Tag Archives: Appetizers

Zucchini Pizzas

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Stay with me. I know the title of this recipe sounds a little odd. But I promise, these are delicious. Sort of like a deep-fried zucchini meets a pepperoni pizza. In one delicious mouthful. Not much goes better with a lazy Sunday watching football than pizza. Unfortunately, I’ve already way surpassed my quota for slices eaten this season. So, I set out to make myself something to munch that would be hearty and filling with the flavors of pizza and none of the guilt. Zucchini pizzas were born. These little babies are delicious and a mostly healthy alternative to cheese drenched bread on game day.

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Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Chips

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I was trying to sort thru some old photos on my computer today when I came across a few I didn’t even remember taking. Also, about 20,000 pictures of my kids. Wow. It’s a wonder they aren’t blind from all the flash bulbs going off in their faces. I apparently took pictures of food well before I decided to start a blog as there were a random recipe photos sprinkled throughout the birthday parties, first days of school and family holiday get-togethers. It’s no wonder. The food at events has always been almost as important to me as the people. Almost. I made this fruit salsa when I hosted a baby-shower for my sister-in-law. I remember it was awesome. And that in the midst of all the other deliciousness I made that day, the salsa and chips disappeared the fastest. Maybe because the day Anna chose for her party ended up being about 100°. Which might not be unreasonably hot in your neck-of-the-woods, but Seattleites are sure they’ve gone to Hades when it’s that warm outside. This salsa is bursting with cool-off fruity goodness. Paired with the sweet crunchy cinnamon chips, it is incredible.
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Crack Bread

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I’ve seen this “recipe” so many times on Pinterest, I just had to give it a try. It is not elegant. It is not classy. You should not serve this to impress your husband’s boss. This is as far from diet food as you can possibly get. Not good for you at all. I could feel my arteries seizing up as I ate it. But I could not stop. Need bread? And cheese? Think all things are better with bacon? And butter? Yeah…I told you it wasn’t good for you. When you are ready to kick that New Year’s resolution to the curb, this is the thing to help you along.
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Shortbread Tarts

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These delectable morsels are perfect for just about any occasion. Elegant enough for a bridal or baby shower and bite sized for an appetizer heavy party. You can make large quantities of them easily and highlight any of the best fruits of whatever season you’re in. I went with raspberries because I don’t think there’s anything that pairs quite as nicely with a bright tart lemon creme than a fresh sweet raspberry. The buttery rich shortbread crust makes the silky lemon creme filling sing! They are beautiful on a platter and delightful to eat as well. Continue reading →

Spanakopita (Spinach Triangles)

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My husband says I move 20% faster than a normal person. He says it’s how I get so much done every day. Also, why I trip over toys constantly and frequently stub my toes on corners, door jams, chair legs, table legs and other people’s feet. Usually I consider my super speed a blessing. Not so much when working with phyllo dough. It is a little tricky, very thin and requires careful methodical preparation. Which is probably why I’ve never used it much. I know my limitations. Slow and steady is most certainly not a strength of mine. For this traditional Greek appetizer, I was willing to give it my best shot. The payoff of flaky, crisp triangles bursting with melty cheesy spinach was totally worth it the effort.
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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 →

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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