Appetizer Recipes

Grilled Sausage Bites 

Crisp, golden, grilled sausage bites may just be the easiest appetizer with the most crowd appeal! Who knew something so easy could be such a hit?  Smoked sausages are an excellent choice for a backyard barbecue or any casual get-together with friends and family. Perfect hot off the grill, the sausages are equally exquisite served…

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Worthy of your favorite steakhouse, this speedy sauce enhances beef tenderloin, prime rib, grilled sausages, roast beef sandwiches, and so much more. Before I address the merits of this versatile sauce, I thought it would be fun to briefly discuss the heat aspect of horseradish…which is, by the way, a root vegetable in the mustard…

Pepper Jack Tomato Soup

Bright tomato flavor is balanced by a hint of creaminess and mild kick in this takeoff of a restaurant favorite. Easy to make and especially tasty with the optional toppings.  Those who live in the South Central, Pennsylvania area may be familiar with the pepper jack tomato soup at Isaac’s, a small chain of restaurants…

How to Prepare King Crab Legs

Learn the best way to cook tender, juicy king crab legs for fun and festive meals any time of year. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, birthday celebrations, and “just because” special dinners.  If you want to make a statement, king crab legs will do it. The massive crustaceans, which are caught in the…

Jeweled Salad

This stunning salad adds fresh flavor and visual appeal to weeknight dinners and holiday meals alike. And while the recipe is delightful as is, there are many ways to customize depending on what you like and have on hand.  Any meal can benefit from the crisp crunch and visual appeal of a good salad. Perhaps…

Jack’s Favorite Bloody Mary

A pitcher-full of outstanding Bloody Marys is easy to make and infinitely tastier than store-bought mixes. Bloody Maria, Dirty Mary, and Virgin Mary variations are included and are customizable by the glass. For added fun, offer a make-your-own garnish station! An olive loaded Bloody Mary with a crisp stalk of celery and a generous amount…

Pickle Sushi

With just three basic ingredients (and no raw fish!) pickle sushi makes a delicious snack, appetizer, or lunch box addition. A fun kitchen project for kids too! When teaching kids cooking classes, I’ve found it helpful to start with recipes that are easy to pull off but offer a little wow factor. My goal is…

Small Batch Refrigerator Pickles

Quick Pickled Vegetables are easy to make with almost any vegetable and are a practical way to use the odds and ends in your crisper drawer. The tangy, crisp bites are great for snacking and will elevate salads, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, burgers, burrito-type bowls, stir fries, and more.  Pickling can be a very simple process.…

Vietnamese-Style Cabbage and Chicken Salad

Shredded chicken and cabbage form the base of this crisp, Vietnamese-inspired dish, which is bursting with flavor, texture, and wholesome appeal. Great for meal prep and entertaining. In the mood for a salad that satisfies like a heartier meal? This is your recipe! Shredded chicken and cabbage form the base of this crisp, Vietnamese-inspired dish,…

Perfectly Grilled Shrimp

The simplest of seasonings pair with a clever technique to deliver flavor-packed shrimp that are perfectly seared on the outside and tender and juicy inside. We learn from our mistakes as the saying goes. Though the result of what I gleaned from the following kitchen blunder may not lead to profound, worldly change, it will…

Restaurant Style Salsa

The very best salsa can be made in 10 minutes and will rival your favorite restaurant and store-bought salsa.   Ten minutes is all you need to make the most incredible salsa, which will outshine your favorite store-bought jar. The best part is that you can control the thickness and level of spice, effectively achieving…

Super Bowl Nachos

Super Bowl Nachos are the gold standard of nachos and include two types of chips for maximum crunch. Loaded with flavorful toppings, these nachos are game day perfection and hearty enough to be an occasional meal. The meat mixture makes great tacos and taco salads too!   Nachos have always held a special place in my younger son…

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