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.

Easy Entree: Blue (Bleu) Pizza

January 23, 2013 by Lee in Entrees, Plan for a Party, Weeknight Meals

Who says that pizza has to be slathered with tomato sauce and dotted with pepperoni, or that blue cheese is only good as a dip for chicken wings? Not me! This pizza combines mozzarella with blue cheese and adds a layer of prosciutto. Then, it's topped off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and arugula. Sprinkling cool arugula over the hot crust makes this pizza unique, but adding the sweet/salty combo of balsamic glaze/prosciutto makes it special. Serve it in small squares as an appetizer, or, cut it in wedges as an entree - perfect for your next pizza party!

Adapted from Gemignani at Tortora's

INGREDIENTS

store-bought or homemade pizza crust
3 oz. [84g] prosciutto, cut in thin strips (about 5 slices)
1 small red onion, sliced
½ c [56g] crumbled blue cheese (gorgonzola, stilton etc.)
1 c [112g] shredded mozzarella cheese
balsamic glaze (reduced balsamic vinaigrette) - available at Trader Joe's
½ c [75g] baby arugula (rocket), chopped

DIRECTIONS

On ready-made or home-made pizza crust, layer mozzarella and blue cheeses, prosciutto strips and red onion slices.
Bake at 375 degrees [190C] for 20-25 minutes, until cheeses bubble.
Remove from oven and drizzle balsamic glaze over hot pizza.
Top pizza with chopped arugula.

Trader Joe's