Appetizer Recipes
Fennel Salad
Mix up your salad routine with this fresh, crisp combination of fennel, apples, celery, arugula, nuts, and cheese that’s always a surprise hit! As the first recipe with fennel on this site, I debated the details of this salad long and hard. Of course, some may be wondering: why did it take 14 years to…
Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts
Inspired by the iconic New York City restaurant, these rosemary-infused nuts are lightly spiced, perfectly salted, and completely irresistible. Snack on them anytime, or enjoy as a pre-dinner nibble with your drink of choice. The first time I ate at the famed Union Square Café years ago, we started our meal with the bar nuts.…
Thanksgiving Turkey Fruit Kabobs
Looking for a fun and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread? This show-stopping centerpiece is a perfect way to balance out those rich holiday dishes and the kids will love helping you make it too! When my oldest child started preschool, each parent was responsible for bringing a Thanksgiving dish to a class party the…
Thanksgiving Turkey Charcuterie
There’s no better way to kick off your Thanksgiving feast than with a show-stopping appetizer, and this turkey-shaped charcuterie board is equal parts adorable and delicious! It goes without saying that the main event at Thanksgiving is the food. Sounds great in theory, but as a host, it can be stressful to get this very…
Roasted Baby Eggplants
With their caramelized exterior and velvety insides, these bite-size eggplants are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Serve with marinara for an especially irresistible side dish. Midsummer through the first frost is the ideal time for eggplant, and the baby varieties offer a little something special where this edible berry is concerned. Though commonly used as, and therefore considered,…
Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Dip
Traditional tomato bruschetta is reinvented as a dip for a fresh, flavorful appetizer that tastes like summer at its best! This summery dip began as an easy appetizer after a day at the beach in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. We’d buy tomatoes at the farmers market just down the road－Clinton Conover Farms. (As an interesting…
The BEST Salsa Recipes
Zesty, fresh, spicy, or sweet, there’s a salsa out there for any occasion and you can’t go wrong with any of these time-tested recipes! Tomatoes may be the most popular salsa ingredient, and for good reason, but there’s a long list of other ingredients that are equally versatile and can be used to add memorable…
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…
