Appetizers

Onion Dip

Of course, everyone has had onion dip made with Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix. In the early 1950s a recipe for California Dip, combining this product with sour cream, became the rage. This classic dip is still popular today. Here is a recipe from scratch.  You could even use 1/2 fat cream cheese and sour cream […]

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  March 1, 2013   No comments

Pork & Vegetable Lumpia

In the past 2 weeks, I have received a case of citrus fruit, South African chutney sauce and a large bag of Lumpia from my friend Chris! What did I do to deserve all this bounty?! Lumpia is a traditional Filipino dish. It is the Filipino version of egg rolls. It can be served as […]

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  February 11, 2013   2 comments

Asian Spiced Chicken Wings

This is the new / used once crockpot I got for Christmas.  Thanks Dad and Noriko!  I made these wonderful chicken wings in it last week and forgot to take a picture.  They are perfect for a game day party and really easy. Asian Spiced Chicken Wings Serves 15-20 3 lbs chicken wings 1 cup […]

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  January 2, 2013   No comments

Tomato, Basil & Tortellini

Here’s a super easy hors d’oeuvres for your holiday party. All you do is skewer Baby tomatoes, basil and cooked, chilled cheese tortellini on a toothpick. I also do this with mozzarella balls instead of tortellini. You then drizzle the whole thing with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Finish with sea salt and freshly ground […]

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  December 20, 2012   1 comment

Mushroom Tarts with Cheese and Brandy

My catering business is always very slow in the summer, which is fine with me – too hot to cook.  Once fall hits, it’s another story.  I have back to back parties, brunches, dinners…..  I always have to test new hors d’oeuvres.  This one fits the bill. Mushroom Tarts with Cheese and Brandy Makes 24 […]

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  October 18, 2012   No comments

Tillamook Vintage White Cheese Fondue

My husband teaches a class at the Annenberg School at USC. The University Club at USC just moved into a different building and opened last week. One of the appetizers they serve at the bar is soft pretzels with a cheese fonduta. I found this recipe from Tillamook (my favorite domestic cheddar).  This recipe uses […]

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  October 12, 2012   4 comments

Crab Rangoon

My friend Sharon, who lives in Brisbane Australia, asked me to post my recipe for crab rangoon.  I remember making these for a party years ago.  You can buy ready made chili sauce (my favorite is Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce) or make you own (below). Crab Rangoon Makes 50 3 – 8 oz packs softened cream […]

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  October 10, 2012   3 comments

Lemony Greek Yogurt Dip

              Serve this tart dip with pita chips and any combination of your favorite vegetables.  It would be really good with Crisp Kale Chips. Lemony Greek Yogurt Dip 1 cup plain Fage Greek Yogurt 1 tsp lemon zest 2 Tbs lemon juice 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp ground cumin […]

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  August 22, 2012   No comments

Edamame on the Grill

Edamame on the Grill – Who knew? I love eating edamame as a snack with drinks before a meal.  There is something so satisfying about them.  Who knew you could make the on the grill?! Edamame packs a powerful punch when it comes to nutritional content. It is high in phytoestrogens, a natural plant estrogen. […]

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  August 21, 2012   No comments

Amuse-Gueules au Roquefort (Roquefort Cheese Balls)

Happy 102nd Birthday! There are many wonderful tips in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  Here are two that I love.  Y0u should heed these rules, unless you would like to be vague beef-buyer!  Raise a glass and toast the woman that changed the course of cooking in America. Overcooking A cardinal point in the […]

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  August 15, 2012   1 comment