Sub Categories in Appetizers

Category of: Appetizers

Patio Snacks: Home Fries, Crudités and Mint Lemonade

July 2, 2012

On the flight to Kelowna this weekend I was of course thinking about what I may be cooking in the next few days. Kelowna is wonderful for fresh seasonal produce. There are farm-direct produce, a good size farmers market on Wednesdays and weekends with excellent local produce and countless fruit stands everywhere. Heaven for vegetarian cooks. As it happened we were invited out every day so I didn’t get to do as much cooking as... View Article

Spinach and Feta Pancakes with Creme Fraiche and Lemon Butter

June 28, 2012

The long weekend is here. Time for a leisurely brunch or dinner on the patio, weather permitting. Here is a recipe for quick spinach pancakes to make when you have fresh spinach on hand. These are good for brunch, lunch or dinner. For brunch try topping them with a poached egg and quick hollandaise. For lunch or dinner serve them with a dollop of crème fraiche or sour cream and serve with a green salad.... View Article

Fried Ravioli Appetizers with Dip

June 20, 2012

When I have company over I like to have a few appetizers set out usually on one end of the long kitchen counter (island) as my kitchen is large and central and people like to gather here. This way I don’t feel left out of the early conversation. I don’t mind if my guests watch me put together the last few touches on the upcoming dinner, although I don’t often let (or make) anyone help... View Article

Chickpea Dip (Hummus) and Olives Crostinis

June 16, 2012

A Mediterranean staple, hummus makes a lovey appetizer, snack or part of a salad selction anytime. You can make it from scratch by soaking dried chickpeas and then cooking them until soft, or you can use this quick version using canned organic chickpeas. If you cook the chickpeas from scratch be sure to add a teaspoon of baking soda to the soaking liquid. The chickpeas have a tough outer layer and the soda helps soften... View Article

White Bean Spread and Dip

April 12, 2012

Bean spread makes a lovely appetizer spooned on top of crostini, or serve it as a dip with pita wedges or thin slices of grilled bread. Leftovers, if any, are good on a sandwich or a tartine. You can use home cooked beans or open a can of organic low sodium beans. Both would work fine. If you cook beans you may as well cook more than you need and keep the extra in the... View Article

Roquefort Grapes

April 11, 2012

This is adapted from an old recipe in Martha Stewart’s Entertaining, a book that made her famous and launched me on my pre-law catering career back then. That book made me think about food in a different way. I use red grapes to make this recipe as I find that they are generally sweeter and pair better with the Roquefort. I pick the larger grapes in the bunch because they are easier to work with.... View Article

Breadsticks

April 2, 2012

Breadsticks are a fun addition to an appetizer selection. These are made without yeast and are light a crisp. You can flavour the dough with herbs or sprinkle it with exotic salts and seeds. Some suggestions: black Hawaiian salt, pink Himalayan salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds etc. Ingredients: 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon paprika optional 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 4 tablespoons olive oil... View Article

Crisp Flat Bread with Herbs

March 29, 2012

  Fine restaurants often serve a lovely bread basket that includes crisp breadsticks and flatbreads. They are very easy to make and are a nice addition to your entertaining table at home. They can be prepared a day in advance. I make this dough in a Bosch bread mixer but you can try it with a large food processor or another mixer, or, of course, it can be done by hand. Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups... View Article