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Category: Appetizers & Snacks

Blackberry Muffins

Blackberry Muffins

2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
3 T. sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 cup fresh blackberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, eggs, and buttermilk. Add the dry ingredients slowly to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the blackberries. Pour the batter into nonstick muffin C. until they are two-thirds full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and muffins are lightly browned.

Yield: 12 servings
Serving size: 1 muffin

Calories: 97
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 3g

Crispy Mushroom Chips

Crispy Mushroom Chips

Nonstick Cooking Spray
1/2 lb. large Mushrooms

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside. Using a sharp knife (a mandolin or v-slicer makes this much easier), slice the mushrooms very thin, then transfer to a baking sheet, arranging the slices in a single layer. Bake uncovered for 2 1/2 – 3 hours or until crisp and completely dry.

I personally use nonstick “release” foil and don’t coat it with cooking spray. Instead I spray it ON the mushrooms once they are lined on the pan and then sprinkle them with a little salt free lemon pepper and some garlic powder.

Yield: 2 cups
Serving Size: 1/2 C.

Calories: 16
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 1g

Notes: Don’t expect to be able to pick these up and eat them like potato chips. Mushrooms have a lot of water and as you cook them it evaporates, and they shrink to 1/3 or even 1/4 of thier starting size. I use these to add a little crunch to a salad instead of croutons or maybe to top a bowl of soup.

Apricot Honey Oat Bars

Apricot Honey Oat Bars

1 1/2 C. rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 C. dried apricots, finely chopped
1/2 C. honey
1/4 C. fat-free plain yogurt
2 large egg whites
2 T. wheat germ
2 T. flour
3 T. margarine, melted
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray 8 inch square baking pan with non stick cooking spray. In a large bowl combine all ingredients; mix to blend. turn mixture into prepared pan, pat down and smooth top. Bake until center is firm and edges are lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Cool and cut into squares

Yield: 9 Servings

Calories: 182
Fat: 4.8g
Fiber: 1.7g

Honey Bun Cake

Honey Bun Cake

1 package yellow or white cake mix
4 egg whites
1 C. (8 oz) reduced-fat sour cream
2/3 C. unsweetened applesauce
1/2 C. packed brown sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 C. confectioners’ sugar
2 T. fat-free milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl, combine dry cake mix, egg whites, sour cream and applesauce. Beat on low speed until moistened. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour half (about 2 1/4 C.) into a 13x9x2 baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over batter. Cover with remaining batter; cut through with a knife to swirl. Bake at 325 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. For glaze, combine confectioners’ sugar, milk and vanilla. Drizzle over warm cake. Cool on a wire rack.

Yield: 20 servings
Calories: 185
Fat: 4g
FIber: 1g

Black Bean Dip

Black Bean Dip

2 C. Cooked and Drained Black Beans
4 tsp. Tomato Paste
3 T. Water
1 Clove Garlic, minced
2 tsp. Lime Juice
1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
2 Green Onions, chopped fine
2 T. Mild Green Chili, chopped

In a food processor or blender mix the black beans, tomato paste, water, garlic, lime juice, and cumin. Whirl for 1 minute, or until it forms a smooth paste. Stir in the green onion and chilies after transferring to serving dish.

Servings: 8
Serving Size: ~ 1/4 C.

Calories: 39
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 2.9g

Canyon Ranch Mock Guacamole

Canyon Ranch Mock Guacamole

Canyon Ranch Mock Guacamole2 C. (12 oz.) chopped lightly steamed asparagus (If you’re using frozen asparagus spears, it is not necessary to steam them. Just thaw them to room temperature.)
2 1/4 tsp. fresh lemon juice
3 T. chopped onion
1 large tomato, chopped
3/4 tsp. salt, optional
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. freshly ground
black pepper
1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
dash tabasco sauce
1/3 C. light sour cream

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer the guacamole to a bowl. Cover tightly and refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving.

Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 1/4 C.

Calories: 11
Fat: —
Fiber: —

Crostini with Gorganzola, Carmalized Onions, and Fig Jam

Crostini with Gorganzola, Carmalized Onions, and Fig Jam

Jam:
1 C. dried Black Mission Figs (about 6oz.)
1 tsp. Lemon Juice
2 C. Water
2 T. Maple Syrup
dash Salt

Onions:
Cooking Sptray
2 C. Vertically sliced Yellow Onion
1 tsp. Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tsp. choped fresh Thyme
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 C. Water (if needed)

Remaining Ingredients:
1/2 C. (4oz) Gorganzola Cheese, softended
24 (1″thick) slices French Bread Baguette, toasted (about 12oz)
1 tsp. fresh Thyme Leaves

To prepare Jam, remove stems frmo figs. Place figs and juice in a food processor; process until figs are coarsely chopped. Place fig mixture, 2 C. water, syrup, and salt into a medium saucepan; bring toa boil. Reduce heat and summer 25 minutes, or until thick. Cool completely. To prepare onions, heat a large non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Add onion, vinegar, thyme and salt, cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover and cook 20 minutes, or until onion is deep golden brown, stirring occasionally. While onion cooks add 1/2 C. water, 1/4 C. at a time time, to keep onion from sticking to pan if necessary. Spread 1 tsp. cheese over each baguette slice. Top each slice with 1 tsp. onion mixture and 1 tsp. jam. Sprinkle evenly with Thyme leaves.

Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 2 Crostini

Calories: 108
Fat: 3.4g
Fiber: 2.4g

Zucchini Fries

Zucchini Fries

Zucchini Fries1 C. plain bread crumbs (homemade or storebought)
1/4 C. grated Parmesan or pecorino
1 tsp. crushed red pepper (scale back to 1/4 tsp. if you’re adverse to spice)
1/8 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
4-5 zucchini

Preheat oven to 425˙F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. On a plate, mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, red crushed pepper flakes, oregano, salt and pepper. In a small to medium bowl, beat the two large eggs. Cut the zucchini into batons. One by one, dip the zucchini batons in the beaten eggs and transfer to the plate with the bread crumb mixture, being sure to coat the zucchini thoroughly. Place the bread crumb covered zucchini on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, checking on them after 10 and flipping them to ensure thorough baking. Serve with a dipping sauce like roasted garlic aioli or sriracha mayo.

Sesame Won Ton Chips

Sesame Won Ton Chips

1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. paprika
30 won ton wrappers, cut in half diagonally
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Place won ton triangles on baking sheets; lightly coat won tons with cooking spray. Sprinkle spice mixture evenly over won tons. Bake at 375 degrees for 4 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. Store in an airtight container.

Yield: 5 servings
Serving size 12 chips

Calories: 186
Fat: 4.7g
Fiber: .4g

Roasted Chili Spiced Edamame

Roasted Chili Spiced Edamame

1 (14-ounce) package frozen blanched shelled edamame (green soybeans), thawed
Cooking spray
1 T. New Mexico red chile powder or chili powder
1 tsp. onion powder
3/4 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground red pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange edamame in a single layer on a baking sheet, and coat with cooking spray. Combine chile powder and remaining ingredients. Sprinkle over edamame; toss to coat. Bake edamame at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours, stirring beans every 30 minutes.

Note: This may be too long a roasting time. Check more frequently, stir every 15 minutes.

Low-Fat Hummus

Low-Fat Hummus

1 (16 oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 T. tahini
1 T. olive oil
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper

Process chickpeas in a food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Add garlic and remaining ingredients; pulse until blended. Cover and chill 4 hours.

Yield: 1-1/2 cups
Serving Size: 1 T.

Calories: 26
Fat: 1.1g

Yogurt Cheese

Yogurt Cheese

1 quart plain non-fat yogurt
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
Za’atar herb blend
Pita bread, cut into wedges, warmed

Line a sieve with cheesecloth. If the cheesecloth is loosely woven (most supermarket brands are), use a triple thickness. Pour the yogurt into the sieve, then gather the edges of the cheesecloth and tie into a bag. Hang the bag over the sink or over a bowl to catch the drippings. Let drain for 8 hours. Turn the soft, creamy cheese out onto a platter. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with za’atar. Serve with the warm pita bread wedges.

Yogurt Cheese & Spinach Dip

Yogurt Cheese & Spinach Dip

1 1/2 C. yogurt cheese
1 1/2 C. lowfat sour cream
2 cloves garlic, pressed
3 shallots, minced
3 scallions, green part only, minced
1-2 small carrots, grated
1 8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained and diced
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cayenne pepper or Tabasco to taste

Whisk together the yogurt-cheese and low-fat sour cream. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Per 1/4C. serving: 35 calories, less than 1 g fat

SBD Turkey Roll Ups

SBD Turkey Roll Ups

4 slices Turkey Breast
4 Boston Lettuce Leaves
Cilantro Mayonnaise
4 Scallions

Place 1 slice of turkey on a lettuce leaf spread with Cilantro Mayonnaise. Add 1 scallion and 1 pepper strip. Fold into a tight, cigarlike roll. Note: Cilantro Mayonnaise can be used as a dip instead of a spread.

Yield: 2 servings
Calories: 54
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 1g

Quick Three Applesauce

Quick Three Applesauce

1/2 C. Water
3 medium, ripe, apples
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 packet Splenda *see bottom notes
Spritz lemon juice

Clean apples, slice in half and core. Cut apples into slices or chunks and place into a medium size stovetop pan. Add water. Bring to rapid boil and boil for 4 minutes while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium and stir frequently while apples continue to cook. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Add in the sugar (or substitute) and cinnamon, stir for another minute. Cool in pan. Serve hot, warm or use in recipes calling for applesauce.

Note: Begin by using only one packet of sweetener. Some apples are sweeter than others and may not need much. Some may not need any sugar at all. You may want to test your apples before you add in the sugar or substitute sugar. Add a dash of lemon juice to the mix if you won’t be using sauce right away.

Herbed Yogurt Cheese Dip

Herbed Yogurt Cheese Dip

3 C. Yogurt Cheese
1 16oz. Container non-fat cottage cheese, drained
1 10ox. Pkg. Frozen Spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 Roasted Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
1 8oz Can sliced water chestnuts, drained
3 Cloves Garlic, finely chopped
6 Green Onions, chopped
1 Carrot, shredded
1 tsp. Tabasco
1 T. Capers
1 T. Basil, chopped
1 T. Oregano, chopped
1 T. Thyme, chopped
1 T. Curry Powder (if you don’t love curry, go easy on it, try half as much, its strong in this)
Juice of two lemons
Pepper

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate at least 4 hours before using. Serve with assorted fresh vegetables for dipping.

Feta and Yogurt Cheese Spread

Feta and Yogurt Cheese Spread

1/2 cup yogurt cheese
1/2 cup, feta cheese, crumbled
1 clove garlic, crushed (or more if you love garlic)
2-3 T. chopped fresh herbs (mint, oregano, parsley, dill, basil, or any combination
ground black pepper, to taste

Mix together in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to develop. Makes one cup cheese spread. Feta and Yogurt Cheese Spread can also be formed into a cheese log or small bite-sized balls. Serve with crackers or pita bread triangles. Also good as a sandwich spread or omelet filling. It keeps at least a week in a tightly closed container in the fridge. The yogurt cheese will give up a little more liquid as the dip sits, just pour it off or stir it back in.

1/4 C. = 80 calories and 3g of fat

Note: I usually take half the dip after its been mixed and put it in the blender or food processor and whir it up very smooth and creamy, and then stir it back into the rest, gives it a softer smoother texture.

It doesn’t take 1/4 C. usually, either. I can get by with 1 or 2 T., tops for a big plate of veggies.

I can now find reduced fat feta cheese which cuts back a wee bit more on the calories and fat

Mock Apple Juice

Mock Apple Juice

2 T. unsweetened applesauce
1 C. A&W diet cream soda

Blend unsweetened applesauce with the diet cream soda. A free drink. This tastes just like apple juice without the cals. A C. of regular bottled apple juice is about 110 calories. This “apple juice” is just 12 calories. Use in recipes as a substitute for apple juice, or drink as is. I make a Caramel Apple Shake with it by adding some dry milk powder and a shot or two of s/f caramel syrup. Blender mixture with ice cubes.

Yield: 1 serving
Calories: 12
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 0g

Lemon Avocado Dip

Lemon Avocado Dip

Lemon Avocado Dip

 

1 ripe avocado, halved, seeded, and peeled

1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice

½ cup light dairy sour cream

1 clove garlic, minced

â…› teaspoon salt

 

Lemon wedge (optional)

4 medium red, yellow, and/or green sweet peppers, seeded and cut into strips

 

In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash avocado with lemon juice. Stir in sour cream, garlic, and salt. If desired, garnish with a lemon wedge. Serve with pepper strips. To make ahead: Prepare as directed. Cover surface of dip with plastic wrap; chill for up to 4 hours.

Bacon-Cheddar Toasts

Bacon-Cheddar Toasts

Bacon-Cheddar Toasts1 C. Mayo
2 Tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 C. (4oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 chopped onion
3/4 C. slivered almonds, chopped
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (and maybe one or five extra to eat while cooking…)
1 loaf of French bread

Combine mayo and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. Stir in cheese, onion, almonds and bacon. Cut bread into 1/2 inch slices; spread with cheese mixture. Cut slices in half. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 8-10 minutes or until bubbly. Makes 4 dozen.

Potato Crisps with Yogurt Cheese

Potato Crisps with Yogurt Cheese

2 large russet potatoes
Olive oil
6 oz. yogurt cheese
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
2 T. chopped chives
2 T. snipped fresh dill
Black pepper
Dill sprigs and chives for garnish

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. With a mandolin or other manual slicer, cut potatoes into 1/8-inch slices. Arrange slices on parchment-lined pan and brush with oil. Sprinkle potatoes with pepper. Bake potatoes in the middle of the oven until golden, 15 -20 minutes, and with a spatula immediately transfer slices to a rack to cool completely. Combine yogurt-cheese with lemon zest, chives and dill. Top each potato chip with 1 tsp. yogurt-cheese. Garnish plate with whole chives and dill sprigs.

Bruschetta with Zesty Yogurt Cheese

Bruschetta with Zesty Yogurt Cheese

1/4 C. Yogurt Cheese 1/2 T. Finely Chopped Walnuts
2 Cloves Garlic
1 T. Fresh Mint, minced
1/4 tsp. Honey
Slice Italian bread
1 Plum Tomato, seeded & chopped
1/4 C. English Cucumber, peeled & chopped
1 Green Onion, chopped (White & 1” of green)

In a small bowl, combine yogurt cheese, walnuts, one minced garlic clove, mint, and honey. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 hours. Return to room temperature before serving. Grill or toast bread until golden. Rub with garlic. Cool slightly. Spread the yogurt mixture on the bread and cut the slice in half on the diagonal. Top each half with some of the tomato, some of the cucumber, and the scallion. Serve at once.

Asian Chicken & Water Chestnut Patties

Asian Chicken & Water Chestnut Patties

1 1/2 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 (8-oz) can whole water chestnuts, rinsed and drained
1 bunch scallions, chopped (1 cup)
1 tsp. minced fresh jalapeño chile, including seeds
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vegetable oil
6 (8-inch) wooden skewers

Pulse chicken in a food processor until coarsely chopped and transfer to a large bowl. Add water chestnuts, scallions, and jalapeño to processor and pulse until finely chopped, then add to chicken along with cilantro and salt. Stir together with your hands until just combined. Form mixture into 18 (2-inch-diameter) patties on a baking sheet, then thread 3 patties through their sides onto each skewer. Heat 1 tsp. oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then transfer 3 skewers of patties using a large metal spatula to skillet and cook until golden and just cooked through, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a platter and keep warm, covered with foil. Add remaining tsp. oil to skillet and cook remaining patties in same manner.

1/6 159 calories

Peanut Butter Delight

Peanut Butter Delight

1 C. part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 C. unhomogenized smooth peanut butter
2 T. skim milk
21/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 T. sugar

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until satin smooth. If stored, tightly covered, in the refrigerator, it will keep for about 1 week.

Makes 1 1/4 C.
Serving Size: 2 T.

Calories: 79
Fat: 4g

Not Quite Devilled Eggs

Not Quite Devilled Eggs

5 hard boiled eggs
1 C. Egg Beaters
3 T. fat-free Miracle Whip
1/4 tsp. horseradish
1/2 tsp. Grey Poupon mustard
1/2 tsp. vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt-optional
Black pepper and paprika-optional

If you perfer a sweeter taste, use less mustard and add 1 to 2 T. sweet relish. Cut boiled eggs in half and discard yolks. Set aside. Spray a skillet with non-fat cooking spray. Add Eggs Beater and cook and stir over medium heat until done. Cool. Combine cooled Egg Beaters and all remaining ingredients except paprika in a food processor until smooth. Fill mixture into egg halves and sprinkle with paprika.

Yield: 10 halves
Calories: 25
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 0g

Brie Smoked Salmon Stackers

Brie Smoked Salmon Stackers

1 (12 ounce) package smoked salmon

1 (8 ounce) package of softened brie cheese (depending on how much you like cheese)

1 French baguette

1 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp. fresh coarse ground black pepper

1 T. Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard

Slice french baguette in half inch slices an arrange of a cookie sheet. Drizzle baguette with olive oil. Scoop one dab of brie softened at room temperature onto each piece of bread. Cut salmon into equal portions and place on top of brie. Cook for 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Brush the salmon lightly with the grey poupon mustard. Sprinkle with pepper to taste.

Korean Seafood Pancakes

Korean Seafood Pancakes

2 ½ C. Korean pancake mix

2 ½ C. water

1 ¼ level tsp sea salt

6 spring onions – cut into 2-cm long

2 small carrots – peeled and julienned

Chilies – optional

Prawns – random amount

Fresh scallops – random amount

Pinch of ajinomoto

 

Mix Korean pancake mix with water and sea salt into a batter. It’s OK if the batter appears lumpy. Shell prawns, devein and cut into small bits. Cut scallops into thin slices. Add in all ingredients to the batter. Mix well. Heat up a non-stick pan with small amount of oil, ladle some pancake batter into the hot pan, spread out the mixture evenly and cook each side for 2-3 minutes over low heat. When the pancake has set, and the edges have turned golden, flip it over and cook the second side. Repeat until the batter is used up. Tip: You can add in a lot more vegetables or other combination, in the pancakes if prefer.

Crispy Shrimp with Garlic

Crispy Shrimp with Garlic

1 lb. raw, medium-sized shrimp

1/4 tsp ginger juice

1 T. cornstarch

1 T. dry sherry

3 C. salad oil

1 tsp salt

2 T. chopped garlic

1/2 T. chopped dried red

Pepper

1 T. minced green onion

 

Rinse shrimp and drain well. Do not remove shell. With scissors, cut off legs and open their backs. With knife, devein shrimp by making a cut down the back about 1/4″ deep. Lift out black vein with tip of knife. Make ginger juice by pressing pieces of fresh ginger through a garlic press. Mix shrimp with ginger juice, cornstarch, and sherry in a bowl. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature. Heat oil to 375 degrees F over high heat in a large wok. Fry shrimp for 1-1 1/2 minutes until shrimp turns pink and crispy. Remove shrimp with a strainer and drain on paper towels. Drain oil from wok. Reheat same wok without oil over medium heat. Add salt, stir in garlic and dried red pepper, and cook until fragrant. Return shrimp to wok; toss to mix well. Garnish with green onion and serve hot.

Stuffed Tofu, Cantonese Style

Stuffed Tofu, Cantonese Style

1 box (19 oz.) of firm tofu

1/4 C. of salad oil

1 C. chicken stock

2T. oyster sauce

1/2 T. cornstarch mixed with 1 T. of water

1 T. of shredded green onion

Parsley for garnish

 

Tofu Filling:

1 T. dried shrimp or ham

3 oz. of fish fillet, chopped

3 oz. of ground pork or beef

1/2 T. green onion, chopped

1/2 T. dry sherry

1/2 T. soy sauce

1 tsp cornstarch

1/4 tsp salt

 

Lay 4 pieces of tofu on paper towels. Place a heavy cutting board on the tofu pieces. Press out as much liquid as possible by placing a pot of water on top of the board. Press the tofu for 1/2 to 1 hour. Cut each piece diagonally to make 8 triangles. Meanwhile, soak the dried shrimp in cold water for 15 minutes. Drain and save the shrimp liquid. Chop shrimp finely. Mix shrimp with the next 7 tofu filling ingredients and 1T. of the shrimp liquid. With a small knife, cut a slit in the side of each tofu triangle. Stuff each slit with the tofu filling mixture. Heat oil in a non-slick pan over medium heat. Pan-fry tofu with stuffing side down for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Pour off extra oil then add the chicken stock. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, turning the tofu over for even cooking. Remove tofu to a large serving plate, cover and keep warm. Stir oyster sauce and cornstarch mixture into liquid in a pan, cook until thickened. Sprinkle with shredded green onion and pour the sauce over the tofu. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Creamy Artichoke Dip

Creamy Artichoke Dip

 

8 ounces cream cheese

2 ounces (about 1/2 C.) frozen artichoke hearts, thawed

1/3 C. freshly grated parmesan

1 T. chopped fresh parsley

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest

1 small garlic clove, finely chopped

 

Whirl all ingredients in a food-processor bowl until mixture is blended and artichokes break into small pieces.

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.

 

Pastry-Wrapped Cranberry Brie

Pastry-Wrapped Cranberry Brie

1 can (8 oz.) crescent dinner rolls

1 round 8 oz. brie cheese (don’t use triple creme brie)

3 TBS whole berry cranberry sauce

1 TBS apricot preserves

1/2 tsp. dried rosemary

2 medium pears, thinly sliced

 

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Unroll dough and separate crosswise into 2 sections; press dough into 2 (7 inch) squares, firmly pressing perforations to seal. Cut cheese round horizontally to make 2 rounds. Place 1 cheese round, rind side down, on center of 1 dough square. (Do not remove rind from cheese.) In small bowl, mix cranberry sauce and preserves. Spread over top of cheese; sprinkle with rosemary. Top with remaining cheese round, rind side up. With small cookie or canape cutter, or sharp knife, make 1/2 to 1 inch cutouts to resemble poinsettia leaves from each corner of remaining dough square. Roll 3 small pieces of dough into 3 small balls; set cutouts and dough balls aside. Place remaining dough on top of cheese round. Press dough evenly around cheese, folding top edges over bottom edges; press to seal completely. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. On 7 by 7 inc foil squre, arrange dough leaves with balls in center on top of dough. Left foil square with poinsettia petals and place on cookie sheet next to wrapped Brie. Bake poinsettia 8 to 11 minutes or until light golden brown around edges. Lift from cookie sheet with foil; cool. Bake wrapped cheese 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet; place on serving plate. Place poinsettia on top of wrapped cheese. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with pears. Makes 12 servings. TIP: The edible rind on the Brie keeps the cheese from oozing out during baking.

Brie Cherry Pastry Cups

Brie Cherry Pastry Cups

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1/2 C. cherry preserves

4 ounces Brie or Camembert cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/4 C. chopped pecans or walnuts

2 T. minced chives

 

Unfold puff pastry; cut into 36 squares. Gently press squares onto the bottoms of 36 greased miniature muffin C..   Bake at 375° for 10 minutes. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make a 1/2-in.-deep indentation in the center of each. Bake 6-8 minutes longer or until golden brown. With spoon handle, press squares down again.   Spoon a rounded 1/2 tsp.ful of preserves into each C.. Top with cheese; sprinkle with nuts and chives. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Yield: 3 dozen.

Caramelized Chili Shrimp

Caramelized Chili Shrimp

1/2 C. sugar

1 T. all purpose flour

1 tsp. kosher (coarse) salt

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb large uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined, tails on

1/2 lime

 

Heat oven to 500. Line a baking sheet with foil. Spray foil with cooking spray. In a resealable 1 gallon plastic bag, mix all ingredients except shrimp & lime. Add shrimp; seal bag & shake to coat with shrimp with sugar mixture. Use your fingers to squeeze the bag to make sure the garlic gets evenly dispersed.  Bake 7 minutes. Remove from oven. Using spatula, group the shrimp together & squeeze fresh lime juice over. Place on serving platter.

Crudité Platter with Roasted Garlic Aioli

Crudité Platter with Roasted Garlic Aioli

1 bunch baby carrots, peeled with about 1 inch of green tops left on

1/2 head broccoli, cut into florets

1/2 head cauliflower, cut into florets

1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed

1/2 pound green or wax beans

1/2 pound fingerling (or small red) potatoes

1 Belgian endive, leaves separated

Slices of orange, red, or yellow bell peppers, or 1 C. grape or cherry tomatoes

Sea salt

Roasted Garlic Aioli

Blanch carrots by cooking in boiling salted water 1 minute or until they turn bright orange; remove from water with a slotted spoon or mesh strainer, and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside; repeat process with broccoli and next 4 ingredients. (Broccoli and asparagus need to boil only about 30 seconds; potato takes about 10 minutes.) Arrange blanched vegetables on a platter with endive and bell peppers or tomatoes. Serve with a bowl of sea salt for sprinkling and a bowl of Roasted Garlic Aioli for dipping.

Roasted Garlic Aioli

1 garlic bulb

1 T. olive oil

1/4 C. pasteurized eggs

1 (6-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts (about 1/4 C.)

Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 T.)

1 T. Dijon mustard

Sea salt, to taste

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

1/2 C. canola or safflower oil

1/4 C. olive oil

Preheat oven to 400°. Cut off pointed end of garlic; place garlic on a piece of foil, and drizzle with 1 T. oil. Wrap tightly, and roast at 400° for about 45 minutes or until soft. Remove from oven, and let cool; squeeze pulp from garlic cloves. Place roasted garlic in a blender or food processor with egg and next 5 ingredients, and process, adding canola oil and 1/4 C. olive oil in a slow, steady stream, until mixture thickens. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Grilled Pear and Prosciutto Starter

Grilled Pear and Prosciutto Starter

4 slices prosciutto

4 T.s balsamic vinegar

4 slices fresh parmesan cheese

2 pears, any variety

4 sprigs mint

 

Peel, halve, & core the pears. Grill the pears on medium heat, turning once, until they are heated through & have nice grill marks on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Alternately, you can sauté the pears in a little butter or apple juice to heat them through & soften them up a bit. Place one pear half on each plate. Top each pear half with a slice of prosciutto, followed by a slice of parmesan (use a potato peeler to get a nice, thin slice), & then a mint leaf. Drizzle a T. of balsamic vinegar around each pear half. Spice up with salt & pepper if desired.

Festive Cheese Trio

Festive Cheese Trio

1  package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1  package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened

1  package (6 oz) chèvre (goat) cheese

1 1/2  tablespoons chopped fresh chives

2  tablespoons finely chopped yellow bell pepper

2  tablespoons finely chopped walnuts, toasted*

2  tablespoons chopped pitted Kalamata or Spanish olives

2  tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1  jar (2 oz) diced pimientos, drained

Crackers or cocktail breads

 

Line three 6-ounce custard cups or molds with plastic wrap. In medium bowl, beat both packages of cream cheese and chèvre cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. In 3 small bowls, divide mixture into equal portions (about 2/3 cup each). Stir chives into one portion of cheese mixture. Spoon half of mixture evenly into a lined cup. Sprinkle with bell pepper. Top with remaining chives mixture. Stir walnuts into another portion of cheese mixture. Spoon half of mixture evenly into a lined cup. Top with olives. Top with remaining walnut mixture. Stir Parmesan cheese into remaining portion of cheese mixture. Spoon half of mixture evenly into remaining lined cup. Top with pimientos. Top with remaining Parmesan mixture. Cover and refrigerate cheese mixtures in cups at least 24 hours but no longer than 3 days. Turn cups upside down onto serving plate; carefully remove cups and plastic wrap. Serve with crackers.

Lemonade Chex Mix

Lemonade Chex Mix

1 1/2 cups Corn Chex® cereal

1 1/2 cups Rice Chex® cereal

1 1/2 cups Wheat Chex® cereal

1/2 cup sliced almonds

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons frozen (thawed) lemonade concentrate

 

In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals and almonds.  In microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in sugar and lemonade concentrate. Microwave uncovered on High 30 seconds; stir. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated.  Microwave cereal mixture uncovered on High about 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until mixture begins to brown. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.   Oven Directions: Heat oven to 300°F. In ungreased 13×9-inch pan, mix cereals and almonds. In 1-quart saucepan, heat butter, sugar and lemonade concentrate over medium heat until hot. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Bake uncovered 30 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes

Three Cheese Party Wheel

Three Cheese Party Wheel

1 container(8-oz.)Swiss almond cold pack cheese food

1 container(8-oz.)Sharp cheddar cold pack cheese food

1 container(8-OZ.)chives and onion cream cheese spread

1/4 C. sliced almonds, toasted if desired.(or nuts of choice)

1/4 C. finely chopped fresh parsley

1 pkg.assorted crackers

 

On sheet of waxed paper, spread swiss almond cheese into 5-in.round,about 1/2 -in. thick. With small metal spatula, smooth side and top. Evenly spread cheddar cheese over swiss cheese, smooth side and top. Evenly spread cream cheese spread over top, smooth side and top to even layers. Sprinkle almonds over top, press in lightly. Press parsley into side of cheese wheel. Serve immediately, or wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate until serving time. To serve, place cheese wheel on serving plate, arrange assorted crackers around cheese wheel.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Endive Stuffed with Blue Cheese and Pear

Prosciutto-Wrapped Endive Stuffed with Blue Cheese and Pear

1 bunch endive, cleaned, leaves separated and dried

2 ounces crumbled blue cheese

1 medium ripe pear, peeled and sliced into thin, small slices

12 small slices prosciutto

 

Choose bite-sized leaves to use for your appetizer. Place a slice of ripe pear into each leaf, and top with a few crumbles of blue cheese.  Wrap gently with a piece of prosciutto.  Serve immediately.