Tag Archive: Appetizer

Roasted Baby vegetables with Honey Balsamic Glaze

September 26, 2013

Inspired by dinner at Xocolat – Posh Mexican Cuisine in Calgary, Alberta        We had dinner in Calgary the other day at a fabulous restaurant serving Mexican food. Don’t jump into conclusions too fast. This is not the place to go for a quick taco and refried beans under a sombrero with a Mariachi band playing Besame Mucho in the corner. As it’s name suggests Xocolat Posh Mexican Cuisine serves traditional Mexican foods but with a modern high end flare. The result is gorgeous... View Article

Cauliflower Fritters

September 16, 2013

Once in a while I make fritters. I don’t deep fry them in oil but rather cook them on a lightly oiled electric griddle, much like you would cook pancakes. They are delicious and can be served as an “entree” of a vegetarian meal, or if you make them small they are nice as an appetizer. I posted other fritters recipes a while back here and here and they generated a lot of traffic on the... View Article

Fig and Brie Crisp Bread

August 28, 2013

I am still on a bit of a roll with pizza on the grill and this crisp bread is just another form of pizza shaped into a rectangle and cut crosswise to serve with a glass of vino. This crisp bread ended up on the boat and enjoyed on a sunset sail (minus the wine, we don’t drink and sail:) on the beautiful Okanagan lake. It was just the two of us on the boat... View Article

Grilled Pizza with Mission Hill Heirloom Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Fior di Latte

August 20, 2013

I was up at the Mission Hill Winery store a while ago and bought one of their chef’s heirloom tomato jam in a jar. I finally got around to opening the jar and liked the sweet and tangy, honeyed flavour. I can think of a few ways to use it but today it is going to top a quick pizza I am making on the grill in my outdoor kitchen. I didn’t make the dough... View Article

Potato and Leek Pizza with Rosemary and Creme Fraiche

July 16, 2013

What? Potatoes and pizza? I am in. I have had a few potato pizzas here and there, the most memorable one at the exquisite Crazyweed in Canmore a while back. At Crazyweed they call theirs Bella Pizza and it has pesto, rosemary-crusted potatoes, mushrooms, charred onion and parmesan. It’s not the most common combination for pizza topping but a delicious and satisfying one just the same. If you are a foodie you look for new... View Article

Fava beans and Peas Crostini

July 9, 2013

I have written about fava beans here so I will not repeat the information except to say that Fava beans are a special summer treat that requires a little work. Not only you have to remove the beans out of their comfortable, cushiony pod, but you also need to pop each individual bean out of its protective waxy shell. But , you have done more difficult things and I assure you your effort will be... View Article

Flatbread with Tomato and Mozzarella

July 1, 2013

I made this flatbread with whole wheat pizza dough I had lingering in the fridge for a couple of days. I was looking for pizza”esque” appetizer to serve with a glass of wine and thought the longer, rectangular shape would be good as it can be cut into strips that are easy to serve and eat. I made three flatbreads with three different toppings, each so good and deserving of its own post. Watch for upcoming... View Article

Pizza with Fresh Figs, Brie and Honey Drizzle

September 25, 2012

Pizza is one of the signature dishes in my kitchen. I love to make it, eat it and serve it. On weekends I always have pizza dough in the fridge, ready to be stretched, rolled and made into an impromptu snack or main course. Sometimes I buy fresh pizza dough from Mercato or Lina’s and keep it in the fridge for a quick pizza but mostly I like to make my own dough. I cook... View Article

Roasted Smashed Baby Potatoes with Brie and Ancho Chili Jam

September 20, 2012

I am not entertaining too much lately but still, have been in the mood for making all kinds of little appetizers. Why do we have to make these just for guests? When my kids say not to fuss, it’s “just” them, I always tell them that they are the most important audience I have. Whatever you do, it has to start at home first. So I have made a few things to be posted in... View Article

Avocado Fritters – Four Ways

September 18, 2012

On a recent trip to the Mayan Riviera I had a fried avocado salad at one of the large hotels on the beach. It was quite special and I made it a few times since I got home. Today I had a couple of beautiful, ripe yet firm avocados and I thought I’d make these lovely fritters and serve them as tacos in corn tortillas for a quick lunch. I have also stuffed them into... View Article

Stick It!

July 6, 2012

Not to be rude or anything but “stick it” in culinary terms is not so bad. I tend to “stick” foods on skewers for presentation, grilling, and ease of serving. Why not? I am fairly adventurous and like the unexpected. Don’t these fruits look more special on a stick then on a plate? I made them this morning, expecting a couple of friends to drop by our place at the end of their morning walk... 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