Cuisine: appetizers
Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon
These Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon are one of my favorite hors d'oeuvres. I love the sweetness of the dates with the saltiness of the bacon which all come together with the tangy goat cheese. I assemble them earlier in the day ready for the oven later.
By - Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Ikra, Eggplant Spread
Ikra is a Ukranian vegetable spread that's made of roasted eggplant, bell peppers, onions, carrots, and garlic. I had it at a restaurant recently and decided to make my own. This deliciously healthy spread can be served with sliced bread, pita chips or would work well with a charcuterie board.
- Prep: 35 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Hot Corn Dip
This Hot Corn Dip is from Celebrate with Babs, by Barbara Costello, 2022. I have to say, it didn't last long, it's so good. You can make it ahead and put it in the oven before serving. I divided it into 2 separate casserole dishes, which worked well.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 35 mins
- Yields: 10 - 12 Servings
Fried Cheese Wedges with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
I will admit that I happen to love Laughing Cow Cheese. I made Fried Cheese Wedges with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning and it was a revelation. Dip them in flour, egg, seasoning, and fry. Serve with crackers.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Cheesy Pickle Chips
I made these Cheesy Pickle Chips and my family went crazy. It's so quick and easy to make and it's a Keto recipe. You just put some grated cheese in a muffin tin, put a pickle on the cheese, sprinkle with ranch seasoning (you could use your favorite season), top with more cheese, and bake for 10 minutes. As Ina would say, how easy is that!
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Pistachios
These Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Pistachios is one of Evan Kleiman's signature appetizers. She recommends using Cypress Grove Purple Haze fresh goat cheese with a hint of lavender and fennel pollen. The tart tangy cheese pairs really well with the sweetness of the dates.
- Prep: 15 mins
Blistered Shishito Peppers with Soy-Ginger Sauce
Shishito peppers have become a popular appetizer. They are mostly mild, but about one out of ten are spicy, which adds an element of surprise. The person that gets the spicy one will have good luck! The other interesting aspect of this dish is when you add the bonito flakes (dried fish flakes) on top before serving they move and dance from the heat of the peppers.
Arancini
I have never been a fan of leftovers. However, I do like to turn leftovers into a completely new dish. These Arancini are a perfect example.
Arancini are the epitome of southern Italian street food. They are stuffed with mozzarella, dredged in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. They are great as hors d'oeuvres dipped or served on a bed of lettuce as a light lunch.
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: Makes about 12 balls
Cranberry Rosemary Cheese Spread
This jewel-studded Cranberry Rosemary Cheese Spread is a delicious combination of flavors. It even has dried apricots in it. It would actually be delicious on a toasted bagel.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Yields: 6 - 8 Servings
Italian Orange Slices
Our friend Melanie taught us this method of making Italian Orange Slices. They are simple and yet are incredibly delicious. We happen to have an orange tree in our backyard that is bursting with fruit. You can also add sliced red onions, olives, oregano, or fresh basil, which is more like the Sicilian recipe.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Yields: 2 Servings
