Appetizer Recipes
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…
Sweet Potato Chicken (or Turkey) Poppers
Sweet Potato Chicken (or Turkey) Poppers – These tasty little bites were ranked as the favorite recipe in a recent cooking class…even by those who claim not to like sweet potatoes! For added convenience, the poppers can be prepped in advance, covered, and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. On some…
Avocado Tomato Salsa
Keep this super simple salsa recipe in your back pocket all year round to add flavor and flare to chicken, fish, beans, salads, eggs, and in place of guacamole in your favorite south-of-the-border fare. Perfect as a dip with tortilla chips, too! My family always enjoys something saucy on grilled meats, and the following…
Honey Lime Shrimp with Avocado & Corn
Effortless to pull together with a gourmet feel, Honey Lime Shrimp with Avocado & Corn is a go-to entertaining option yet easy enough for busy weeknights. Light and healthy too! Nestled in the fragrant woods near a crystal clear lake in the Poconos lies the home away from home to which my in-laws have long…
Super Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce
The flavor of this lusciously Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce is matched only by its versatility…so much so that it might just become your new favorite condiment! Move over guacamole! Ok, I’m joking. Good guac is hard to knock. This versatile, super creamy avocado lime sauce, however, has the power to transform even the simplest…
Crispy Buffalo Wings
Perfectly caramelized and loaded with flavor, this homemade recipe will rival your favorite restaurant wings－and a simple trick guarantees extra crispy skin! (Baked, not fried with convenient advance prep) It’s likely no surprise that Super Bowl Sunday is the busiest pizza takeout day of the year. Pizza is consistently ranked as one of the…
Baked Socca
Enjoy this protein-rich recipe as a nutritious alternative to bread alongside soups, salads, and pastas. Or pair it with roasted veggies for a surprisingly satisfying meatless main dish. What is a socca, you may be wondering? That’s a very good question! Soccas are essentially savory pancakes or flatbreads originating from the south of France.…
Roasted Feta with Honey
A dear friend called this delicious appetizer easy but “showy,” and it’s a perfect description! As the New Year approaches, it’s natural to ponder our hopes and dreams and to consider the multitude of resolutions we could make (and possibly break) in the months ahead. It’s also a good time to look back…
Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp with Basil
Prep these tasty bites in advance for an appetizer or entree that’s equal parts easy and delicious – with just three main ingredients! If you ask a group of children what their favorite season is, you’ll likely hear a chorus of “Summer!” amidst a few shrieks of “Winter!” No school and frequent dips in the pool…
