Appetizer Recipes
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Marinated Feta Tapenade
Need an easy appetizer that will please the crowds…then the marintated feta tapenade is perfect for the occasion. I must confess, I get the opportunity to work at LaClare Family Creamery which is one of the most awarded goat cheese producers in the country. With that being said the feta used in this appetizer is 100% goat cheese feta which really compliments the olives very well as the goat cheee feta is just a bit milder and creamier. This recipe will work well though with your faorite feta. Tapenade is a signature dish of Provence, the olive-producing, Mediterranean region of France. There, the olives are mashed with anchovies, garlic, capers,…
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Marinated Mozzarella Balls
This is such a quick easy appetizer to make that screams summer and satisfies my love for basil, garlic, and cheese. I mean hey…what’s not to like! My 12 year old son loves it too so typically when I make it where fighting over the last few bites. This dish is very easy and honestly takes less than 15 minutes to make. I do recommend letting it stand for at least a half hour before serving to let everything meld but other than that it’s easy peasy. I also have served this on top of grilled chicken breasts which is equally as yummy. Ingredients: 8 oz of mozzarella pearls (if…
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Less than 5 minute Restaurant Style Salsa
Ok, I have to say I am all about most things that can take less than 5 minutes (ladies you know what I’m talking about!!) This salsa was inspired by my future brother in law Jason whose seriously is addicted to a chain store salsa. He can only get this brand of salsa at a store in a neighboring town and when he goes… let me tell you he stocks up!! Being a cook and somewhat of a competitive person I have made it my mission to duplicate this salsa and let me tell you my version is pretty damn close. My first 5 minute salsa turned out chunkier than…
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Less than 5 minute Chunky Salsa
This is a super fast salsa, that is great when you have literally no time to whip something up or you’re low on funds. My 16 oz food chopper does all the dirty work. Everyone always compliments me on this salsa and it’s just so easy… I honestly feel a little guilty and cheap;/ Nonetheless, I promise this will be your go to as well. The key ingredients in this is the fresh cilantro and lime juice. You may want to add more cilantro or lime juice but I would start with my recipe and add to your liking. Ingredients: 1/2 of a small onion cut into quarters 1 Tbs…
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Cucumber Mango Salsa
I love making this salsa, it’s good to serve with pita chips or on top of chicken, pork or fish. The combination is a delicate balance of sweet and savory. This is a fun salsa to make because besides the mango’s I have virtually everything else in my garden. The color is also appealing and is always a show stopper when I bring to a party. Anytime I make this I always double this recipe to serve on top of any grilled meat cooked throughout the week or on my favorite fish tacos! Ingredients: 2 mango’s pitted and diced 1/2 of an English cucumber diced 2 Tbs of finely chopped…
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Olive Tapenade
I am crazy for olives. It’s an easy snack, it’s satisfying, and it’s good for you. I really enjoy making this spread because it’s simple and cheap to make. It’s a great last minute appetizer to whip together when you are crunched for time. You can serve this with crackers or on a toasted baguette. A typical tapenade is made with anchovies, but I am not a fan so I make mine without. The flavors are strong in this spread so make sure you and your guests are olive fans!!! If you happen to have any left over I love spreading this on my sandwich or a chicken breast for…
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Southwest Crab Dip
This is a perfect game day appy! I absolutely love the typical artichoke crab dip but was wanting something more nacho inspired! This is very simple and full of a lot of flavor. Serve this with tortilla chips, or toasted french bread. Ingredients 8 oz of cream cheese room temperature 2/3 cup of sour cream 1/3 cup of mayo 1 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil 12 oz of mock crab chopped (if you prefer to use the real thing choose jumbo lump crab) 4.5 oz chopped green chilies 1 cup of super sweet frozen corn 1 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese 1 small red onion diced 1/2 red pepper…
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Last Minute Fig Dip (that really takes less than a minute!!)
I find myself being noted as the “appetizer queen” amongst my family and friends and am always asked to bring an appetizer to the party. I was hosting a party last summer and at the last minute, as I am sure we all do….. we find ourselves wondering if there is enough food for everyone. On a whim and bit of a panic I took a block of cream cheese out and liberally spread some fig preserve over the whole block of cream cheese. Served it on a platter with assorted crackers. Everyone kept coming up to me and asking me about this dip, I literally was chuckling to my…
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Creamy Olive Tapenade
This is such a easy appetizer to make with a lot of flavor! I developed this recipe for my husband, as he has been addicted to olives lately which has taken over my refrigerator space. I needed to bring a appetizer to my parent’s Christmas party and I thought I would use up some of the half empty olive jars in my refrigerator. I served this dip on a toasted baguette, with dried figs and apricots on the side but to save time you could always serve this with assorted crackers. 2 packages of cream cheese softened 1/4 cup of sour cream 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons…