Appetizer Recipes
Easiest Vegan Zucchini Fritters
Inexpensive, easy-to-make fritters start with two base ingredients and make an endlessly customizable, protein-rich side or vegan entree. Two main ingredients get you started with these healthy fritters, and then you can experiment with all sorts of combinations. Adding to the appeal, the easy-to-make recipe will pull double duty as a crowd-pleasing side or vegan…
Cowboy Caviar
A make-ahead recipe with a cheeky name, this bean-based dip, commonly served with tortilla chips, is equally delicious as a salad or salsa. Perfect for family meals and casual entertaining, Cowboy Caviar is always a hit! Some may be wondering. What exactly is cowboy caviar? To clarify, there are no fish eggs in cowboy…
Porcupine Meatballs
The silly name becomes apparent when these tender meatballs are pulled from the oven. For a satisfying entree portion, we like to make jumbo meatballs, but you may roll them smaller if preferred. Meatballs are classic comfort food, for sure. These quirky meatballs, however, have the ability to truly satisfy while stimulating some light-hearted…
Easy One Avocado Guacamole
A dollop of guacamole adds a little something special to so many meals, and it’s a heart-healthy snack, too. But sometimes you don’t need a big batch, or perhaps you only have one avocado. This speedy recipe is for those times and more! Fun fact: avocados are also known as alligator pears, and less…
How to roll sushi
Successful sushi rolling is easy with these step-by-step instructions. Fun for date nights, girls nights, slumber parties & ringing in the new year. Instructions include how to make the best spicy tuna and sriracha mayo along with tips and shortcuts for creating your own favorite rolls. Midway through a busy month, rolling your own sushi may seem…
Sesame Soy Meatballs
These party-perfect meatballs are saucy, tender and bursting with irresistible Asian flavor. The bite-size option is ideal as an appetizer while the standard-size can be served over rice for a crowd-pleasing entree. Prep-ahead tips offer built-in convenience. Reviewing a cookbook is a task I always enjoy. As I scan the pages, I can often sense…
Super Crunchy Oven Fried Drumsticks
Crispy, crunchy, and no fryer needed! Perfect for picnics, tailgating, kids’ parties, family dinners, packed lunches, and more. May be served warm, cold or room temperature－and note the helpful advance prep tips. There’s something so satisfying about biting into a crunchy piece of fried chicken. (As I type, my mouth is literally watering at the…
Green Goddess White Bean & Artichoke Dip (great as a sandwich spread, too)
Protein-rich and loaded with fresh flavor, this versatile dip tastes equally fabulous in a sandwich or wrap. Think of it as an easy alternative to hummus－and don’t miss the short list of creative ways to enjoy it! Inspiration for this recipe came from a Better Homes & Gardens magazine I was flipping through on a…
Easy Fermented (or Fresh) Garden Salsa
Who knew how easy it is to make flavorful homemade salsa that’s full of gut-healthy probiotics? No special skills or equipment are needed, and unlike other fermented foods, salsa takes only a few days to ferment.🍅 Does the idea of fermenting food sound daunting? Did you ever think to ferment salsa? (And why would…
Cheater Shrimp Ceviche (no raw seafood!)
A wholesome and refreshing appetizer or light meal, this easy-to-make Shrimp Ceviche recipe incorporates a blend of citrus to hit all the right flavor notes…and no raw seafood! Is it “se-vish” or “se-vish-ay”…or “seh-vee-chay?” When the mercury is soaring and you serve this light, refreshing dish, I’d venture to say nobody will care how you…
Roasted Veggie “Nachos”
Roasted Veggie “Nachos” are a healthy, super satisfying spin on the typical appetizer that can be customized to taste and enjoyed as a filling, plant-based meal. (Easy sheet pan prep is an added bonus!) We all know that diet and exercise go hand in hand. If we want to reach or maintain our fitness goals, we…
Cilantro Lime Hummus (tahini-free)
This nourishing, easy-to-make hummus redefines the classic dip by shaking up the usual ingredients and adding south-of-the-border flavor. No need to purchase tahini for this recipe either. My first order of business is to thank longtime reader Mary Lou for this fabulous hummus recipe. She shared it with me several years ago, and why…
