Cuisine: Hors d'oeuvres
Crunchy Chickpeas 3 Ways
To me, snacks are all about texture and crunch. This is a very healthy, yet satisfying snack. You could slip these in among the chicken wings at your party. I have done in 3 ways. Please note that the chickpeas I used were very small and cooked much faster than 40 minutes. Watch them carefully after 30 minutes in the oven.
By - Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Crunchy Salt & Vinegar Chickpeas
My family has always been obsessed with anything salt and vinegar flavored. These Crunchy Salt & Vinegar Chickpeas are easy to make and so good, you might want to double the recipe.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
Turkish Style Hummus
I make a lot of hummus for the kids at school. I don't think people realize how easy it is to make. I was talking with some friends (and you know who you are!) about Turkish Hummus which doesn't use tahini. This Turkish Style Hummus recipe uses Greek yogurt and plenty of fresh garlic and paprika for a tangy bite. The key to making great hummus is to peel the chickpeas. I have always known this, but never actually peeled the beans. I decided to make it properly and I have to say it does make a difference. If you want to come over, I will give you a glass of wine and you can peel my chickpeas, while I make dinner, of course!
- Prep: 20 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Rosemary Cashews
Here is a savory cocktail nibble that would satisfy a French host's needs. These Rosemary Cashews were inspired by the bar nuts served at Union Square Cafe in New York City, which is one of Ina Garten's favorite restaurants in the world. The cashews are best served warm, but you can prepare the rosemary mixture in advance.
By - Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 5 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Lemon-Chive Dipping Sauce
After eating these Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Lemon-Chive Dipping Sauce, you wonder why on earth you didn't like Brussels Sprouts as a kid! This is a snack without the guilt. You're welcome!
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Pimiento Cheese
I grew up in the midwest and one of my favorite things was Kraft Pimento Spread in a little jar that you could use for a juice glass. I loved it with Cheez-its. Yes, I know "very classy", but it's delicious and I still like it! Anyway, I decided to make "real" Pimiento Cheese spread. It's mostly popular in the south. It has a hint of spiciness. This spread is perfect for parties served as an appetizer with crackers or spread it on a sandwich, burger, etc...
- Prep: 5 mins
- Yields: Makes about 1½ cups
Parmesan Crisps
A friend of mine came over for drinks and brought these delicious Parmesan Crisps. They make a great low carb, gluten-free snack, and are also good as a topping for soups or salads. Here is the ridiculously easy recipe.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 5 mins
- Yields: Makes 8 to 10 crisps
Grilled Raisin Bread Cheese Sandwiches with Gorgonzola, Mascarpone, and Asian Pears
Last Friday night a friend of ours took us to see Elton John's final tour called 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road'. I was transported to my bedroom in 1974, lying on green shag carpeting listening to his albums - over and over and over again. At 71 years old he still has it. It was absolutely fantastic - as in Captain...
Anyway, it got me thinking about recipes he likes. Each year, the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, which is the hottest ticket in Hollywood, is catered by Chef Wayne Elias and his partner Chris Diamond, owners of Crumble Catering/Rockwell Table & Stage. Most of the menu is updated every year to keep it fresh and exciting. However, the one item they keep on the menu every year (because it's Elton's favorite) is a Grilled Raisin Bread Cheese Sandwich with Gorgonzola, Mascarpone and Asian Pears. So I, of course, made it. It's delicious.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 5 mins
- Yields: Makes 3 full sandwiches or 1 dozen hors d'ouevres
Rosemary, Almond and Parmesan Cocktail Cookies
These Rosemary, Almond and Parmesan Cocktail Cookies are from Dorie Greenspan. They are absolutely delicious and are a perfect pairing with cocktails. She brings out the flavor of the rosemary in these barely sweet cookies by rubbing the leaves with granulated sugar—a technique she learned from renowned French pastry chef Pierre Hermé.
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: Makes about 5 dozen bite-size cookies
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Honey Sriracha and Bacon
These Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Honey Sriracha and Bacon make a great healthy snack! They are a perfect mix of sweet, spicy and salty. You can serve them as a snack or a side dish.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
