Sub Categories in Appetizers

Category of: Appetizers

Mexican red and green sauces

August 19, 2024

Salsa roja and salsa verde (red sauce and green sauce) are two quintessential elements of Mexican cuisine, each offering a distinct flavor profile and playing a crucial role in enhancing various dishes. Both can be made with roasted ingredients or fresh ones.  Salsa roja, translating to “red sauce,” is made with tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and garlic. Salsa verde,the green sauce is made the same way but with tomatillos and plenty of cilantro.  To make... View Article

Afternoon tea sandwiches

March 30, 2024

A small afternoon tea for three.  Do you host an afternoon tea? I have always loved the concept and if there is any place in town that offers it my friend @morethanburnttoast and I never (almost) miss it.  Needless to say it is a British custom of having tea, scones, sandwiches and pastry around 3-4pm but it has taken hold in many cultures as a social gathering event. My most memorable afternoon tea was in Paris at... View Article

Pita bread

March 22, 2024

Don’t you love having foodie friends? They are the best. Earlier this week we spent a day with Beth at @giantsheadkitchen baking pita breads and ciabatta buns. Beth (medical doctor who love to bake) has a commercial kitchen attached to her house that many restaurants would envy. Her husband has a wood working shop next to it where he creates, among more complex projects, one of a kind intricately designed cutting boards you see in the image... View Article

Mashed potatoes croquettes

March 22, 2024

If you have leftover mashed potatoes and an air fryer you can make these crispy outside, soft and cheesy inside potato croquettes.  3 cups mashed potatoes passed through a ricer to remove any lumps.3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan or pecorino.3 tablespoon chopped chives Mix ingredients with a spatula until incorporated. Roll into bite size balls. Prepare three plates, one with rice flour, one with 2 egg whites whisked with a tablespoon of water, one with seasoned bread... View Article

Roasted cherry tomatoes with bocconcini

March 22, 2024

Roasted tomatoes on the vine with bocconcini. I roasted the tomatoes in the air fryer at 400F for 3 minutes but drizzled them with olive oil first.  Add salt and pepper after they are done. Serve with bocconcini, a drizzle of balsamic and good bread.  Not sure how you feel about air fryers. I didn’t at first and gave away my first one (a few years ago) but bought one again recently and love it.... View Article

Rye bread crisps

June 8, 2021

In the previous post I suggested serving eggplant salad with bread crisps. here is an easy recipe for crispy bread that would be nice any time you need a carrier for dip, a base for a salad or just something nice to snack on.

Roasted eggplant and red pepper salad

June 8, 2021

Before Covid I started inviting friends over for a glass of wine and some bites instead of a multi course dinner. It’s easy to prepare, I can sit and enjoy the company and there isn’t much clean up to do afterwards. This does not mean they have to go home hungry. You can prepare a few salads to serve with breads, a couple of dips (hummus, tzatziki etc.) a few fruits, a nice selection of... View Article

Roasted Eggplant

May 28, 2021

Roasted whole eggplant is a beautiful dish that not too many people know about. It’s very middle Eastern and in season you’ll find it served in many restaurants. Let’s first start with how to buy an eggplant. It should be heavy (ie full of moisture), with shiny skin and few if any blemishes. Lighter eggplants are already dehydrated and not advised to buy. Once you buy it don’t let it linger in the fridge to... View Article

Mezze Party

May 28, 2021

I haven’t blogged in ages but thought I should put all my instagram recipes to the blog for ease of searching. I use the blog, at least in the past, as my own little cookbook reminding me of recipes I made and I my kids use it now and then to make things they remember from home. I believe that I have disconnected the mailing list at least temporarily now that I am doing an... View Article

Thai Vegetables Spring Rolls

January 6, 2021

I haven’t posted here in a while but was inspired today to post this recipe. I am more active on Instagram @oliveoilandlemons so feel free to check my Insta account for recent recipes. This little dish came today out of nowhere. I was in the mood for Asian flavours and decided to make some spring rolls. I didn’t have wrappers and didn’t feel like making them so made them with rice paper, which is done... View Article

Charcoal Bread Sticks

January 13, 2020

You know I like to play with my food and of late I have been interested in this charcoal idea. I made charcoal burger buns a while ago that I thought looked spectacular, but it’s not an everyday thing. I was in Toronto last week visiting our daughter and her husband who just had their first baby boy, our first grandchild. As you can imagine we are all head over heels in love with the... View Article

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with quick flatbread

December 4, 2019

Two hummus recipes in a row but that’s how it goes. One was so good I had to make one more but this time I had roasted peppers and added them to the mix. I also made a different flatbread, a very simple one with no yeast so it does not require rising time. I added a teaspoon of baking powder to lighten it up. It’s not vegan though, as I use yogurt instead of... View Article