Browsed by
Category: Appetizers & Snacks

Charred Corn Guacamole with Chips

Charred Corn Guacamole with Chips

2 ears corn
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
1 serrano chile, finely chopped
1 red onion finely diced
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Blue, yellow and white corn chips, as accompaniment

Remove the outer husk from the corn and loosen the silks without removing. Dunk into water and place directly onto a hot grill for 15 minutes. Remove from grill. Remove remaining husks and silks and cut the kernels off of the cob. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Serve with fried blue, yellow and white corn chips.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Tomi’s Smoke-A-Dilly Salmon

Tomi’s Smoke-A-Dilly Salmon

½ lb Smoked Salmon

8 oz light or fat free cream cheese

2 T. Smart Balance Mayo

2 T. Tillamook Fat Free Sour Cream

1-2 T.  Fresh Horseradish – creamed

1 Large Lemon – the juice and zest the rind

1 tsp.  Dill

1   small bunch of green onions/chives, finely chopped

A few shakes of Louisiana Hot Sauce or tobacco – can be omitted, but tastes so good, not spicy!*

A couple grinds of pepper

A pinch of salt

A pinch of paprika

 

Flake the salmon, set aside. In food processor/blender add remaining ingredients and blend well. Mix the salmon with the spread and Viola! Like Tuna fish salad but better…with salmon, and zippy! OR:  Throw it all in the food processor and it’s a zippy smoked salmon dip!

 

Yields: 8 servings

Calories: 77

Fat: 3

Fiber: 0g

Parmesan Triangles

Parmesan Triangles

1 T. olive oil

1 T. water

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

25 wonton wrappers, cut in half to form triangles

2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray coating. Set aside. In a small bowl, stir together the oil, water, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Set the wonton wrappers on the baking sheet in a single layer. With your fingers, spread the oil mixture over the wonton triangles. (If the mixture begins to separate, stir again.) Sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes until the triangles have crisped.  Cool in pan on a wire rack, or serve warm. Triangles will keep for up to a week in an airtight container.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Carrot and Cheese Muffins

Carrot and Cheese Muffins

¾ C. Self-Rising Flour

¼ tsp. Baking Soda

Pinch Salt

Pinch Paprika

1/3 C. grated Cheddar

1/3 C. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for topping

2 T. Milk

2 T. Canola Oil

¼ C. plain Yogurt

1 T. Maple Syrup

1 Egg

1 Medium Carrot, finely grated

1 tsp. snipped Chives (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 350.  Line mini muffin pan with 18 paper cups or standard muffin pan with 6 cups.  Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, paprika and cheeses together in a bowl.  Beat milk, oil, yogurt, maple syrup and egg together in another bowl.  Stir wet mixture into dry mixture, just enough to combine, then stir in carrot and chives.  Fill muffin cups almost to the top.  Sprinkle on a little extra parmesan cheese.  Bake mini muffins 14-16 minutes or regular muffins 25-30 minutes.  Muffins should rise and turn golden brown.  Remove from oven and cool 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

From Top 100 Finger Foods

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Crispy Cheese Stars

Crispy Cheese Stars

Crispy Cheese StarsFlour tortillas

Sliced cheese (cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella)

Chili powder or paprika

2 Star Cookie Cutters, in graduated size

 

Heat the oven to 350°. Use the larger cookie cutter to cut out stars from flour tortillas (about 5 per 10-inch tortilla). It’s easy for kids to do if you use a rolling pin to roll back and forth over the cutter. Bake the stars on a foil-covered cookie sheet for 5 minutes.  Use the smaller cookie cutter to cut out an equal number of cheese stars from the sliced cheese and place them atop the tortilla ones. Bake the stars for 2 more minutes or so until the cheese melts.  Sprinkle the stars with chili powder or paprika and let them cool before serving.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Cheese & Pesto Spread

Cheese & Pesto Spread

Two_Cheese_Pesto_Spread8oz. Cream Cheese

4 1/2oz. Brie Cheese

1 C. Firmly Packard Basil Leaves

1/2 C. Firmly Packed Parsley Springs

1/2 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese

1/4 C. Pine Nuts (or Walnuts or Almonds)

2 Cloves Garlic, quartered

1/4 C. Olive Oil

1/2 C. Whipping Cream

Crackers or Slices of French Bread

 

Soften Cream and Brie Cheese.  For pesto combine basil and parsley, Parmesan cheese, nuts, garlic and 2 tsp. Oil oil in blender.  Blend with on and off turns until paste forms.  Gradually add remaining oil, blending on low speed until smooth.  Beat cream cheese and Brie together till nearly smooth.  Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form.  Fold whipped cream into cheese mixture.  Line a 4 C. Mold with plastic wrap.  Spread 1/4 of cheese mixture into mold.  Top with 1/3 Pesto mix. Repeat layers.  Top with Cheese mixture.  Chill 6-24 hours.  To serve, unmold on plate.  Remove plastic wrap.  Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

 

Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix

Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix

Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix

 

2/3 C. sugar (white, granulated)

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

9 C. Chex Cereal

1/2 C. salted butter

1 C. packed brown sugar

1/4 C. corn syrup

1/4 tsp. baking soda

 

Preheat oven to 350. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment, and spray with nonstick baking spray, or brush/rub with butter. Combine white sugar & cinnamon in a small bowl, and set aside. Pour cereal into a large, heat-safe bowl, and set aside. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup until the mixture comes to a boil, and let boil for one minute, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat, and stir in baking soda. Pour hot butter/sugar/soda mixture over cereal and stir until cereal is coated. Spread cereal on prepared baking sheet & sprinkle evenly with cinnamon/sugar mixture

Place into hot oven and bake for about 5 minutes, then flip and bake for 3 more minutes, until cereal turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely, then break up and store in an airtight container

Portobello “Toast” with Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts

Portobello “Toast” with Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts

Portobello “Toast” with Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts

 

2 portobello mushrooms

Drizzle of olive oil

Salt and black pepper

1 1/2 ounces goat cheese

1 T. pine nuts

1 handful snipped chives

 

Preheat the broiler. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, drizzle with the oil, and season with a pinch of salt and plenty of pepper. Broil for 3 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the broiler, top with the cheese, and sprinkle with the pine nuts. Return to the broiler for 2 minutes more. Remove from the broiler and sprinkle on the chives.

 

Yield: 1 serving

Calories: 150

Everything Lox Lunch

Everything Lox Lunch

Everything Lox Lunch

If I learned one thing in fifteen years as a New Yorker, it’s that bagels and lox are always the answer to a crowd descending on your tiny space. I am an everything on my bagel kind of girl: crème fraîche, lox, red onions, capers, chives—give me all the toppings. For company, or even your own family, put out a platter of the freshest bagels you can get (smaller, not larger, are usually better). Then be lavish with topping options.

 

BAGELS: Plan on one bagel per person. Include a variety; sesame and poppy seed seem to always go first, so buy extra. Skip the blueberry.

 

SOMETHING CREAMY’: Cream cheese is great, and crème fraîche is even better—it’s easier to spread one-handed. Opt for plain, and let the toppings shine.

 

SMOKED FISH: Cured lox or gravlax should be moist looking, and beautifully sliced, with plump flesh. Hot-smoked salmon and any other smoked fish you can get your hands on belong, too. We love ultra-smoky trout and tender smoked whitefish with its shimmery golden skin. Lay them on a platter with a small fork for self-service.

 

TOMATOES: Even pale, off-season tomatoes work in this spread, but if you can, opt for small heirlooms (less juicy than their meatier counterparts) or medium size brown tomatoes like Kumato. Slice them thin, and salt them.

 

ONIONS: Even if you don’t love them yourself, onions are a must. Go for thinly sliced red onions, raw or pickled.

 

CAPERS: The ultimate lox garnish, capers and caper berries add signature tang. Tiny capers or sliced caper berries can be slipped under layers of lox to stay put.

 

DILL: Any fresh herbs make this spread more gorgeous, but dill will shine for its delicate flavor.

 

 

 

Parmesan Puffs

Parmesan Puffs

2 lg. Egg whites
1 C. Freshly grated Parmesan
A Pinch Cayenne
Vegetable Oil for deep-frying

Put whites in a large bowl and let stand at room temperature 15 minutes. With an electric mixer beat whites until they hold stiff peaks and with a metal spoon thoroughly fold in Parmesan and cayenne. Roll mixture into about twenty 3/4-inch balls. In a 3-quart heavy kettle heat 1 inch oil to 375° F. Working in batches, fry balls, turning them, until golden, about 2 minutes, transferring to paper towels to drain. Serve Parmesan puffs warm as an accompaniment to soup or as an hors d’oeuvre.

Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Blue Cheese, and Pecans

Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Blue Cheese, and Pecans

2 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 C. crumbled blue cheese

2 T. coarsely chopped pecans

4 slices bread, crusty, firm-textured, cut about 3/4-inch thick

2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved

2 large Florida tomatos, sliced about 1/8-inch thick

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Chopped fresh basil or dried basil, for garnish

In a small bowl, mash the cheeses together with a fork, leaving the mixture somewhat chunky.  Mix in the pecans. Preheat the broiler.  Arrange the bread on a small baking sheet and broil the slices for about a minute on each side, just until golden.  Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.  Rub one side of each piece of bread with garlic.  Spread some of the cheese mixture over each slice and arrange 2 or 3 overlapping tomato slices on top.  Pepper the tomatoes lightly, then garnish with basil and serve.

Honey Pecan Stuffed Snow Peas

Honey Pecan Stuffed Snow Peas

Honey Pecan Stuffed Snow Peas

 

1 c. pecans, chopped fine

2 T. butter, melted

1/4-1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

4 tsp. honey mustard

2 tsp. brown sugar

salt to taste

dash of cayenne pepper to taste

50-75 snow peas

 

You can either roast the pecans in the oven or microwave until lightly golden brown. I use the microwave and use a small baking stone. Put the melted butter with the pecan pieces and sprinkle with the salt and cayenne pepper. In microwave they will need about 2 minutes, in oven at 300° about 5-10 minutes. Blanch the snow peas in boiling water for about 20 seconds. Drain and rinse in cold water and then put in ice water for a couple of minutes to stop cooking process. Lay out on paper towels to dry. Using a small paring knife, snip the end off and remove strings. Use the tip of the knife to slit the pods open. Be careful not to tear the pods. Mix the cream cheese, honey mustard, brown sugar, salt and cayenne together in your electric mixer bowl. Beat until creamy and you have no lumps. Put this mixture in a decorating bag and pipe a small amount in each pea pod. You do now want them full of the cheese mixture because I think it is just too much cream cheese and you want to leave room for the nuts. When you are finishing piping about 10-20 of your peas, sprinkle some of the roasted pecans onto the cheese mixture and give them a little press. You can start lining these up on your serving dish. When you have finished filling all of them and have them on your tray, cover with plastic wrap until serving.

Oopsie Bread (Low Carb)

Oopsie Bread (Low Carb)

Oopsie Bread (Low Carb)

 

Nonstick cooking spray

3 large eggs

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

3 oz cream cheese, softened

1/8 teaspoon salt

 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick spray.  Separate the eggs, making sure no yolk gets into the whites and placing the whites in a clean, non-greasy bowl. Using a clean, non-greasy electric whisk, whip the egg whites and the cream of tartar until stiff. In a separate bowl, whisk together the yolks, cream cheese and salt, until smooth. Using a spatula, carefully fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture, working in batches. Work by placing a mound of egg whites on top of the yolk mixture, then gently fold the yolk mixture from under and over the egg whites, rotating the bowl, again and again until the mixture is incorporated. You want to use the folding technique because you want to keep the air bubbles intact in the egg whites. Spoon 6 large mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently press with a spatula on the top of each mound to flatten just slightly. Bake about 30 minutes, until golden-brown. Cool a couple of minutes on the cookie sheet, then gently transfer the oopsie rolls to a wire rack to cool completely. Oopsie rolls are best eaten on the day they are made. They do not store well.

 

 

Calories: 91.3

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

 

16-20 dates

8-10 strips of bacon

4 ounces of soft goat cheese

 

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. With a paring knife, make a small cut in each date without slicing the entire thing all the way through (you just want to leave enough room to add goat cheese to the inside). If there are pits, remove them. Use a small spoon to fill each date with goat cheese. Cut each piece of bacon in half (width-wise) and wrap each stuffed date with half a piece of bacon. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the bacon is cooked all the way through and starting to get crispy around the edges. Serve hot and enjoy!

Brave Horse Tavern’s Deviled Eggs

Brave Horse Tavern’s Deviled Eggs

Brave Horse Tavern’s Deviled Eggs

Pickled Garlic

 

1 C. Water

2/3 Apple Cider Vinegar

½ C. Sugar

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Mustard Seeds

1 Bay Leaf

1 C. chopped Green Garlic NOTE: If you can’t find green garlic, substitute a head’s worth of peeled garlic cloves, and thinly slice the garlic before adding it to the top of each egg.

 

Deviled Eggs

 

6 eggs

4 thick slices smoked bacon

3 tablespoons sour cream

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon sambal or other spicy Asian chile sauce

¼ teaspoon Tabasco or other hot pepper sauce

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

¼ cup diced pasilla or poblano peppers

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

 

Make the pickled garlic: Bring the water, vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, and bay leaf to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely. Add the garlic, simmer for 5 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat and let cool to room temperature. (The garlic can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, in its pickling liquid, until needed.) Make the deviled eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. When the water boils, remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes. Drain the eggs, let cool in a bowl of ice water, and peel. Meanwhile, cook the bacon over medium heat in a large saucepan until crisp, about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat for the egg filling, and set aside. (Yes, you can eat a piece. The chef accounted for this.)

4- Cut the eggs in half lengthwise, transferring the yolks to a medium bowl and the whites to a serving platter. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, sambal, Tabasco, chives, and ix/2 teaspoons of the bacon grease. Finely chop the bacon and add about three-quarters of it to the yolk mixture. Just before serving, pile the yolk mixture into the egg whites. Top each egg with some of the leftover bacon, pasilla peppers, parsley, and a few pieces of pickled green garlic and serve.

Birdseed Muffins

Birdseed Muffins

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sunflower seed

1/2 cup rolled oats

2 tablespoons wheat germ

1/4 cup millet

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1 tablespoon flax seeds

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

4 ounces of butter

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1/4 cup mild-flavored honey. such as clover

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

 

For the topping:

2 tablespoons millet

2 tablespoons flax seeds

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

 

Pre-heat the oven to 325F. Spread all the top 6 ingredients in rows on a baking pan, and toast for 6-8 minutes. Allow to cool. Turn the oven up to 350F. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the sunflower seeds, wheat germ, flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Process until the seeds have the consistency of the flours. Add the rest of the toasted grains and the poppy seeds, pulsing on and off a few times, just to combine. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add one egg at a time, mixing well between each addition. Add the honey and mix well. Add the flour mixture and the buttermilk in 3:2 additions, mixing only until incorporated, scraping the bottom of the bowl after each addition. To prepare the topping: mix the four seeds together. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon on the topping into the bottom of each paper lined muffin cup. Fill the cups completely to the rim and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the topping over the surface of each muffin. Bake for about 25 minutes, until firm and golden. I made 24 mini muffins and 8 regular muffins.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Crispy Onion Bhajis

Crispy Onion Bhajis

Crispy Onion Bhajis

 

2 white onions, sliced or spiralized using the flat noodle blade

3/4 cup | 105 grams gram flour/chickpea flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 green chili, , deseeded and finely chopped

2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro

1 teaspoon lemon juice

5-6 tablespoons water

coconut oil for frying

 

Place the flour, baking powder, salt, cumin, turmeric, chili, cilantro, and lemon juice in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add in the water. Once you’ve got a thick batter, add the onions slices and stir to coat with the batter. I find this step is easiest if you just mix with your hands. Heat a large wok on the stove top on a medium heat and melt enough coconut oil so that you’ve got about a half inch layer of oil. Carefully drop tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil cooking about 3-4 bhajis at a time. Fry for about a minute on each side and then flip the bhajis to get the other side until golden. Remove each bhaji with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain the excess oil. Continue until all of you batter in gone. Serve these hot on their own or with a cucumber mint raita and enjoy!

Brandied Cheese Spread

Brandied Cheese Spread

1/4 tsp. instant coffee granules
1 T. hot water
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 C. sugar
2 T. sour cream
2 T. brandy
1 (2-ounce) package slivered almonds, toasted and chopped

Dissolve coffee granules in hot water in large mixing bowl. Add cream cheese and next three ingredients; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Stir in almonds. Spoon mixture into an airtight container, and refrigerate up to 1 week. Yield 1 1/2 C.. Serve with gingersnaps or sliced apples and pears.

Los Pickles de Yucatán

Los Pickles de Yucatán

Los Pickles

Pickled Radishes

 

2 bunches small radishes (about 24), trimmed and quartered (2 cups) ¥2 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 5 to 6 limes)

1 tablespoon kosher salt

 

Pickled Greens

 

1 bunch beet greens or mustard greens, thoroughly washed and stemmed

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 cup white vinegar

1/3 cup water

 

Put the greens in a medium bowl, sprinkle with the sugar and salt, toss, and let wilt for 30 minutes.

Drain the greens and transfer to a 1-pint canning jar. Combine the vinegar and water and pour over the greens, making sure they are completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.

 

Pickled Nopales

 

2 nopales (cactus paddles)

1/2 habanero

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup white vinegar

 

Carefully remove the thorns from the nopales by skimming the surface with a chef s knife in the same direction as the thorns. Cut off the woody stems and discard. Cut the cactus into 1-inch cubes, put in a 1-pint canning jar, and add the remaining ingredients. Let sit for at least 4 hours before using. (Note: The pickles and brine will have a rather slimy texture—this is normal with nopales.)

 

Pickled Habaneros with Chile Pequm

 

2 cups habaneros, left whole

1 tablespoon pequm chiles

1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted in a small dry skillet until fragrant

1 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon kosher salt

Let sit, refrigerated, for 2 days before serving.

 

 

Pickled White Onions

 

1 white onion, thinly sliced on a mandoline or with a sharp knife

1 cup white vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

 

 

Pickled Red Onions

 

1 red onion, thinly sliced on a mandoline or with a sharp knife

1 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon kosher salt

 

 

Pickled Spring Onions

 

8 spring onions, trimmed and halved, bulbs separated and stalks trimmed to 3-incli lengths

3 habaneros (left whole)

1 cup white vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

 

Pickled Red Bell Peppers

 

1 large or 2 small red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and cut into long strips

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup white vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

 

 

Pickled Sandia

 

3 cups water

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 cups 1-inch squares peeled watermelon rind (a little red is okay)

1 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

 

Bring water to boil in a medium saucepan and add 1 tablespoon of the salt. Add the watermelon rind, cover, reduce the heat so that the water is at a low boil, and cook for about 30 minutes, until the watermelon rind is soft. Drain the rind and let cool. Combine the vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Put the rind in a 1-pint canning jar and add the pickle solution. Let sit for at least 3 hours before using.

 

 

Pickled Pina

 

1/3 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 3 4-inch-thick rounds

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4cup honey

Pinch of kosher salt, plus 1 teaspoon

1 dried arbol chile

1/2 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon allspice berries

1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

1 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

 

Prepare a hot fire in a grill. Toss the pineapple with the olive oil and honey in a medium bowl and season with a generous pinch of salt. Grill over high heat, turning once, until marked by the grill and cooked through, about 1 minute per side. Let cool, then cut into wedges. Set aside.  Toast the chile, cinnamon, allspice, and peppercorns in a dry cast-iron skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Set aside. Heat the vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring, until the sugar and salt dissolve. Put the pineapple in a 1-pint canning jar and add the toasted chiles and spices. Add the pickle solution. Let sit for at least 3 hours before using.

Asian Ostrich Satay with Sesame Seeds on Skewers

Asian Ostrich Satay with Sesame Seeds on Skewers

1/3 C. of soy sauce

2 tsp Asian sesame oil

2 tsp minced gingerroot

2 large garlic cloves, finely minced

2 tsp. rice vinegar

1-2 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. freshly ground white pepper

1 1/2 T. lightly toasted sesame seeds

1 pound ostrich filet, partially frozen for easy slicing

Fresh cilantro sprigs (optional)

 

Mix together soy sauce, oil, and gingerroot. Garlic, vinegar, sugar, pepper, and sesame seeds. Slice meat on diagonal 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and add to soy mixture. Toss well to coat all the slices and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.  Prepare grill. Thread meat on skewers. Place skewers on grill rack, not touching each other. Grill over medium-hot to hot coals, basting once or twice with marinade, until meat is lightly browned, about 2 minutes on each side. Cook rare to medium-rare. Do not overcook. Arrange on a clean serving plate and garnish with cilantro. May want to use Southeast peanut sauce for dipping.

Bacon and Ranch Cheeseball

Bacon and Ranch Cheeseball

Bacon and Ranch Cheeseball

2 (8-ounce) packages of low-fat cream cheese, softened

1 package ranch dressing mix

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

5 to 7 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

¼ C. Green Onions or 1/3 C. Chives, optional

 

Mix all of the ingredients except V2 cup cheddar cheese together with a mixer until they are incorporated. Mold into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap to store. When ready to serve, roll the cheese ball in the remaining k2 cup cheese to coat. Serve with assorted crackers. Makes 1 ball, enough to serve 8 as an appetizer.

Red Pepper and Feta Amuse-Bouche

Red Pepper and Feta Amuse-Bouche

Red Pepper and Feta Amuse-Bouche

2 large red bell peppers

1–2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3–4 ounces feta cheese, thinly sliced

 

Cut about {1/2} inch from the tip and tail of the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise and then cut each half into thirds or quarters, making relatively flat slices. Warm the oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the peppers and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes on each side. This long, slow cooking allows the sugars in the peppers to caramelize. Try not to let the peppers burn or even brown too much. If they start to brown or stick, reduce the heat and add more oil if necessary. Flipping them periodically also helps slow the cooking process. When they are done, the peppers should be cooked just enough to be soft and sweet throughout, but al dente enough to hold their shape. Transfer the pepper slices to a plate and toss with the garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Don’t use too much salt, as the feta is salty. Arrange the peppers faceup on the plate, placing any bits of parsley and garlic left on the plate onto the pepper slices. Top each pepper with a thin slice of feta. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Applesauce on a Stick

Applesauce on a Stick

1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

3 medium apples unpeeled cored and cut up

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup dark raisins

1 tablespoon sugar or to taste

Popsicle sticks

 

Process apples, juice, cinnamon and raisins in blender or food processor until smooth; add sugar to taste. It will taste less sweet when frozen. Spoon into 3-4 ounce paper or plastic cups or frozen sucker molds. Place in freezer. When partially frozen, insert a stick in each cup and finish freezing.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Apple Smiles

Apple Smiles

1 red apple

1/4 to 1/3 C. soft cheese, Tillamook® Cheese spread or peanut butter

jicama (about 32 1⁄2 inch cubes)

Using two slices of apple, spread cheese or peanut butter on one side of each apple slice. Place four jicama cubes on the cheese side. Put the other apple slice, cheese side down, on top of the jicama cubes. The peelings should both face the same way, making the lips. The jicama cubes are the teeth.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Annabel’s Chicken Croquettes

Annabel’s Chicken Croquettes

3 C. fresh Bread Crumbs, from white bread, crusts removed

4 ½ tsp. Milk

1 C. grated Carrots

1 C. grated Zucchini

2 T. Canola Oil, for frying

1 medium Onion, finely chopped

1 clove Garlic, minced

7 oz. Ground Chicken

1 tsp. dried Oregano

1 T. Catsup

1 ½ tsp. Maple Syrup

1 tsp. Soy Sauce

½ tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

½ tsp. Balsamic Vinegar

½ tsp. Sugar

Salt & Pepper, to taste

 

¼ C. Flour

1 Egg

3-4 T. Canola Oil, for frying

 

Put a heaping cup of bread crumbs into a bowl and add milk; let soak 20 minutes.  Put remaining crumbs on a plate and set aside for coating later.  Squeeze as much water from the carrots and zucchini as you can.  Heat a little canola oil in frying pan and sauté onion for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, then add carrot and zucchini, stirring for 5 minutes, over low heat.  Remove to a plate and cool.  Mix together the soaked bread, chicken, cooked vegetables and remaining croquette ingredients, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.  For coating, spread flour on a plate.  Beat egg in small bowl.  Using floured hands, form mixture into patties, coat in flour, dip in egg, then coat with remaining bread crumbs.  Heat oil in frying pan and cook croquettes, turning occasionally, for 12 minutes, or until golden brown.  Drain on paper towels.

From Top 100 Finger Foods

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Animal Face Pizzas

Animal Face Pizzas

8 ounces or 1 cup strong plain flour

2 teaspoons fast action dried yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons oil

5 fluid ounces or 3 quarters cup water

 

1 shallot, finely chopped, 25g

1/2 small leek, thinly sliced, 15g

1 small carrot, peeled and grated, 40g

1/4 zucchini, grated

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small clove garlic, crushed

3 tablespoons tomato puree

2 tablespoons tomato ketchup

1 14 ounce tin chopped tomatoes

1 1/2 teaspoon sugar

 

3  ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced

small bunch of basil leaves, chopped

6 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated

2 cups mature cheddar cheese, grated

Extra Toppings for Decoration

 

ham

sweet pepper

mushrooms

pepperoni

sweetcorn

olives

 

First make the dough. Put the flour, yeast and salt into a bowl and pour in the oil and water. Stir with a wooden spoon and then use your hands to mix everything together. Sprinkle a little extra flour over a clean work surface, then knead the dough for about 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively you can knead in an electric mixer using a dough hook for 3 to 4 minutes. Oil a large bowl, pop in the dough and cover with clingy plastic warp. Leave in a warm place for about one and a half hours or until the dough has doubled in size. To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil in a large saucepan and sauté the vegetables for 8-10 minutes, until soft but not colored. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Transfer to a blender, add the tomato paste, ketchup, tomatoes and sugar and whiz until smooth. Return to the pan and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper and allow to cool slightly. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Once you think the dough has risen you can test to see if it is ready. Poke holes in the dough and if the holes remain, its ready. Punch down with your fists and place on a floured surface. Knead the dough again for a couple of minutes. Divide the dough into 12 or 6 balls. Roll out using a rolling pin until about the thickness of a coin to 3.5 inches or 7 inch circles. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. For extra crispy bases, preheat a baking sheet until hot and put the pizzas on the hot baking sheets. Spread the pizza sauce over each of the pizza bases. Arrange some sliced tomatoes and basil over the top. Sprinkle over the cheeses and season with salt and pepper. Cook in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Once the pizza is cooked you can use your favorite toppings to decorate the pizzas with faces. Variation: You could use split toasted English Muffins as bases for the pizzas if you don’t have time to make your own dough. Simply preheat the grill to high. Toast the base of the muffin halves. Turn them over, then spread 1 tbsp of sauce on each cut surface. Scatter over the cheese and let the children design a face on their pizza made of vegetables. Grill for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

 

From The Fussy Eaters’ Recipe Book

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Flatbread with Nigella Seeds

Flatbread with Nigella Seeds

Flatbread with Nigella Seeds

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons instant yeast

2 tablespoons sea salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 cup Nigella seeds

Melted butter or margarine

 

Combine flour, oil, yeast, salt, and sugar in your food processor. Mix ingredients on a low speed, adding in a cup or so of room temperature water as you mix. You want the dough to be mixed thoroughly and to be a little tacky to the touch. If your dough seems too dry, add more water. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour. Transfer your dough from the food processor onto a flat, floured surface. Form dough into a ball, place in a mixing bowl covered in plastic wrap, and let rise for 1-2 hours. Divide your now risen dough into six more balls of 1/4-inch thickness. Let each ball of dough rise for 20 minutes or so; each should puff up slightly. Roll each into a flat disc shape and sprinkle with Nigella seeds. Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Spread your pita onto lightly oiled cookies sheets {or use a pizza stone if you have one}. Bake until bread is slightly brown on one side, flip and brown on the other. This should take between 6-10 minutes only. Brush with melted butter and serve immediately or store in wax paper until you are ready to serve.

After School Baked Pita Chips

After School Baked Pita Chips

1/3 C. EVOO

1 clove Garlic, finely minced

6 6” Pitas

Salt

Preheat oven to 350.  Combine oil and garlic in small bowl and brush onto pitas.  Arrange in single layer on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. If desired, add seasoning from list below.  Bake until pitas are as crisp as you like them, 5 to 7 minutes.  They will crisp up further as they cool.  Cut each pita into 6 triangles and serve.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan Cheese + Oregano + Garlic Powder

Za’Atar Mix

Cumin + Garlic Powder

Coriander + Cayenne

Oregano + Chili Powder

Chili Powder + Garlic Powder

Sansho Spice Blend (Japanese 7 spice) + cayenne + garlic powder

Any other dried herb, spice, or blend that sounds appealing

 

 

from Mom 100 Cookbook

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

Chunky Pizza Dip

Chunky Pizza Dip

 

2 T. olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 (14.5 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes

1/4 C. tomato paste

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

 

Heat oil and garlic in a large saucepan or Dutch oven until garlic starts to sizzle and turn golden. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, basil and oregano; bring to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, until sauce is thick enough for dipping, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.  Put a portion of dip in a small lidded container. Add favorite dippers, such as multicolored bell pepper strips, celery, small breadsticks, mozzarella sticks and pepperoni slices.

Taco Cheese Swirls

Taco Cheese Swirls

 

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 cup cold hard butter, cut up

3/4 cup milk

1 T. water

2 T. taco seasoning mix (stir before measuring!)

1 cup grated Cheddar cheese

 

Combine first 3 ingredients in medium bowl. Cut in margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in centre. Slowly add milk to well, stirring with fork until soft dough forms. (I just do it all in the stand mixer on low.) Turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead 6 times. Roll out or press into 10 inch square. Brush top of dough with water. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over water, leaving 1 1/2 inch edge on 1 side. Sprinkle cheese evenly over taco seasoning. Roll up dough, jelly roll-style, toward unsprinkled edge. Press seam against roll to seal. Place, seam-side down, on cutting board. Cut into 10 – 12 equal slices. Arrange, cut-side down, about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheet (best: silpat liner.) Bake in 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes until golden. Freezes well.  Serve with salsa and sour cream. We like to just toss the rolls in a container and snack on them while we’re out and about. They’re simple, easy, and yummy!

Freakish Frog with Fly

Freakish Frog with Fly

2 thick apple slices

1 slice of green pear or apple (tongue)

peanut or nut butter

sunflower seeds

raisins

dried fruit (eyes)

 

Use peanut or nut butter to “glue” both apple slices together to shape a mouth. Poke sunflower seeds into frog’s mouth for teeth. Place a green pear or apple slice in mouth for the tongue. Use peanut or nut butter to “glue” dried fruit pieces to form bugged eyes. Flies: Stick sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds, or almond slivers into raisins to form wings. Place fly on frog’s tongue.

 

British Sage & Fennel Sausage Rolls

British Sage & Fennel Sausage Rolls

British Sage & Fennel Sausage Rolls

1 1/2 lb. ground pork (85% meat, 15% fat) (680g)

2 tsp. fennel seeds, lightly crushed

1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1 tsp. ground sage

1 tsp. dried thyme leaves

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

For the Pastry

1.3 lb rough puff pastry or puff pastry (600g)

1 large egg, beaten

 

Place the ground pork in a large mixing bowl and add the spices.  Mix with a fork until well combined.  Don’t mix any longer than necessary, or the meat mixture will get tough. Cut two large pieces of plastic wrap and lay them flat on the counter.  Divide the meat mixture between the two pieces, then shape them into logs.  Make sure each log is well wrapped in the plastic wrap. Chill the logs in the fridge while you get the pastry ready. Preheat the oven to 400 F.  Line an 11 by 17-inch rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat a fork until well blended. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s just a bit longer than the meat logs (roughly 10×18 inches).  Cut the rectangle in half lengthwise. Unwrap the meat logs, then lay them on top of the pastry rectangles. Brush one long side of the pastry rectangle with beaten egg, then roll the pastry tightly over the sausage so the pastry overlaps.  Pinch the seam closed, then place the roll seam side down. Place both logs on a small parchment-lined cookie sheet and brush them all over with beaten egg.  Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes or in the fridge for 30 minutes to harden the pastry.  This is an important step; don’t skip it. Slice the roll into about 12 pieces and place the sausage rolls about an inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake at 400 F for 35-40 minutes, until the pastry is well browned and the meat is cooked.  Test the meat’s temperature by stacking two or three sausage rolls and sticking a meat thermometer through the center of the rolls.  The temperature should be 160 F. Immediately transfer the sausage rolls to a wire rack to cool a little.  Serve warm with HP sauce or English mustard.

Roasted Grapes with Thyme, Fresh Ricotta & Grilled Bread

Roasted Grapes with Thyme, Fresh Ricotta & Grilled Bread

Roasted Grapes with Thyme, Fresh Ricotta & Grilled Bread

grapes

olive oil

kosher salt

fresh thyme sprigs

good rustic bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces

olive oil

fresh ricotta, preferably homemade

 

Preheat oven to 450ºF. Spread grapes onto a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. Lay thyme leaves over top. Toss all together gently with your hands. Place pan in the oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until grapes just begin to burst. I prefer the shorter roasting time — it’s nice when some of the grapes remain intact. Meanwhile, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush the bread with olive oil. Grill until nice and toasty. Assemble the open-faced sandwiches: Spread fresh ricotta over bread. Top with roasted grapes. Discard thyme sprigs. (While the thyme sprigs look pretty, it’s a little impractical to serve the sandwiches with the sprigs…they don’t taste so yummy.)

Mini Tomato Tarts

Mini Tomato Tarts

Mini Tomato Tarts

2 T. unsalted butter

1 T. olive oil

1/2 onion sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

2 sheets puff pastry thawed according to package instructions

1 large egg plus 1 tsp. water beaten

2 large tomatoes thinly sliced

1/2 C. pepperjack cheese shredded

Fresh parsley and herbs

 

Melt butter and olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions to pan, season with salt and pepper and cook, continuing to stir, until tender and golden brown (this process takes a while- up to 20 minutes) then set aside. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Using a round cookie cutter, cut circles of dough out of puff pastry and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Brush egg wash on each pastry circle then top each with a tomato slice in the direct center. Next add caramelized onions on top of each tomato slice and sprinkle shredded cheese. Bake for 16-20 minutes or until tarts are puffy and golden brown and cheese has turned golden and melty. Top with parsley and herbs if you would like. Cool for a few minutes then serve.

 

Notes: Use a round cookie cutter – They create uniform circles ensuring that you have the same size for each tart and also make the job easier.  It also helps with uniform baking.  If you don’t have a round cookie cutter, you can use the back of an empty can.  Don’t skip the egg wash – The egg wash on the puff pastry will give a beautiful glossy and golden-brown color once the tarts are baked.  This is a crucial step.

Cheese and Bacon Swirls

Cheese and Bacon Swirls

Cheese and Bacon Swirls

1 pack all butter puff pastry

5 back bacon rashers, sliced into 1 centimeter strips

3/4 tub cream cheese

75 grams cheddar, grated

1 onion, diced

Handful of parsley, chopped

Salt & pepper to season

1 egg, beaten

 

Pre-heat oven to 180C. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. Roll out the puff pastry and spread cream cheese all over the surface. Sprinkle evenly all over with cheddar, onion, bacon rashers, parsley and season with salt and pepper. Then roll up one end until you’ve made a swiss roll. Using a sharp knife, slice up into 1inch segments and place on the baking tray. Brush over with egg wash. Bake for about 20 – 25 minutes until golden.

Goat Cheese & Fig Prosciutto Rolls

Goat Cheese & Fig Prosciutto Rolls

Goat Cheese & Fig Prosciutto Rolls

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp. grated lemon zest

1 T. fresh lemon juice

6 ounces soft goat cheese, at room temperature

2 cloves garlic, peeled and pressed through a garlic press (or finely minced)

12 slices (not paper-thin) prosciutto, halved crosswise

½ C. fig preserves

½ bunch arugula, trimmed

Freshly ground black pepper

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon zest and lemon juice. Set aside. In another bowl, mix the goat cheese and garlic together until well blended. Set aside. Spread a layer of the goat cheese mixture on each piece of prosciutto, then spread a layer of fig preserves over the goat cheese and top with a few arugula leaves to cover the preserves. Drizzle some of the vinaigrette down the length of the prosciutto and add a light sprinkle of ground black pepper. Roll the prosciutto up around the filling and arrange on a platter, seam side down. Garnish with a slice of lemon if you wish.

Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites

Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites

Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites

2 (15 count) pkgs frozen phyllo C. (30 total)

1 lb. regular-cut bacon cut in half cross-wise

¾ C. brown sugar

½ C. maple syrup

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Place the phyllo C. onto the baking sheet and set aside briefly. Fry the bacon in batches in a large skillet, cooking until the bacon is just about done but not crispy. The bacon should be on the chewier side, as it will continue to cook more as you bake it. Drain the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate and let cool briefly before chopping into tiny bits. Scoop a ½ tsp. of brown sugar into each phyllo C. and add a small squirt of maple syrup on top. Fill past the brim of the phyllo C. with bacon, mounding it into the C.. Sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar. Bake for approx. 12-15 minutes or until the phyllo C. and bacon are crisp and the maple caramel is bubbly and caramelized. Cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Dijon Aioli

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Dijon Aioli

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Dijon Aioli

1 lb. fresh brussels sprouts, halved. or cut into wedges if they are bigger

1–2 T. olive oil

1/4 tsp. garlic powder, optional

salt and pepper to taste

 

1/4 C. mayo, I use avocado oil mayo

2 T. olive oil

1 & 1/2 T. dijon

1 tsp. minced garlic

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 tsp. fresh chopped or dried parsley

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss your brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden enough to your liking! Toss them halfway.  Dip the brussels sprouts in the dipping sauce and enjoy!

 

Aioli: Combine all the aioli ingredients besides the parsley. Mix and chill until the brussels sprouts are ready. Serve aioli in a small dipping bowl and top with fresh or dried parsley.

Smoked Salmon in Cucumber Cups

Smoked Salmon in Cucumber Cups

 

2 medium cucumbers, about 1 inch diameter

6 ounces smoked salmon

1/2 C. sour cream

1/3 C. chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1 T. lime zest

2 tsp. fresh lime juice

Salt

Cayenne pepper

 

Peel cucumber; cut into 3/4-inch slices; using tiny spoon or scoop, form cucumber C. by scooping out seeds, leaving some flesh in base of cups; set aside. In medium-size bowl, flake smoked salmon, discarding skin and any bone; blend in sour cream, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and cayenne pepper to taste. Mound salmon into cucumber cups; sprinkle lightly with a few grains cayenne pepper; garnish with additional lime peel strips, if desired.