Shout out to all my Peeps

I am late to the party! Happy Easter! Pink Bunny MartiniServes 3Ingredients:1-12 ounce frozen Raspberry Lemonade concentrate8-ounces gin (adjust the amount of gin to your own taste)12-ounces tonic waterDirections:In a tall pitcher, mix raspberry lemonade concentrate, gin and tonic water. Blend well. Serve ice cold.Note: To make the sugar rim. Use white sugar with a … Continue reading Shout out to all my Peeps →

Charred Onion Dip with Crudités

Shift your attention to the center……. "They are not crudités without a place to dip them".Tossing shallot, leek and scallions with olive oil, and salt then broiling until charred brings out the natural sugars and provides a mellow caramelized flavor which simply put is amazing.For your next get together don't forget the crudités platter. My … Continue reading Charred Onion Dip with Crudités →

A Quick Elegant Appetizer: Crispy Polenta Bites with Arugula Tapenade

Would you believe that it only takes about seven minutes to put together this elegant and delicious appetizer. Open up a bottle of wine, invite a friend(s) or not and enjoy.Crispy Polenta Bites with Arugula TapenadeServes 8Recipe from Food and WineIngredients:One 16-ounce log of prepared polenta, at room temperature1/2 cup panko bread crumbs3 tablespoons olive … Continue reading A Quick Elegant Appetizer: Crispy Polenta Bites with Arugula Tapenade →

Hot Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Sauce

Let's face it, hot fresh potato chips are addictive. Hot potato chips seasoned with salt, served with a warm blue cheese dipping sauce, and made with a quality blue cheese like Maytag (Yes, these are the folks that make your home appliances, too.) Lord help me, because I can't stop myself.If you are really in … Continue reading Hot Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Sauce →

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

This is the time of year where we are scrambling for entertaining dishes that are easy to prepare and to serve guests.This is how you improve on shrimp cocktail. Roast the shrimp, don't boil and prepare a good spicy cocktail dipping sauce.Roasted Shrimp CocktailServes 6-8Recipe from Ina GartenFor The Shrimp2 pounds (12 to 15 count) … Continue reading Roasted Shrimp Cocktail →

Goat Cheese Croutons with Wild Mushrooms and Madeira Cream

Another Cooking Club smash hit. Thanks Shirley for sharing this dish with your friends. A blend of wild mushrooms sauteed in cream and Madeira makes for a perfect Winter appetizer.Goat Cheese Croutons with Wild Mushrooms and Madeira CreamServes 4Recipe prepared by Shirley McfaddenGoat Cheese CroutonsIngredients:1/2 cup fresh goat cheese softened to room temperature1 tablespoon butter, … Continue reading Goat Cheese Croutons with Wild Mushrooms and Madeira Cream →

A Toast to Bruschetta!

An appetizer from Central Italy dating back as early as the 15th century, bruschetta is a simple grilled bread that is rubbed with garlic and can be topped with a range of ingredients from savory to sweet.We prepared two varieties of bruschetta, an Asparagus-Proscuitto and a Zucchini-Ricotta Salata. These tasty appetizers can start any party … Continue reading A Toast to Bruschetta! →

Grilled Bruschetta with Harvarti, Honey and Figs

The party starts here with this fresh and easy appetizer. Be careful this appetizer is sinfully delicious and can be prepared in under 6 minutes. The Harvarti cheese is great with the sweet figs and the honey.Grilled Bruschetta with Harvarti, Honey and FigsMakes 32 appetizersIngredients:8 5x3x 1/2 inch slices crusty country-style breadOlive oil1 8-ounce piece … Continue reading Grilled Bruschetta with Harvarti, Honey and Figs →

Prosciutto-Wrapped Greens

This is a great appetizer! So easy and so good, these pretty bundles can be assembled in minutes.Prosciutto-Wrapped GreensServes 8(Recipe from fine cooking)3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil2 tsp. red wine vinegar2 tsp. fresh lemon juice1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard1/4 lb. mesclun or arugula, washed and spun dryKosher salt and freshly ground pepper2Tbs. freshly grated ground black … Continue reading Prosciutto-Wrapped Greens →

Israeli Hummus with Paprika and Whole Chickpeas

Hummus can can be one of the hardest things to get right. Americans have a misconception that hummus is strong, lemony and garlicky. Not true! Hummus needs to be rich, creamy with a mild nutty flavor. This hummus recipe uses chickpeas that have been soaked overnight with baking soda to soften them.Israeli Hummus with Paprika … Continue reading Israeli Hummus with Paprika and Whole Chickpeas →