Quick Appetizer: White Cheddar Dip

May 24, 2013 by Lee in Plan for a Party, Appetizers, Comfort Food

If you're like me, you're always interested in finding an appetizer that is both quick and yes, appetizing! I'm also grateful if it only has a few ingredients that I can remember while I'm at the market on the way home! This white cheddar dip is exactly that - 5 ingredients - quick and delicious. If you have tree nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts - it will still be wonderful. The pairing of sharp white cheddar with just a bit of cayenne pepper gives it a savory kick. And, speaking of pairings, this dip is fantastic for a wine tasting - whether you're serving whites or reds -

. . . or a tailgate, . . . or a pool party, . . . or impressing your friends at a potluck -- you get the idea!

INGREDIENTS

10 oz. [300g] sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
6-8 green onions (scallions), chopped
1/4 c [40g] walnuts, finely chopped
1/2 c [120mL] mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon [1.25mL] ground red cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS

Mix all ingredients together in medium bowl.
Refrigerate at least one hour to marry flavors together.
Serve with crackers, flatbread or pita chips

Quick Appetizer: Mini Muffalettas

March 08, 2013 by Lee in Appetizers

I make these mini sandwiches if friends are coming over to watch a movie or the game -- the spicy flavors of New Orleans in a few bites. These deli mini's are packable appetizers too, so consider taking them to a tailgate or picnic - just wrap the sandwich in waxed paper and secure with wooden picks (olives are optional).

INGREDIENTS

12 small deli breadrolls, cut in half
1 1/2c [285g] mayonnaise
4T [60g] spicy mustard – Creole preferred
1/2 red onion, diced
12 thin cheese slices
12 thin deli turkey slices
12 Genoa salami slices
1 16 oz. [450g] jar olive bruschetta or tapenade
whole olives and bamboo deli picks (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Mix mayonnaise, onion and mustard together in small bowl. Spread mixture on one cut side of each deli roll.
Layer salami, turkey and cheese slices on top of mustard/mayo/onion mixture.
Top meat and cheese slices with 2 ½ T [30g] olive tapenade.
Place top half of deli roll on each sandwich.
Spear sandwiches with whole olive and bamboo pick.

Quick Appetizer: Dolores Dip

February 14, 2013 by Lee in Appetizers, Plan for a Party

Try this savory dip when you want a "make ahead" option for a party, or a potluck. If you're hosting a bridal or baby shower, this is also an easy and deliciously different filling for tea sandwiches. It's named for my mother, Dolores, who is always asked to bring this creamy spread to every occasion. Thanks, Mom, for sharing the super secret family recipe!

INGREDIENTS

8oz. [227g] regular or light cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 t [7.5 mL] horseradish
3 T [36g] mayonnaise
1 1/2 T [18g] yellow mustard
1 small red or yellow onion, grated or very finely diced
pinch of salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise, mustard and horseradish to softened cream cheese, mix well.
To creamed cheese mixture, add onion and pinches of salt and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate mixture one hour to meld flavors.
To serve, let dip sit 15 minutes to soften, then use as spread for tea sandwiches or place in small bowl and serve with chips, crackers or breadsticks.