Appetizers · Cooking

Vintage Cheese Ball

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… Continue reading Vintage Cheese Ball

Appetizers · Cooking · Dinner

Buffalo-Style Empanadas

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… Continue reading Buffalo-Style Empanadas

Appetizers · Cooking · Dinner

Zucchini “Crab” Cakes

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… Continue reading Zucchini “Crab” Cakes

Appetizers · Cooking · Dinner

Baked Salmon Cakes with Dijon Dill Dipping Sauce

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,… Continue reading Baked Salmon Cakes with Dijon Dill Dipping Sauce

Appetizers · Cooking

Curried Chicken Crostinis

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… Continue reading Curried Chicken Crostinis

Appetizers · Cooking

Italian Cucumber Crostinis

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… Continue reading Italian Cucumber Crostinis

Appetizers · Cooking

Perfect Party Pinwheels

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… Continue reading Perfect Party Pinwheels

Appetizers · Cooking

Mediterranean Crescent Pinwheels

I've had this kicking around my recipe box for a few months now and decided today's Star Wars Marathon was the perfect time to make it. I mean come on -- you can't tell me these don't look like Leia's spiral buns from "A New Hope"...right? The really great thing about these is that you… Continue reading Mediterranean Crescent Pinwheels

Appetizers · Cooking

Artichoke Spinach Dip

Apparently I'm in the mood for all my favorite restaurant foods. As I am dealing with somewhat of a post-Christmas deficit in my bank account and cannot go out to eat, I'm recreating them at home. Artichoke Spinach Dip is pretty much a perfect food in my opinion. If I could get away with eating… Continue reading Artichoke Spinach Dip

Appetizers · Cooking

Stuffed Mushrooms

Oh how I love mushrooms. One of my favorite appetizers is the stuffed mushrooms at Olive Garden. I know that all the cheese, butter, cheese and breadcrumbs takes away from the nutritional value of the shrooms, but I don't care. Mmmmmm delicious. Tomorrow we're having an all day Star Wars Marathon with our small group… Continue reading Stuffed Mushrooms