Appetizers Archives | Page 3 of 4

Lemony White Beans

December 5, 2016 By Lane 15 Comments

Deck the halls with boughs of holly… Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la. My cards are out, my tree is up and I’ve started my Christmas shopping. It even snowed last night…the holidays are here! And with the holidays here, you ‘ll likely be entertaining. Usually the idea of entertaining makes me want to hide in bed, but not since I’ve found this easy make ahead appetizer! Lemony White Beans -a simple appetizer that can up your entertaining game. Now hurry up and get out of your pajamas-you’ve got people coming over! …

Pulled Pork Sopes

September 30, 2016 By Lane 3 Comments

I learned about a new food this weekend and I thought it only fair to share it with you! (Especially since I was thinking: Where have you been all of my life?). I had made my favorite sauce in the whole wide world (Cilantro Lime sauce, in case you missed the post) and was looking for something special to do with it. Something my entire family would like. Something that wasn’t my “same old”. I found it in Pulled Pork Sopes, and we’ll be making it many more times in the coming months….

Fresh Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

August 15, 2016 By Holly 15 Comments

Having spent my teens and most of my twenties as a vegetarian (gasp!), I came to appreciate the beauty of an easily customizable recipe. Now, with a three year old in the house, I still appreciate a recipe that I can easily adapt to any dietary restrictions or picky eaters at my table. These Fresh Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce certainly fit the bill. Quick, customizable, fresh, and full of flavor, summer rolls are also perfect for those sticky dog days of summer when turning on the oven is the last thing you want to do!…

Pesto Caprese Dip

August 12, 2016 By Holly 58 Comments

I’m always on the lookout for a crowd pleasing, easy, appetizer for those last minute get togethers or weekends at the lake. This recipe for Pesto Caprese Dip is one of those recipes that I make again and again that requires minimal effort but packs a maximal punch. It requires only a few ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before you’re ready to serve it, which makes it perfect for entertaining. The Pesto Caprese Dip takes advantage of the late summer bounty of cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, but if you have a source for good basil in the winter, it’s really a great recipe year round. Even my picky eater husband (who hates tomatoes!) gobbles it up. It’s rare that there are any left overs! The recipe is adapted from an appetizer a neighbor and dear friend (Hi Kara!) shared with me last summer (find the original here) and I’ve tweaked it over time to reflect my personal tastes but I will say, the original is a mighty fine option as well, particularly if you’ve run out of pesto or just don’t like it….

Zucchini Hummus Dip

July 8, 2016 By Lane 8 Comments

Now that it is almost the middle of summer (can you believe it?), I am turning to recipes with less ingredients, less fuss and more vegetables. This Zucchini Hummus Dip fits the bill in all categories. In fact, you won’t believe how easy it is! Just a few simple ingredients and you will have a party worthy appetizer. Have some extra time? Make the hummus and pesto from scratch (hummus recipe here). In a hurry? Buy your favorite hummus and pesto from the store, and this dip will take you no more than 10 minutes to throw together!…

Greek Nachos with Tzatziki

July 1, 2016 By Holly 24 Comments

I think it’s fair to say that (almost) everyone loves nachos. A staple at parties, most tend to lean toward the southwest in their flavor profiles – cheese, spicy meats, peppers, and salsa. This summer, we wanted to come up with a twist on the classic. Something a little lighter, with fresh, bright flavors but still a great party food that is easily assembled for even the most spontaneous of gatherings. Enter: Greek Nachos with Tzatziki….

Radish and Cucumber Tzatziki

May 13, 2016 By Lane Leave a Comment

I’ve been slightly obsessed with radishes lately. I am seeing them everywhere…beautiful pictures in magazines, huge bundles at the farmer’s market, piles at the co-op. They are gorgeous this time of year, spicy, crunchy and so fresh! So when I came across this recipe I knew I had to make it. And I’m so, so glad I did! Similar to the gyro dip you always ask for more of (OK, well I also ask for more of), with the same addictive qualities….

Rosemary Chipotle Spiced Nuts

April 22, 2016 By Lane 1 Comment

Party time in my house tonight. Tonight is book club and I am hosting! What is the book you ask? Silly you*, now let’s get on to important details! Every time I host, I am excited to put together a menu that I think that my friends would enjoy. But, I also work a full time job, have 2 kids and don’t have a ton of time to make a lot of complicated dishes. Enter these rosemary chipotle spiced nuts. Simple, yet elegant. Quick, yet so, so tasty….

Summertime Salsa

April 18, 2016 By Lane 2 Comments

I know, I know, I’ve written many times lately about the awesome weather we’re having here in Minnesota, but I just can’t say enough about it. This past weekend we have truly entered patio season, and I am embracing it. Of course as the weather heats up, and the sun begins to shine, my tastes trend towards those of summer-tomatoes, cilantro, onions, garlic…basically, salsa!…

Easy Homemade Hummus

April 1, 2016 By Holly 5 Comments

It seems like hummus has exploded in popularity in the last ten years. I can’t think of the last party I was at that didn’t feature a bowl or two of hummus and veggies or pita chips. Scanning the aisles of just about any grocery store will reveal a wide array of flavor choices. About a year ago, I was introduced to Yotam Ottolenghi’s classic hummus recipe (find the recipe here). It was a game changer. Homemade hummus is not only easy and cheap, it is worlds above anything you can buy at a store and can be easily adapted for varying tastes and crowds….