Category Archives: Appetizers

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

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My poor kids have been in a lunchtime rut for a while now. All I ever make them is turkey and peanut butter sandwiches. No, not together. Turkey for the girl. Peanut butter for the boy. My son always asks for “peanut butter…(yelling) and JAM!”. Apparently he’s unclear if I remember from the previous 200 sandwiches I’ve made him  that I  know he likes jam. One of the few things he likes better is pizza. So today I broke free from the mid-day doldrums and made them these easy little pizza rolls. Not the healthiest of lunches, but I had all the ingredients in my fridge and needed to use them up. Continue reading →

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Caprese Salad

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This is the easiest and most elegant appetizer to whip together ever. People go nuts over it, but it’s amazingly simple to prepare. I made this for my son’s third birthday. It was Cars themed and my husband said I should make something with tomatoes and put a sign next to it that said “Tow Mater”. He cracks me up. Pretty sure he thought I was going to just throw some cherry tomatoes in a bowl or something, but I decided to do this instead. Continue reading →

Greatest Chicken Salad Ever

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Everyone should have a favorite go-to chicken salad recipe. If you don’t, use this one. It’s the greatest in the world. I thought I’d posted this ages ago, but when my sister went looking for it there was nary a chicken salad recipe to be found.  So here it is.  Depending on how I’m feeling, I sometimes add a dollop of Dijon to this recipe as well. When making it for a large crowd, I do the whole thing and add the almonds last. Then I separate half of the recipe out and don’t put nuts in it. You know, to be kind to the anti-nut or allergy oppressed people.  This stuff is great served on sandwiches, crackers, open-faced as a crostini or just piled on a big bed of spinach or lettuce. You can use it for appetizers at a party, a nice tea sandwich or for a light summer dinner! Enjoy! Continue reading →

Vintage Cheese Ball

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For some reason, I associate cheese balls with the 60′s. Not that I was around then. But I just picture people hanging out, having cocktails and noshing on crackers and cheese…shaped like a ball. Anyway, I decided to make one for our Mom’s Day BBQ with the family. It is a quick easy and absolutely delicious appetizer sure to please a crowd. Totally groovy baby. Pay attention to the amount of ranch dressing mix. Any more than an ounce package and your cheese will be too salty. Also, it’s best to let this ball sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to all jive. You’re gonna be so jazzed when you taste this! It’s outta sight! Continue reading →

Buffalo-Style Empanadas

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Empanadas originated in Spain and eventually made their way around the world in various forms. The name comes from the verb empanar meaning to wrap in bread. Some countries fill the dough with meat, some with sweet fillings or vegetables. I decided to combine the standard fare of the midwest (BBQ) with the Spanish tradition of empanadas. Mmmmm. Tasty. I know, it’s not really a traditional Mexican food. But for many years I’ve made enchiladas or tacos on Cinco de Mayo and today I wanted a little something different.
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Zucchini “Crab” Cakes

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I made these delightful “crab” cakes for my kids tonight so that my hubby and I could have Baked Salmon Cakes without worrying about my daughter’s seafood allergy. Worked like a charm. Our dinner looked enough like theirs that there was no arguing or whining, and my 4 & 2-year-old chowed down on these cakes made of (gasp!) a vegetable. I think they actually thought it was cake. Or at least the name fooled them into eating enough that they realized it was good. My husband actually couldn’t decide which of the cakes he liked better. I agree, these fake crab cakes were almost as good as the real deal. These would be great as appetizers as well, just shape into smaller patties. Continue reading →

Baked Salmon Cakes with Dijon Dill Dipping Sauce

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I’ve been in the mood for salmon recently. It is incredibly troubling to me that my daughter is allergic to my most favorite seafood. As much as I love salmon, I’m not over the moon about the idea of having to cook two separate meals so Madison has something to eat while I enjoy moist, flaky fish. So, I rarely eat it anymore. I have a bag of salmon burger patties in my freezer so that when we grill burgers I can just throw a special one on for myself – but somehow, I change my mind and want beef once I smell it barbecuing. Go figure. This recipe allowed me to use up some of those salmon patties (or you could use canned salmon) in a delightful salmon cake that I baked in the oven until it was crispy and golden. I served it up with a speedy Dijon Dill Dipping Sauce and, for the kids also made a batch of Zucchini “Crab” Cakes. Ok, yes…I ate one of those too. You could make smaller appetizer sized patties that would be a great starter. Or make 4 main course sized cakes like I did tonight. With some mashed potatoes and fresh veggies – they make a wonderful light meal. Continue reading →

Curried Chicken Crostinis

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I first made these a few years ago for my sister-in-law’s baby shower. The were a huge hit, but somehow the recipe got buried in my mass of kitchen paper and was forgotten until I was searching for tea sandwich ideas. Voila! Perfect! The curry is very subtle, even folks who claim not to like curry gobble these babies up. You can add chopped blanched almonds or pecans to this chicken salad if you like – but keep in mind your guests. I have a couple “anti-nut” people in my life, so I steer clear of adding them to dishes. Aren’t I nice?

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Italian Cucumber Crostinis

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I first enjoyed these little appetizers at my cousin Shannon’s house. Crostinis are perfect for a tea time delight because they fit neatly on a small plate and require no utensils. These are quick and delicious. Certainly not your mother’s cucumber tea sandwich. I mixed the cream cheese and seasoning packet together and let it sit in the fridge overnight to really blend the flavors. Anytime I’m mixing two things together, I like them to have a chance to get to know each other. The fridge is totally a food night club.
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Perfect Party Pinwheels

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These pinwheels are easy, delicious and totally adaptable to your tastes. I’ve made them with various cheeses, veggies and even put ham or turkey in them occasionally. You can also use spinach, tomato or herb tortillas for a festive platter. Make them the night before and let the flavors blend overnight in the fridge. Slice and enjoy! Perfect! Continue reading →