Appetizers
finger foods & appetizers...
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Mac & Cheese Bites with Jalapeno Love Knots {Tapas Style}
Went to a great Wine & Tapas restaurant Friday evening with 10 of my favorite ladies. Up one side of our table and down the other were small plates of love. Tuna Tartare, Kobe Beef Sliders, Pistachio Crusted Scallops, Eggplant Caviar, Lobster Mac n Cheese…oooo, let’s say that one again, Lobster Mac n Cheese. Which reminds me of a picture I saw in the book Bite by Bite by Peter Callahan (which is on my Wish List). Mac & Cheese Bites in Parmesan Crisp Cups. Who could resist?!
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Cowboy Caviar & A Country Christmas Party
Whipped up a batch of Cowboy Caviar in honor of tonight’s Country Christmas themed Annual Company Party. I can not wait. While we work (and play) hard all throughout the year, the Christmas Party is a chance to spend an evening with my second family and their spouses. And inevitably make memories that will last us until next year’s party :) Did I mention, I can not wait!
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Bang Bang Shrimp {Bonefish Grill Inspired}
When someone shares what THAT dish is for them….it peeks your curiosity. Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang Shrimp might just be THAT appeTEASER that keeps you going back. That was good enough for me. There are those dishes on a restaurant menu that create a stir and keep you coming back. Remember when the Blooming Onion blossomed on the Outback menu….what a craze. Have you ever been tempted to go to Red Lobster…just for the Cheddar Biscuits? Or raced straight from work to Chili’s for an order of their Southwestern Eggrolls (and a Presidente Margarita)?
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Pomegranate, Zucchini, and Avocado Salsa {Share the Love}
A couple years ago, just before the Christmas Holiday season began, I sat down on my living room rug with literally years of issues of Martha Stewart Living magazine scattered around me. I began to bookmark recipes (and decorating ideas) I wanted to try. It is our family tradition that Christmas Eve dinner is comprised of finger foods….some annual favorites, but also a chance for us to experience new recipes. I’m sure I turned down page corners on at least 100 recipes that year, and one of the few that actually made the cut was Pomegranate, Zucchini, and Avocado Salsa.
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Cranberry Orange & Ginger Chutney Brie Tarts
I have to admit I’ve never been a big fan of cranberry sauce. My mom and sister loved it, so it was always part of our Thanksgiving buffet, but I just never warmed up to it. However last year I discovered a recipe for Cranberry Orange Chutney {with Crystallized Ginger} and as a new lover of ginger anything I thought I’d give it a try. It was the perfect hint of tart for these Cranberry Orange & Ginger Chutney Brie Tarts.
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Cranberry Orange Chutney {with Crystallized Ginger}
This super easy recipe is a wonderful twist on the Thanksgiving favorite cranberry sauce ~ Cranberry Orange Chutney with Crystallized Ginger. I’ve slightly adapted this recipe from one I found on Epicurious and this year we’re going to use this lovely chutney in Cranberry Orange & Ginger Chutney Brie Tarts, a recipe by the Authentic Suburban Gourmet. I can hardly wait!!
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Crab Rangoon {with Sweet and Sour Sauce}
Back in the days of apartment living when Chinese food takeout seemed to be a weekly occurrence….we’d always say yes to “do you want to add an order of Crab Rangoon with that?” They’re so good and as we later discovered, remarkably easy to make.
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Sea Scallops with Spicy Mayo
Sea Scallops. Sweet. Juicy. Hint of ocean breeze. Is it wrong that I’ve put Whole Foods on my list of things I’m thankful for? Whole Foods inspires me in many ways….to try unique produce items, to dabble in International cooking, to grow bamboo, to someday cook a whole fish (head on), to eat more whole grains, to drink better wine….I could go on and on.
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Pan Seared Sage Brown Butter Scallops {with Sweet Pea Puree}
Pan Seared Sage Brown Butter Scallops {with Sweet Pea Puree}. Not sure if I need to say more. LOVE the Sea Scallops, they are such a huge treat. Simply pan searing them with a sprinkle of salt & pepper is all they really need….but huh huh we gave them a little more. If you’re going to sear them in butter anyway, why shouldn’t it be in that seductive favorite Sage Brown Butter.
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Jalapeño Popper Pizza
When life gives you corn tortillas, it’s a great time to get creative. There are hundreds or at least 30 corn tortillas in a package. We’ve made Chicken Enchiladas Verde, homemade corn chips & salsa, and now these yummy and super easy Jalapeño Popper Pizzas. Coming soon Cilantro Lime Shrimp & Avocado Tostadas. And there are still enough left for one more creation…
