Appetizers

Guinness Cheese Toasts

Published on by carol lou

What does everyone focus on during the month of March?  March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day.  Here is a recipe that is perfect for both occasions.  Perfect with a cold beer while watching the games and a great appetizer for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner.  Easy to make and the hot bubbly cheese makes this a recipe that you will probably use time and time again.  I think this would also be great grilled appetizer for a summer BBQ.

Guinness Cheese Toasts

Guinness Cheese Toasts
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Ingredients
  1. 1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese cut into 1 inch cubes
  2. 3/4 cup Guinness Stout
  3. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  4. 2 cloves of garlic
  5. Tomato slices
  6. Baguette, cut into 1/3 inch slices
  7. Olive oil
Instructions
  1. Put the cheese, Guinness, cayenne pepper and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth.
  2. Preheat broiler.
  3. Lightly brush bread slices with olive oil, put under the broiler until just golden brown.
  4. Spread cheese mixture on each bread slice, boil an additional 2 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Watch closely.
  5. Serve with tomato slices, if desired.
Notes
  1. If you do not have a food processor, finely grate the sharp cheddar cheese and mix in the Guinness, cayenne and garlic. Stir until all is combined.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Published on by carol lou

This is a quick and easy appetizer that you can put together in a snap.  The sugar caramelizes as they bake, a great appetizer that you can make at a moments notice.

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Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
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Ingredients
  1. 1 5 oz. can whole water chestnuts
  2. 9 strips of bacon, cut in half
  3. 1/8 cup soy sauce
  4. 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
  1. Drain water chestnuts and marinate in soy sauce for 1/2 hour. Drain and roll each water chestnut in sugar, wrap each water chestnut in bacon. Secure with a toothpick. Place on rack in shallow pan.
  2. Bake 400 for 20 minutes, broil for an additional 5 minutes until the edges of the bacon brown
  3. Serve hot
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Herb Pita Chips

Published on by carol lou

I opened my freezer and discovered a package of pita bread.  I also had quite an assortment of fresh herbs in my refrigerator, so I wanted to try something different with pita chips.  I have tried the basic recipe of drizzling pita triangles with olive oil and sea salt and baking, they are very good but quite basic.  I brought out my herbs and some butter and tried a different approach to baked pita chips.  I have to say they were amazing.  When my husband came home from work; I had just brought a batch out of the oven. It was all I could do but to take the photo below before we decided we needed to try my creation.  Can I just say, not sure how to recommend storing these since we ate the entire batch with a great class of wine!  Off to the gym tomorrow…

pita chips

 

Herb Pita Chips
so much better than pita chips in a bag!
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Ingredients
  1. 3/4 cup butter, softened
  2. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  3. 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
  4. 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  6. Fresh grated pepper
  7. 6 pita rounds
Instructions
  1. Cream butter, add remaining ingredients, except pita bread. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 450.
  3. Halve the pitas, spread with butter mixture, cut each pita into 6 triangles.
  4. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer, bake 5 - 7 minutes until lightly browned and crisp, watch closely so they do not burn.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Peppadew Goat Cheese Appetizer

Published on by carol lou

When I was in Atlanta last week, I had an amazing Peppadew appetizer at one of the BBQ restaurants we visited.  It was so good, I came home and  tried my hand at recreating it.  I served my creation this past weekend and all agreed it was delicious. A Peppadew is a sweet piquant pepper grown in the Limpopo province of South Africa.  Interesting how combining a few basic ingredients, you can produce such fantastic results. This appetizer is very unique and if you are not familiar with Peppadews, what a good time to give them a try.  It is very easy to make, you can make this ahead and pop in the oven when your guests arrive.  I served this with water crackers.

peppadew appetizer

Peppadew Goat Cheese Appetizer
You can find peppadews in jars at your local market or many times on the olive bar
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Ingredients
  1. 1 10.5 oz. log of goat cheese
  2. 1 jar Peppadew peppers, drained
  3. 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  4. 1 tablespoon, honey - I used bourbon infused honey
  5. Fresh cracked pepper
  6. Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
  1. Drain peppers and place on a cookie sheet, broil until the skins begin to char. Watch carefully, this does not take very long.
  2. Preheat oven to 400
  3. In an oven proof serving dish, crumble goat cheese, top with peppers and pine nuts.
  4. At this point you can cover and refrigerate, if you are making this ahead.
  5. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes or until the goat cheese has melted.
  6. Remove from oven, drizzle with honey and olive oil, sprinkle with cracked pepper
  7. Serves 8
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Smoked Salmon Topped Deviled Eggs

Published on by carol lou

As you all know, I live with a Seahawk fan and yes, his team defeated my team for the opportunity to play in Sunday’s game.  Only fitting that I bring a salmon related contribution to a Super Bowl party.   Since deviled eggs are always a hit when I take them to tailgates or parties, I thought deviled eggs would be a great addition to a Super Bowl feast.  I also have to admit I am bringing some Wisconsin cheese, even though my beloved Packers are at home watching the game.  I will always have a spot in my heart for the season that could have been.  I must admit, if the Packers were playing this year, salmon would have definitely been replaced with cheese curds, brats, and beer!  Maybe next year… 

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Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
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Ingredients
  1. 6 hard-boiled eggs
  2. 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  3. 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  4. Salt and pepper, to taste
  5. 4 oz. smoked salmon
  6. Chopped dill, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Cut peeled eggs lengthwise into halves. Slip out yolks and mash with dry mustard, salt and pepper, and mayonnaise. Fill whites with egg mixture, top with smoked salmon and dill.
  2. Cover and refrigerate, serve within 24 hours.
Notes
  1. How to hard boil an egg.
  2. Place as many eggs are you want in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Turn the burner to high and bring to a rolling boil. As soon as you have a rolling boil, remove from heat and cover. Let stand covered for 20 minutes. Immediately remove from the hot water and place in a bowl of ice water. Let stand 8 minutes, remove and refrigerate eggs.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Marinated Shrimp

Published on by carol lou

 

I have been making this version of marinated shrimp for many years.  It is the perfect recipe for a picnic, appetizer or condiment for a Bloody Mary.  You marinate the cooked shrimp for 24 – 48 hours prior to serving.  The assembly is very easy, mix everything together, add the shrimp and refrigerate.  The result is  perfectly marinated shrimp with the infusion of the spices and herbs.  I like to serve these shrimp with crackers.  However, if you have seen the current Bloody Mary cocktail explosion with the number of condiments added to these drinks – these marinated shrimp will take your cocktail over the top.  The perfect Bloody Mary –  celery spear, cherry tomatoes threaded on a skewer with cooked bacon and marinated shrimp.  What a winning combination.  Cheers

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Marinated Shrimp
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Ingredients
  1. 2# cooked shrimp, shell-off, tail-on
  2. 1 red onion, sliced very thin
  3. 3 tablespoons capers
  4. 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  5. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  6. 3/4 cup canola oil
  7. 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  8. 1/3 cup sugar
  9. 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  10. Hot sauce, add according to taste
  11. Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine all marinade ingredients in glass bowl. Add shrimp, stir to combine. Refrigerate 24 - 48 hours. Stir occasionally. Drain and serve.
  2. Another great way to marinate is combine all ingredients in a zip-top plastic bag and refrigerator. Rotate bag occasionally to distribute marinade.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Cocktail Pizzas

Published on by carol lou

This recipe was one of my mothers favorite recipes.  I think because you make them ahead and you can also freeze them.  I know that she always had these on hand in the freezer for a spur of the moment appetizer, light lunch or to serve with soup for dinner.  I remember having these when I was growing up, I am sure you too have certain foods that you remember your mom serving when you were growing up.  I wonder what recipes my children will remember from their childhood.  My bet is macaroni and cheese, potato casserole and  beef stroganoff.

 cocktail pizzas

Cocktail Pizzas
a great make ahead appetizer
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Ingredients
  1. 4 Italian sausage links - I used 2 hot and 2 sweet Italian sausages, casings removed
  2. 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
  3. 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
  4. 3/4 lb. grated mozzarella cheese
  5. 6 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  6. pepper to taste
  7. 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  8. 1 loaf cocktail rye bread
Instructions
  1. Cook sausage and ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break meat into small pieces as it cooks. Remove from heat. Add tomato sauce, cheeses, and seasonings. Combine.
  2. Spread 2 tablespoons filling on each piece of bread.
  3. Bake 400° 8 minutes, on a foil lined baking sheet
  4. Bake 400° 12 - 15 minutes, if frozen
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

 

Hearts of Palm Dip

Published on by carol lou

If you have never used hearts of palm, now is the time to try them. It is a vegetable harvested from the inner core and growing bud of certain palm trees. You can find them in jars or cans in the canned vegetable aisle of your grocery.  I made this last night to take to a dinner party as an appetizer.  I also took my Roasted Tomato Jam. I think the dip is delicious on its own served with an assortment of crackers.  However, if you want to step it up a notch, serve this hot dip with the tomato jam, a wonderful combination.  Every last bit of the dip was was eaten and the reviews were great.  

Hearts of Palm Dip
Serves 8
serve with Roasted Tomato Jam - a terrific combination
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Ingredients
  1. 1 14 oz. can or jar of hearts of palm, drained and chopped
  2. 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  3. 1/4 cup sour cream
  4. 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  5. 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  6. paprika, optional, sprinkled over the top prior to baking
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients. Pour into a baking dish and bake 350°, 20 - 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Roasted Tomato Jam

Published on by carol lou

I am a tomato fanatic.  I absolutely love tomatoes in every shape, size, and form.  My family laughs at me that I could eat tomatoes every day!  I have to admit that getting those vine-ripe tomatoes in the winter are not the same as those fresh heirloom tomatoes from the summer farmer’s markets.  So, time to invent dishes that have that great fresh summer taste in the cold winter months.  I purchased a 1 pint box of organic grape tomatoes at the store this week and planned on making my usual pan roasted tomatoes with garlic, fresh basil and olive oil.  However, this morning I thought I would try roasting them in the oven to concentrate their flavor and make a wonderful jam to serve this weekend.  This jam has an intense flavor perfect to serve with toasted bread or crackers.  I added a hint of cinnamon and balsamic vinegar and I think it is terrific.  Time to open a bottle of wine this weekend and try this delicious jam.  Next time, I am going to roast 3 pints of tomatoes.

Roasted Tomato Jam
delicious as an appetizer, top a cracker with a smear of goat cheese and spoonful of this jam
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Ingredients
  1. 1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half
  2. 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  3. 1 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  4. 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  5. 1/3 teaspoon cinnamon
  6. 1 teaspoon coarse grain salt
  7. 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the above ingredients. Pour onto a foil lined baking sheet. Bake 325 ° - 1 1/2 hours.
  2. Stir every 30 minutes. If the mixture looks dry while roasting, drizzle with additional olive oil.
  3. Mash tomatoes with a fork after cooking to obtain jam consistency.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/