Appetizer Recipes

Rosemary Roasted Cashews

Rosemary, salt, and a hint of heat makes these easy-to-prepare nuts a snacking favorite. A jarful provides a welcome gift, too!         When I visit my parents in the weeks leading up to Christmas, my eyes always scan their kitchen counter for a large, red canister. I keep my fingers crossed that…

Party Salmon

Enjoy hot out of the oven for an easy weeknight meal or serve at room temperature for a delightful addition to any buffet table. For a delicious breakfast or brunch, serve in place of lox with an assortment of bagels, cream cheese, chopped hard-boiled egg, capers, minced red onion, and thinly sliced cucumber. Party Salmon…

Roasted Beet Hummus

Serve this gorgeous show-stopper as a make-ahead appetizer, a satisfying snack, or as a base for an anything-but-boring lunch.   When I first laid eyes upon this colorful sister of the traditional middle eastern dip, I was smitten by its vibrant ruby hue. Thanks to the addition of a humble root vegetable, the color is…

Peach Ginger Shrimp Kabobs

Pantry and refrigerator staples come together with ease to create tender, flavorful shrimp that are easy enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for company. For a great meal at a moment’s notice, keep a bag of frozen shrimp on hand.   I first shared this twist on my Apricot Ginger Shrimp in a Susquehanna…

Shortcut Soft Pretzels

Roll these clever pretzels into letters and spell out names for special occasions or twist them into the traditional shape. Either way, they’re a fun project and a crowd-pleasing snack!     Throughout all my years of being a mom, I can say with 100% certainty that my favorite gifts have been homemade. A handcrafted…

Classic Guacamole

The best guacamole keeps it simple: ripe avocados plus a short list of flavorful add-ins in just the right amounts. Perfect as a dip, in tacos, on sandwiches, burrito bowls, and more.   I tend to tuck recipes away and wait for what I hope will be just the right occasion for my readers. This…

Roasted Asparagus with Egg and Prosciutto

When paired with a protein-rich egg, these slender green spears form the basis of a satisfyingly simple meal with “French country” appeal!         Years ago, I marveled at the description of a meal with two basic ingredients: eggs and asparagus. The simple combination was described as very “French country.” I envisioned ambling up to a…

Christian’s Corn Flake Nachos

This quirky snack is quick, easy, and shockingly delicious. You wouldn’t think the flakes would stay crisp, but they really do!   For the latest edition of Fountain Avenue Kids, my younger son, Christian, steps behind the camera to demonstrate the after-school snack he has made for himself countless times over the years. It’s a great recipe…

Pimento Cheese Spread

This cheddar-based dip is just the right balance of cheesy, peppery, and tangy and can be enjoyed in so many ways. A Southern classic! Last weekend, my in-laws celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage with a family trip to The Greenbriar in West Virginia. Their three children along with spouses, significant others and eight grandchildren…

Mango Pineapple Salsa

Sweet and savory with a hint of heat, this vibrant salsa adds flavorful appeal to fish, chicken, shrimp, tacos, pork, and grilled meats of all kinds. The origin of a recipe can be quite interesting. In 2015, my friend Justine asked if I would create an orange recipe to shine a light on something near…

3-Ingredient Pizzadillas

A short list of ingredients yields delicious results in this speedy, hand-held recipe that’s easy to make and fun to eat. A delightful accompaniment to soups and salads, pizzadillas are great game-day fare, too!         Thirty minute meals are convenient, but sometimes we need to crank out some seriously fast–or just plain fun–food.…

Maple Tamari Roasted Almonds and Cashews

These tasty little bites are a sweet-and-savory spin on my classic recipe for Tamari Almonds.  People often use tamari as a gluten-free option to soy sauce, but after reading the label of the bottle of tamari I had in my cupboard–and seeing wheat as an ingredient–I did a little more investigating. By way of The Kitchn, I found…

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