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Category: Appetizers & Snacks

Spinach Sticks

Spinach Sticks

2 (10-ounce) boxes frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 

8 ounces feta cheese 

8 ounces cream cheese, softened 

Pepper to taste 

1 package phyllo dough, defrosted (40 sheets, 14 by 9 inches) 

2/3 C. olive oil 

 

Heat the oven to 375° F. In a food processor fitted with the steel S blade, combine the spinach, feta, and cream cheese. Pulse the mixture until it is smooth. Season with pepper if desired.  Transfer the mixture to a ziplock bag and snip a 1/4-inch piece from one corner (you can also use a pastry bag).  On a clean work surface, lay out 1 sheet of the phyllo. Brush half of the sheet widthwise with olive oil and fold it in half to make a 7- by 9-inch rectangle. Brush the folded side with oil. Squeeze a thin line of the spinach mixture (approximately 1 T.) along the folded edge. Roll the dough and filling the long way, into a 9-inch-long cylinder. Place the roll on a cookie sheet and brush it with oil. Repeat with the remaining sheets and filling.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden.

Spinach Phyllo Triangles

Spinach Phyllo Triangles

 

10oz. Frozen Chopped Spinach

1/2 C. Chopped Onion

1 Clove Garlic, chopped

6oz. Feta Cheese, crumbled

1/2 tsp. Dried Oregano, crushed

12 Sheets Phyllo Dough

1/2 C. Butter, melted

 

For filling cook spinach, onion, and garlic according to spinach package directions.  Drain well in sieve.  Press the spinach with the back of a spoon to release excess moisture.  Combine spinach, Feta, and oregano.  Lightly brush 1 sheet of phyllo dough with some of the melted butter.  Place another sheet on top, brush with butter again.  Place a third sheet and repeat with the butter.  Cover remaining phyllo with damp cloth to prevent drying.  Cut the stack of phyllo dough into 6 lengthwise strips.  For each triangle, spoon about 1 tsp. of the spinach mixture about 1 inch from the end of the strip. Fold end over filling at 45 degree angle.  Continue folding into triangle shape that encases filling.  Continue with rest of phyllo dough and filling.  Place triangles on baking sheet.  Brush with butter and bake in 375F oven for 18-22 minutes, or until golden.  Serve warm.

Spinach Balls

Spinach Balls

2 (10 oz.) pkgs. Chopped Spinach, cooked and Drained
2 C. Seasoned Stuffing Mix
1 1/2 C. Parmesan cheese
1/2 C. Butter, softened
1/4 tsp. Pepper
6 Eggs, Beaten
1/2 tsp. Salt

Combine spinach, stuffing mix, 1 C. Parmesan cheese, eggs and butter. Roll balls in remaining Parmesan cheese to coat lightly. May be frozen and baked later. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Serve warm on small plates.

Spinach Bacon Roll-Ups

Spinach Bacon Roll-Ups

 

6 Bacon Slices
1 10oz. Pkg. Frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
4oz. Cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 C. Mayonnaise
1 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
1/2 C. Chopped green onions

3 9-inch-diameter Flour tortillas

 

Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until crisp; drain. Crumble bacon into medium bowl; stir in spinach and next 5 ingredients. Heat 1 tortilla in large skillet over high heat until warm and pliable, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to work surface. Spread 1/3 of filling over tortilla, leaving 1/2-inch border. Roll up tightly, enclosing filling. Wrap in plastic. Repeat with remaining 2 tortillas and filling. Chill until filling is firm, at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove plastic; slice off unfilled ends. Cut rolls crosswise on slight diagonal into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange on large baking sheet. Bake until heated through, about 7 minutes.

Spinach Bacon Deviled Eggs

Spinach Bacon Deviled Eggs

12 hard-cooked eggs

1/2 C. frozen chopped spinach, thawed

1/4 C. mayonnaise

1/4 C. real bacon bits

1 1/2 T. cider vinegar

2 T. butter, softened

1 T. sugar

2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

 

Peel eggs, slice in half, remove yolks, and mash yolks in a bowl. Combine yolks with remaining ingredients. Mix well. Fill whites.

Spicy Toasted Garbanzo Beans and Pistachios

Spicy Toasted Garbanzo Beans and Pistachios

 

2 15 1/2-ounce cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained

1/4 C. corn oil

1 tsp. coarse sea salt

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 C. shelled raw pistachios

2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss garbanzo beans with next 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Transfer mixture to rimmed baking sheet. Bake until garbanzos are golden and crisp, stirring occasionally with metal spatula, about 20 minutes. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Keep at room temperature.)  Stir pistachios and thyme into garbanzo mixture. Bake until beans and pistachios are crunchy, about 12 minutes. Transfer mixture to bowl and serve warm.

Spicy Shrimp Toast

Spicy Shrimp Toast

 

3/4 lb. Cooked shrimp, chopped
2 tsp. Finely chopped green onion

2 tsp. Finely chopped red bell pepper

1 tsp. Season-All Seasoned Salt, divided

1 tsp. Parsley Flakes

1/2 tsp. Dry Ground Mustard

1/4 tsp. Celery Seed

2 tsp. Water

2 tsp. Olive Oil

1 Egg White

6 slices Bread, lightly toasted

Mayonnaise

Combine first 10 ingredients. Trim crusts from bread slices. Spread lightly with mayonnaise. Spoon shrimp mixture evenly over bread slices. Cut each slice into four triangles. Place triangles on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 min.

Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

 

1/4 C. sugar

1/4 C. lemon juice

2 T. olive oil

4 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. each salt, pepper, curry powder, ground cumin and ground coriander

1/2 to 1 tsp. cayenne pepper

18 uncooked jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

9 bacon strips, halved lengthwise

 

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, lemon juice, oil and seasonings. Pour 1/4 C. marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add the shrimp. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade for basting.   In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until cooked but not crisp. Drain on paper towels. Remove shrimp from marinade; discard marinade. Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.   Coat grill rack with cooking spray before starting the grill. Grill bacon-wrapped shrimp, covered, over medium heat for 5-10 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, turning and basting with reserved marinade. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

Better Than Take Out Egg Rolls

Better Than Take Out Egg Rolls

Better Than Take Out Egg Rolls

 

peanut oil

1/2 pound boneless chicken breasts, diced in very small pieces

2 teaspoons ginger root, grated

1 bag (16-ounces) shredded cole slaw mix

3 scallions, thinly sliced

1 cup snow pea pods, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons oyster sauce

10 – 12 egg roll wrappers

canola oil for frying

 

Heat a large sauté to high. Add peanut oil. Add chicken and ginger root and sauté until almost cooked through. Add shredded cole slaw mix, scallions, and snow pea pods. Sauté for about 4 – 5 minutes or until the cabbage begins to wilt. Remove from heat and add the oyster sauce and stir to combine. Let mixture cool.  On a flat surface, place one of the egg roll wrappers with a corner pointing toward you. It should look like a diamond shape. Place about 3 heaping tablespoons of the filling horizontally across the center of the wrapper. Fold bottom corner over the filling and roll half way to cover filling. Fold both sides snugly against filling and moisten top corner with water. Roll over flap to seal. Lay flap-side down until ready to cook. Heat a large sauté pan to high and fill with about an inch of canola oil. When the oil reaches 350 degrees, carefully add a few Egg Rolls. Fry until golden, about a minute or two. Turn once to brown on other side. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce or purchased plum sauce.

 

Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce

 

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons sriracha sauce

1 tablespoon lime juice

 

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Serve with Egg Rolls.

Smoked Salmon Tarts

Smoked Salmon Tarts

 

1/2 C. Original Bisquick® mix

1/2 C. milk

1/4 C. sour cream

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 eggs

2/3 C. shredded Cheddar cheese

1/3 C. chopped smoked salmon

2 T. sliced green onions

 

Heat oven to 400ºF. Spray 24 mini-muffin C. with cooking spray.    Beat Bisquick, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and eggs with fork until blended; stir in remaining ingredients. Spoon about 1 T. mixture into each muffin C.    Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Cool 5 minutes. Loosen sides of tarts from pan; remove from pan. Refrigerate any remaining appetizers. Use a rubber spatula to easily remove batter from the T. and guide it into muffin C.. Wipe any excess batter from top of muffin pan to prevent burning

Smoked Salmon Spirals

Smoked Salmon Spirals

 

1 daikon (Japanese white radish), peeled

4oz. Cream Cheese, room temperature
1 tsp. Fresh Dill, finely chopped or 1 tsp. dried dill weed
1 tsp. Finely Chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 tsp. Drained Capers
1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. Grated lemon peel

1/8 tap. Cracked pepper

4oz. Sliced smoked salmon, cut into 1-inch-wide strips

Cucumber Slices

Fresh dill sprigs

Lemon slices

 

Using vegetable peeler, cut off thin 8×1-inch strips down length of daikon. Mix cream cheese, dill, parsley, capers, mustard, lemon peel and pepper in small bowl. Spread about 1 1/2 tsp. mixture on 1 side of each radish strip. Top with salmon. Roll up tightly. Arrange spiral side up on platter. Garnish with cucumber, dill and lemon.

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

 

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 T. fresh lemon juice

2 T. diced red onion

1 T. chopped fresh basil leaves

8 ounces sliced smoked salmon (we recommend Nova, but you make use the saltier lox)

2 T. small capers, drained

1 seedless cucumber, with peel, sliced into rounds the size of crackers

 

Combine the cream cheese, lemon juice, red onion, and basil in a bowl until completely blended. On a piece of waxed paper, arrange the smoked salmon slices in a rectangle about 3 inches wide and 12 inches long, slightly overlapping each piece. (If the salmon slices are cut irregularly, simply piece them together like a puzzle.)  Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the salmon, sprinkle with the capers, and roll up like a jellyroll.  Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm, then cut into 1/2-inch slices. Place each pinwheel atop a cucumber round to serve.

Slow Cooker Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Slow Cooker Pepperoni Pizza Dip

 

1 jar (14 oz.) pizza sauce

1 C. chopped turkey pepperoni, (from 6-oz. package)

8 medium green onions, chopped (1/2 C.)

1/2 C. chopped red bell pepper

1 can (2 1/4 oz.) sliced ripe olives, drained

1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz.)

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened and cubed

Broccoli flowerets, cherry tomatoes and carrot sticks, if desired

 

Mix pizza sauce, pepperoni, onions, bell pepper and olives in 1 1/2-quart slow cooker.   Cover and cook on low heat setting 3 to 4 hours or until mixture is hot.   Stir in mozzarella cheese and cream cheese until melted. Serve with vegetables for dipping.

Shrimp-Cheese Bites

Shrimp-Cheese Bites

 

1 1/4 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. butter or margarine

1 egg, beaten

2/3 C. chopped cooked shrimp

2 oz. farmer or chèvre (goat) cheese, crumbled

1 egg

1 egg yolk

1/2 C. half-and-half

2 tsp. chopped fresh basil leaves or 3/4 tsp. dried basil leaves

 

Heat oven to 375ºF. Place flour in medium bowl. Cut in butter, using pastry blender or crisscrossing 2 knives, until mixture is crumbly. Stir in 1 beaten egg until well mixed. Shape into a ball. Divide into 24 balls. Press 1 ball on bottom and up side of each of 24 ungreased small muffin cups, 1 1/4×1 inch.    Divide shrimp among C.. Sprinkle with cheese. Beat 1 egg and the egg yolk in small bowl. Stir in half-and-half and basil. Spoon about 1 T. egg mixture into each cup.   Bake about 20 minutes or until light brown. Immediately remove from pans to wire rack. Serve immediately.    Cool bites completely on wire rack. Place in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Freeze uncovered at least 2 hours. Place bites in labeled airtight freezer container, and freeze no longer than 2 months. About 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 350ºF. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet about 18 minutes or until warm.

SBD Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

SBD Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

 

1 package frozen spinach

12 large mushrooms

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

1/2 C. reduced fat cheese

Olive oil for cooking – about 2 T.

 

Defrost the spinach and wring out excess water. Place the spinach in a bowl, cover, and cook in the microwave on high for 3 minutes. Remove the mushroom stems, chop the stems, sauté them with a little olive oil. Remove and add to the spinach. Take the mushroom caps and gently sauté in olive oil for 3-4 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste to the spinach and sautéed chopped stems. Place caps on plate, stuff each with a spoonful of the spinach mixture. Top each cap with a little shredded cheese

Sausage Balls

Sausage Balls

 

1 lb. Bulk Sausage

4 C. Biscuit Mix

1/2 lb. Grated Sharp Cheddar

2 tsp. crumbled Sage

 

Work sausage into other ingredients.  Roll into small balls and bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 for 15-20 minutes.  This recipe makes 100 sausage balls for serving.  Seal unused portions well and freeze.

Salmon-Stuffed Pea Pods

Salmon-Stuffed Pea Pods

 

36 Fresh Snow pea Pods

3oz. Cream Cheese, softened

2 tsp. Capers, drained

4oz. Cooked Smoked Salmon, flaked

Chopped Fresh Parsley

 

Rinse pea pods.  If not crisp, soak in ice water for 20 minutes.  Drain; remove stem end.  With thin knife, open pea pods along straight side.  In medium bowl combine cream cheese and capers; mix well. Add salmon and mix gently.  Spoon or pipe into the pea pods.  Garnish with parsley.  Keep refrigerated until serving time.

Ricotta-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Ricotta-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

 

 

1 lb. (about 12 to 13 slices) bacon, preferably thick-cut

25 Medjool dates (about 3/4 lb.)

1/3 C. ricotta cheese

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.  Cut the bacon in half lengthwise to make twice as many slices. Set aside. To remove the pits from the dates, cut the tips off each end of the dates and insert the flat end of the skewer until it pushes the pit out of the date. Repeat with remaining dates.  Place the ricotta in the bottom corner of a strong plastic bag and seal tightly. Use scissors to cut a small hole in the tip of 1 of the corners. Now use the bag like a piping bag to fill the dates with the cheese.  Wrap the ricotta stuffed dates with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick through the belly of the date. Arrange all the prepared dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing at least a little space between each one for good browning. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes or until bacon is browned and crispy. Remove from the baking sheet and gently remove toothpicks. Serve immediately.

Red Onion Crostini

Red Onion Crostini

 

3 tsp. plus 6 tsp. Olive oil
2oz. Pancetta (Italian Bacon), finely chopped
3 lg. Red onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp. Minced garlic
T. Fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. Fennel seeds, crushed
2 tsp. Sherry wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar

6 5 x 3 x 1/2 -inch slices country-style bread, toasted
Chopped fresh parsley

 

Heat 3 tsp. oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pancetta; sauté 3 minutes. Add onions, garlic, lemon juice and fennel seeds; sauté until onions begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook until onions are tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm over medium-low heat before continuing.)  Drizzle each toast slice with 1 tsp. oil. Divide onion mixture among toasts. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Raspberry-Pepper Jelly over Cream Cheese

Raspberry-Pepper Jelly over Cream Cheese

 

1/4 C. all-fruit seedless raspberry spread

1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

4 oz. fat-free or light cream

24 fat-free or low-fat, low-sodium crackers or 3 medium red

Apples or red-skinned pears, each cut into 8 slices

 

In a small microwaveable bowl, stir together the fruit spread, vinegar, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Heat in microwave at 100 percent power (high) for 15 seconds, or until melted. Stir. Let cool completely. Put the cream cheese on a plate. Spoon the raspberry mixture on top. Serve with the crackers or fruit.

Pesto Appetizer Squares

Pesto Appetizer Squares

 

4 C. Original Bisquick® mix

1 C. milk

2 eggs

1/3 C. pesto

Marinara sauce

 

Heat oven to 375ºF. Grease rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches.    Stir together all ingredients except marinara sauce. Spread in pan.   Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly; cut into 2-inch squares. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.   Pesto Appetizer Squares are also delicious dipped in olive oil. Pour a small amount of olive oil in a saucer, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and pepper. It’s a tasty alternative to marinara.

Pumpkin Seed Snacks

Pumpkin Seed Snacks

Basic Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:  Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut open the pumpkin and use a strong metal spoon to scoop out the insides. Separate the seeds from the stringy core. Rinse the seeds.  In a small saucepan, add the seeds to water, about 2 cups of water to every half cup of seeds. Add a tablespoon of salt for every cup of water. Bring to a boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.

 

Lemon Pepper Pumpkin Seeds:  In a medium-sized bowl whisk together 1 egg white, and 2 tsp. Lemon Pepper (the kidlet’s favorite seasoning on everything ;)).  Add 1 C.  pumpkin seeds and toss well. Drain off any excess egg white (using a strainer) and place seeds in a single layer across a baking sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes or until seeds are golden. Sprinkle with a bit more lemon pepper when they come out of the oven. Taste and season with salt if needed (lemon pepper has a fair amount of salt in it).

 

 

Chili Powder Pumpkin Seeds: In a medium-sized bowl whisk together 1 egg white, 2 tsp. chili powder and 1/2 tsp. salt. Add 1 C.  pumpkin seeds and toss well. Drain off any excess egg white (using a strainer) and place seeds in a single layer across a baking sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes or until seeds are golden. Sprinkle with a bit more chili powder when they come out of the oven. Taste and season with more salt if needed. 

Spicy and Cheesy Pumpkin Seeds:  In a small mixing bowl, beat an egg white with a whisk until soft and foamy. Stir in a pinch of salt, ¼ tsp. Cayenne Pepper, ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder, 2 tsp. Soy Sauce, and ¼ C. very finely and freshly grated Parmesan Cheese.  Spread 2 C. pumpkin seeds in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Coat with the egg-white mixture. Bake 13–15 minutes until the pumpkin seeds pop. Let them cool completely and store in a covered container.

 

Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seeds: In a medium-sized bowl whisk together an egg white, ¼ C. sugar, ½ tsp. cayenne pepper and ½ tsp. salt. Add the pumpkin seeds and toss well. Drain off any excess egg white (using a strainer) and place seeds in a single layer across a baking sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes or until seeds are golden. Sprinkle with a bit more sugar and cayenne pepper when they come out of the oven. Taste and season with more salt if needed.

Pumpkin Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

If you really like the *pumpkiny* flavor of pumpkin seeds, you can do it differently.  Do not rinse the seeds.  The pulpy bits left on the seeds crisp up and turn a little brown and crunchy and add a lot of flavor.

 

 

 

 

 

Pepperoni Cheese Puffs

Pepperoni Cheese Puffs

 

1 1/4 C. water

1/3 C. shortening

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

4 eggs

3/4 C. finely chopped pepperoni

3/4 C. finely shredded Romano or parmesan cheese

2 T. snipped fresh parsley

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

 

Grease 2 large baking sheets; set aside. In a large saucepan combine water & shortening.  Bring to a boil. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously.  Cook & stir until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes. add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon after each addition. Stir in pepperoni, cheese, parsley, garlic powder, & pepper. Drop dough by rounded tsp. 2-inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake at 450~f for 15-17 minutes or till golden. Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.

Poppy’s Antipasto

Poppy’s Antipasto

 

1 lb. salami – sliced thin and cut into halves

1 – 1-1/2 lb. provolone cheese (aged and very dry) – cut into thin strips from a large block

1 large jar (16 oz.) roasted red peppers – cut into long thin slices

1 large jar (16 oz.) dill pickles – cut into long thin strips

2 cans hearts of palm – cut into long strips

2 small cans or 1 large can tuna

1 lg. onion – sliced thinly

2 cans hearts of artichoke – cut into 1/2’s or 1/4’s

1 regular can black olives, pitted

1 small jar green olives

1 small jar baby capers

Fresh parsley for garnish

 

Drain juices, reserving some of each in a large container. (Use lesser amounts of juice from capers and hearts of palm.) Cover a large (16 inch oval) platter with layers of each of the above ingredients in the order listed above. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. Use the reserved juices to make your dressing. Add a drop of olive oil and a drop of red wine vinegar. Shake vigorously. Dressing should be kept at room temperature. When ready to serve, remove antipasto from refrigerator and pour the dressing over the antipasto so that it is covered lightly. Serve the remaining dressing in a bottle or small pitcher. Serve the antipasto cold with fresh Italian or French bread.

Pepperoni Bites

Pepperoni Bites

1 C. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 C. Chopped Pepperoni

1/2 C. Pizza Sauce

2 Pkg. Refrigerator Biscuits

1 tsp. Milk

1/4 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese

Combine mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, set aside.  Separate biscuits and flatten to 3 inch circles.  Place 1 tsp. of pepperoni mixture in center of biscuit circle. Fold and pinch together edge to seal.  Place seam side down on a cookie sheet.  Brush with milk and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.

Pear and Blue-Cheese Pastry Triangles

Pear and Blue-Cheese Pastry Triangles

 

3 T. butter

1 T. olive oil

4 sweet (Walla-Walla, Maui, or Vidalia) or yellow onions (2 lb. total), peeled and sliced very thinly

1 firm-ripe pear (8 oz.), rinsed and cut in half crosswise, then lengthwise

 Salt and pepper

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed but kept cool

7 oz. (1 1/2 C.) crumbled gorgonzola or other blue cheese

 

In a 12-inch frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced onion and reduce heat slightly (between medium and medium-low). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and turn brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, trim the pear quarters to remove seeds, then cut into thin slices; set aside. When onions are done, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and set aside to cool to room temperature. Preheat oven to 375° (convection oven not recommended). Line two 14- by 17-inch sheet pans with parchment paper and transfer one sheet of pastry dough to each. Roll out pastry lightly with a floured rolling pin to flatten any creases. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the pastry sheets into triangle, wedge, or diamond-shaped pieces about 2 inches wide (don’t worry if you cut through parchment). Slightly separate pieces so that they are not touching. Lay a pear slice in the center of each wedge (trim the slice so that it doesn’t cover the entire pastry). Top with a small pile of caramelized onions and about 1/2 tsp. of the gorgonzola or blue cheese. Bake in oven until fully puffed and golden, about 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.  Do-ahead tips: Cook the onions up to 2 days ahead. Store onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Slice pears, prepare puff pastry, and bake just before serving.

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

Parsley, for garnish, optional

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.

Oysters with Crème Fraiche, Lemon, and Tarragon

Oysters with Crème Fraiche, Lemon, and Tarragon

1/2 cup creme fraiche or sour cream

1 T. minced fresh tarragon

1 lemon, zest grated

1 1/2 tsp. undiluted orange juice concentrate

1/2 tsp. salt

Dash cayenne pepper

Kosher or rock salt, for layering

18 large oysters, scrubbed and shucked, oysters left intact in bottom shell

Preheat the broiler. In a mixer bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the crème fraiche or sour cream until soft peaks form. Stir in the tarragon, lemon zest, orange juice concentrate, salt, and cayenne; set aside. In a jelly-roll pan, layer the kosher or rock salt 1/4-inch thick. Gently press the oyster shells into the salt to hold them in place. Broil the oysters 6 inches from the heat source for 4 to 5 minutes, or just until they begin to release their juices and the shells pop open slightly. Remove from the broiler and remove the top oyster shell by inserting a butter knife and popping the shell off. Top each oyster with a spoonful of creme fraiche topping and serve immediately.

Orange Oriental Appetizer

Orange Oriental Appetizer

 

1 pound ground pork

1/2 cup cocktail peanuts

2 canned peach halves

1 piece fresh ginger, about the size of a small walnut

3/4 cup Lawry’s Sweet ‘N Sour Barbecue Sauce

6 large oranges, peeled and sliced into 6 slices each

Chopped green onion (garnish)

Lettuce leaves (garnish)

 

In medium skillet, brown ground pork until crumbly; drain fat. Finely chop peanuts, peaches and ginger; add to ground pork in skillet. Add Sweet ‘N Sour Barbecue Sauce and mix well. Simmer over low heat about 5 minutes, just to heat through. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Arrange orange slices on serving dish. Top each slice with 1 tsp. pork mixture; garnish with green onion.

One Cheese Ball — 4 Great Ways

One Cheese Ball — 4 Great Ways

 

 

2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

1 package (3 1/2 to 4 oz.) soft chèvre (goat) cheese

1 C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. salt

 

Beat all ingredients in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium-low speed until smooth. Shape mixture as directed in recipes below. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.

 

Christmas Pears: Double the above recipe. Shape each cheese ball mixture into pear shape on waxed paper or plastic wrap. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate. Place pears in large shallow serving bowl or on platter. Spoon 1/4 C. whole berry cranberry sauce over one pear; spoon 1/4 C. chutney over other pear. (If desired, process chutney in blender or food processor until smooth.) Break 1 cinnamon stick crosswise in half; insert in each pear for stem.

 

Festive Bird’s Nest: Shape cheese ball mixture into ball. Place cheese ball on plastic wrap. Place cheese ball and plastic wrap in bowl, 5 to 6 inches in diameter. Place plastic wrap on cheese ball, then push second smaller bowl, 4 to 5 inches in diameter, into cheese in larger bowl. Refrigerate. Remove bowls and plastic wrap. Sprinkle 1 C. chopped fresh chives or other fresh herbs over cheese “nest.” Fill nest with cherry tomatoes, olives or assorted breadsticks.

 

Magical Holiday Tree: Shape cheese ball mixture into pyramid shape on waxed paper or plastic wrap. Smooth sides with knife if necessary. Freeze pyramid about 20 minutes or until firm. Cut pyramid horizontally into thirds. Spread 3 T. roasted red bell peppers (from 7-oz. jar), finely chopped and well drained, on bottom piece. Spread 3 T. basil pesto on middle piece. Assemble tree; top with star cut from starfruit or yellow bell pepper. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate.

 

Holiday Pinecone: Shape cheese ball mixture into oval shape on waxed paper or plastic wrap. Press 1 package (6 oz.) sliced almonds (2 C.) into cheese ball. Sprinkle with 1/4 C. crushed dark rye crackers. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. 

Olive-Onion Puffs

Olive-Onion Puffs

 

1 C. Chopped pitted Black Olives, drained
1/2 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 C. Mayonnaise
2 Green Onions, finely chopped
1 Sourdough baguette, cut crosswise on slight diagonal into 1/2-inch thick slices

 

Preheat broiler. Stir olives, cheese mayonnaise and onions in small bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Mound 1 tsp. olive mixture on each bread slice. Arrange on baking sheet. Broil until topping is heated through and begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Serve hot.

Mozzarella Cheese Puffs

Mozzarella Cheese Puffs

 

1 cup flour, sifted

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. Paprika

1/2 cup butter or margarine

6 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

 

Sift the dry ingredients together. Cream the butter and the cheese. Add the dry ingredients and mix well. Shape the mixture into small balls about 1″ in diameter. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake them for about 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees.  Also substitute different cheeses. I might use cheddar with chopped walnuts or provolone, sun-dried tomatos, and basil.

Mom’s Wantons

Mom’s Wantons

1 pkg. Wanton Wrappers
Beaten Egg
1/2 lb. Ground pork
1/2 C. finely chopped Shrimp
2 T. Soy Sauce
4 T. Chicken broth or water
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 1/2 tsp. minced Green Onion
2 tsp. Sherry

Mix all ingredients except wonton wrappers and egg. Place small amount of meat filling (rounded teaspoon or so, you want to be able to close the wanton without seepage) on wanton square.  Spread a little beaten egg along two sides of the wanton wrapper, then fold over to make a triangle. Deep fry until wanton begins to become brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Serve with hot catsup (mix catsup with powdered hot mustard to taste) or won ton dipping sauce.

Note: I don’t use chicken broth or sherry.  Instead I use mirin and rice vinegar and a small splash of sesame oil.  I also mix in finely grated ginger and garlic.  Instead of hot catsup, I make a dipping sauce similar to something for potstickers with soy, chili oil, a little rice wine vinegar, and some minced green onion tops for color.

 

Marinated Brined Olives

Marinated Brined Olives

 

1 lb. Brine-Cured Black Olives, rinsed

3 Cloves Garlic, Crushed

1 tsp. Ground Cumin

1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes

Olive Oil

 

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, adding olive oil as needed to fully cover olives.  Toss well to combine.  Cover and refrigerate at least 2 days before serving.  Great with a Mediterranean meal!

Marinated Goat Cheese Rounds with Crostini

Marinated Goat Cheese Rounds with Crostini

 

 

6 oz. fresh, soft goat cheese
3 tsp. balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp. cracked black pepper
10 cured green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
1/3 C. extra-virgin olive oil

9 1/2-inch thick slices good-quality French bread
2 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. Minced garlic

 

For the goat cheese rounds, roll the cheese into a 4-inch long log. Slice into 1-inch thick rounds and place in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, garlic, thyme, pepper, olives, and olive oil until well blended. Pour over the goat cheese and marinate, refrigerated, for 2 hours to 1 week. Before serving, let warm to room temperature, about 30 minutes. For the crostini, preheat broiler or grill. Drizzle the bread with olive oil, and grill or broil until golden brown. When the crostini come out of the oven or off the grill, rub them with a bit of the minced garlic. Then cut in half on the diagonal. Serve the warm crostini with the goat cheese.

Lemon Dijon Wings

Lemon Dijon Wings

 

2 lb. Chicken Wings, separated at joints, tips discarded

1/4 C. olive oil

1 T. fresh lemon juice

2 T. coarse-grained Dijon mustard

6 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tsp. salt

1 T. freshly ground black pepper

 

In a large bowl, stir together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken wings, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Preheat grill for high heat. Drain marinade from chicken into a small saucepan. Bring marinade to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside for basting.  Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill wings for 10 to 15 minutes, or until juices run clear. Turn frequently and baste with the marinade during the last 5 minutes.

Jalapeño Popper Cups

Jalapeño Popper Cups

 

 

1 can (12 oz) Pillsbury® Golden Layers® refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (10 biscuits)

1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso® chopped green chiles, drained

1/2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)

1/3 C. mayonnaise or salad dressing

2 T. cooked real bacon pieces (from 3- to 4.3-oz jar or package)

1 tsp. dried minced onion

20 Old El Paso® pickled jalapeño slices (from 12-oz jar), drained

 

 Heat oven to 375°F. Separate each biscuit into 2 rounds. Press 1 round in bottom and up side of each of 20 ungreased mini muffin C.. In small bowl, mix remaining ingredients except jalapeño slices. Spoon heaping 1 tsp. mixture into each C.; top each with 1 jalapeño slice. Bake 13 to 19 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove from pan to serving platter; let stand 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Hot Reuben Spread

Hot Reuben Spread

 

1 package of softened cream cheese (8 oz.)

5 oz. of sliced corned beef – chopped

1-1/2 C. shredded swiss cheese

1/2 C. drained sauerkraut

1/2 C. Thousand Island dressing

 

Spray inside of crock pot with cooking spray. Put all ingredients in slow cooker and mix well. Cook in slow cooker on low heat for 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Stir as needed. Spread on small rye bread, crackers or pumpernickel bagel pieces. This can also be spread on full pieces of bread for open faced sandwiches.

Hot Bacon Cheese Dip

Hot Bacon Cheese Dip

2 pkgs. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, cubed

4 C. shredded Cheddar cheese (1 lb)

1 C. half and half

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. each prepared mustard and dried, minced onion

16 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

Tortilla chips or baguette slices for dipping

 

In 1 1/2 qt. slow cooker, combine all but the bacon. Cover and cook 2 hours or until cheeses are melted, stir occasionally. Fold in bacon just before serving.

Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip

2 (8 oz.) pkg. Light Cream Cheese
1 (8 oz.) pkg. Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 (8 oz.) container Sour Cream
2 sm. cans Artichokes (chop finely)
1 (10 oz.) pkg. Frozen Spinach
2 tsp. Olive Oil
1 tsp. Marjoram

Crushed Red Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together and place under a broiler until the dip browns, and is hot and bubbly.

 

 

 

Artichoke & Spinach Dip II

 

1/2 C. Grated Romano cheese
1 lg. Clove Garlic
10 oz. Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed, firmly squeezed to remove moisture
1 (6-1/4 oz.) Jar Artichoke hearts, drained, patted dry
1 (8 oz.) Container of soft garlic-chive cream cheese
2 Large Eggs
1 C. shredded mozzarella or Italian mix cheese
Tortilla chips, sour cream, salsa

 

Preheat oven to 375 F. Put Romano cheese in a food processor with metal blade. Add garlic and mince. Add spinach, artichokes, cream cheese and eggs. Process until thoroughly blended; turn into  medium bowl. Fold in mozzarella. Transfer to a 2 to 3 C. baking dish; bake until heated through,  20-25 minutes. Serve hot with tortilla chips, sour cream and salsa. Makes 16 servings. Serve with picante sauce and sour cream.