Appetizer Recipes
Super Crunchy Oven Fried Drumsticks
Crispy, crunchy, and no fryer needed! Perfect for picnics, tailgating, kidsโ parties, family dinners, packed lunches, and more. May be served warm, cold or room temperature๏ผand 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๏ผand 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 thatโs 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”โฆor “seh-vee-chay?” When the mercury is soaring and you serve this light, refreshing dish, Iโd venture to say nobody will care how you…
Roasted Veggie โNachosโ
Roasted Veggie โNachosโ are a healthy, super satisfying spin on the typical appetizer that can beย customized to taste and enjoyed as a filling, plant-based meal.ย (Easy sheet pan prep is an added bonus!)ย 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 โ 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 โFriendsgivingโ 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 ย โ ย These tasty little bites were ranked as the favorite recipe in a recent cooking classโฆeven by those who claim not to like sweet potatoes! ย For added convenience, the poppers can be prepped in advance, covered, and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. ย 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…
