Appetizer Recipes
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…
Maryland Crab Cakes
Crisp edges with no fryer? Prep-ahead convenience AND classic crab cake flavor? This recipe covers all those bases with ease, making it ideal for entertaining yet easy enough for a special meal on a busy weeknight. We have some die-hard crab fans in our family. The perfect summer evening could very well involve sitting out…
Spiced Glazed Nuts & Pretzel Mix
Sweet and spicy mingle with salty and crunchy in this crowd-pleasing cocktail snack that doubles as a convenient hostess or holiday gift. Want to add a gourmet touch to your next batch of chocolate chip cookies – or brownies or caramels for that matter? Dust the surface with the faintest bit of flaky sea…
Stuffing Balls
Clever, portion-controlled, and a surefire hit on a holiday table or alongside poultry and pork dishes throughout the year. Stuffing balls are easy to make for any size crowd and offer prep-ahead convenience. The term “Friendsgiving” first entered my lexicon the November after I graduated from college, when my friend Megan organized a small army…
