Appetizer Recipes
Grilled Chicken Wings
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, grilled wings are fuss-free and finger licking good. A choice of flavorings will satisfy every taste preference. In the early days of the quarantine, I was asked to start a recipe exchange with a group of women who were feeling cooped up and in need of…
Baked Tomato Bruschetta
Canned tomatoes work beautifully in this fresh-tasting, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to whip up any time of year. I’ve been making these tasty bites for more than 20 years, and they still haven’t lost their luster. A simple tomato mixture (which may be prepared in advance) is scooped onto toasted baguette slices (which may…
BBQ Chicken & Rice Quesadillas
Stretch and transform leftovers into a deliciously filling meal with these family-friendly quesadillas that will be ready in a flash! Maya (14), Gabi (12), Jalen (11), and Sophia (11) Coon are back for the latest edition of Fountain Avenue Kids, and they’re making quesadillas with an upgrade. Maya started making this meal when she battled cancer the…
Homemade Crostini
Crisp, golden crostini are easy to make and form the perfect base for a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres. Delicious for general snacking too! The day I prepared this easy recipe for a photo shoot was “one of those days.” I woke up to no heat and a 59℉ (brrrr!!!) house. Outside temps, by…
Easy Italian Stromboli
Modeled after a favorite at a local pizza shop, this flavor-packed stromboli is easy to assemble and may be prepped in batches and frozen for later use. Perfect for game day, casual entertaining, and easy weeknight meals. Gluten-free adaptation included. After baking strombolis recently with my nieces, Evie declared them a 10½ out of 10! Grace…
Baked Havarti with Dill
A crisp, golden crust and gooey cheese are the hallmarks of this irresistible appetizer – and you won’t believe how easy it is to prepare! I have a stash of stained and tattered recipe cards (always a good sign!), which I consistently return to when I need something quick, foolproof, and guaranteed to please. Baked…
Baked Artichoke Dip
Loaded with artichokes and elevated with a trifecta of cheeses, party-perfect Baked Artichoke Dip is creamy, crusty, salty, and tangy–and it can be prepared in advance! Two Christmas Eves ago, when holiday celebrations of all kinds were canceled because of the pandemic, my sister-in-law, Melissa, prepared this dip for family and friends. She baked multiple…
Sushi Stacks
Layered with shrimp, cucumber, avocado, and rice, and then drizzled with spicy mayo, these easy sushi stacks are fun to make and will satisfy your sushi craving! To say I am excited about today’s recipe is an understatement. It’s a fun family favorite for sure, but it’s also the first in my new kids cooking video…
Easiest Steamed Edamame
The flavor-packed pop of perfectly cooked edamame is easy to achieve with a simple technique – in about 5 minutes. A crowd-pleasing appetizer, for sure, but the quick prep makes them a convenient side dish and snack as well. A bag or two of edamame is a freezer standby in our house. Often enjoyed…
Shrimp Salsa or Salad
Serve this colorful salad as a light yet filling entree or scoop it up with tortilla chips for a unique appetizer. Either way, the pop of flavor and ease of preparation is bound to make it a keeper. I first made this recipe when seeking an appetizer that felt fresh and exciting. Served as…
Beer Boiled Peel & Eat Shrimp
Beer Boiled Peel & Eat Shrimp bring the fun factor to dinner, and if you keep a bag of shrimp in your freezer, you can have this festive meal anytime — in about five minutes! Peel and eat shrimp and cold beer are a popular pairing, but cooking the shrimp in the beer produces an…
Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo ball soup may be new to you, or it could be an old favorite you haven’t had in a while. Either way, I’m excited to introduce you to an adaptation of my family’s recipe. Besides the use of duck fat – which makes for an extra scrumptious matzo ball – this classic take on…
