy, fork-tender, beef tenderloin open face sliders. Simply slice the Brioche buns in half, layer a thinly sliced piece of tenderloin, top with horseradish cream and garnish with a […]

Sheet Pan Quesadilla with Jalapeño Ranch

The term “sheet pan” in the title for a recipe says one thing…it’s going to be simple! Skip the stove and save time with these oven-baked quesadillas! They’re easily customizable, so use this as a blueprint for whatever you have in your pantry or fridge. Serve with this jalapeño ranch dipping […]

Baked Chicken Taquitos

These baked taquitos are a great, easy-to-make Game Day appetizer! The taquitos are stuffed with a mixture of shredded chicken, cheese, salsa and spices. We like to serve them with sour cream, avocado, salsa, cilantro, tomatoes, and cheese! Double up and freeze for a later date. Baked Chicken Taquitos Makes 10-12 1/3 cup cream cheese […]

Ginger Sesame Chicken Meatballs

  With lots of cooking and prep work this week for the big day, here’s a quick recipe for the beginning of the week. It’s easy and better than take-out. These Asian inspired chicken meatballs, with ginger and sesame tossed in a spicy-sweet and extra sticky soy pomegranate sauce, is […]

Pan-Fried Feta with Peppered Honey

Feta is the perfect block of cheese to pan-fry. This dense salty cheese is dipped in egg, coated in Panko, then fried in lemon kissed oil to crispy perfection. The warm peppered honey is the ideal companion for this briny appetizer. Serve with summery cherry tomatoes, lemon zest and basil. […]

Marinated Artichoke Basil and White Bean Dip

White Bean Artichoke Dip is a healthy appetizer packed with fiber and protein. It requires minimal effort. White beans, artichokes, lemon juice, olive oil, cayenne pepper, basil and garlic are blended in your food processor for a creamy, tangy dip with a kick. To finish, top with fresh basil, pepitas and a […]

Acorn Squash with Garlic Butter and Burrata

  It’s peak acorn squash season. When you eat food that’s in season, you are typically eating produce that will be richer in nutrients. Like many winter squashes, acorn squash is chock full of  Vitamins A, B and C, potassium, magnesium and fiber. This little gourd can be prepared in many […]

Crab Cake Sliders

  This recipe pulls together in minutes with most of the ingredients right from your pantry. The cake is packed with sweet crab meat tossed with bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire, mayo and mustard. Drizzle these sliders with your favorite lemon aioli (see below). I’ve combined mayo, lemon and added a kick […]

Grilled Shrimp Scampi Flatbreads

A big giant YUM! Start with a basic shrimp scampi that will be drizzled over individual naan bread. Using store-bought naan makes this recipe super simple and easy to grill. It’s a great weeknight meal, but can also be served to a crowd for a weekend get together. Grilled Shrimp […]

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage

Plans for leftovers? Mine? Sweet potato gnocchi. Don’t be intimidated because this easy recipe combines a Thanksgiving staple with ingredients you already have in your pantry. Plus it can be fun cooking with those straggling relatives. The recipe allows you to play with the dough (fun). You don’t want the […]

Crostini with Pistachios, Ricotta and Olives

Crostini (mini toasts) are the ultimate party appetizer and are so versatile with an endless combination of toppings. Thanks Kathy for introducing our cooking class to this outstanding version. Every ingredient shines independently but together creates a bright and savory appetizer. The ricotta is light, fluffy and makes the perfect […]

Mini Sweet Corn Fritters

  These little gems are the ideal solution for all that seasonal corn that’s making its way to your local farmers market. Savory, sweet and a bit of a kick with a crunch with every bite. It’s an appetizer. It’s a side dish. It’s an entrée. Anyway you serve them, you are […]