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Besides being a BusyMOM, I have a myriad of interests. And fortunately, Squidoo has given me the perfect place to make "legal" spills (and n... (more...)
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Easy Appetizes - Make Eating Fun!
Who doesn't love appetizers? Anyone? Anyone? I'd like to meet the person who doesn't!
Don't you just love easy appetizer recipes that make your mouth water just thinking about them? I adore those tiny little packages of food that look so good and smell so heavenly. In fact, I could eat every meal as an appetizer... really! I'm not kidding!
Did you ever see that movie with Cher called Mermaids? She was this BusyMOM who couldn't cook - only knew how to make appetizers for every meal - breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Anyway, Cher's poor kids just wanted her to be a NORMAL Mom and give them NORMAL food for meals. (growing up, I wanted to be her kids!) You know, pot roasts and potatoes, like all the other kids in the neighborhood.
Think of it. Doesn't a delicious fruit kabob sound great for breakfast? And we all have all been caught sipping soups (most often considered an appetizer!) on occasion for a lunch. And what about Mini Pizzas for dinner? Or the age-old Pigs-in-blankets? Or how about Brie Fondue? Yeah. The ol' taste buds are starting to get revved up now, aren't they?
The point is, eating the Appetizer Way is fun. It's just plain fun. Somehow, you forget about calories, you forget about diets and you just enjoy the "little packages."
Stay tuned for lots of great recipes and party appetizer ideas and make sure you take the pole on the kind of appetizers you like (see below).
Are you hungry yet?
P.S. If you like this lens then, please be so kind as to rate it. As always, we are looking for 5 stars, but flavor is a subjective thing! Thank you in advance.
Thanksgiving Appetizers
Give thanks and share these yummy appetizers
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, food and fun. And that includes Thanksgiving appetizers!If you are cooking the big turkey at your home this year, and even though you'll probably be eating too much on this day, you'll still need to have some simple appetizers around to keep the guests happy while you are busy in the kitchen with last minute details.
Take a look at these delicious and easy Thanksgiving recipes and round out your own celebration with some incredible munchies.
Acorn Squash Soup
Bleu Cheese Dip
Cheddar Cheese Mushrooms
Cheese Terrine
Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
Chestnut Sweets
Cranberry Salad
Hazelnut Cheese Bits
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Spiced Pumpkin Soup
Spicy Cheese Dip
Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Stuffed Brie
Tomato Toddy Appertif
Zippy Tomato Soup
Remember, the true spirit of celebrating Thanksgiving is in the word itself: Giving Thanks. Show your family and friends how grateful you are for their place in your life by giving them an incredible day they won't soon forget.
What kind of appetizer is appetizing to you?
Do you have a favorite appetizer recipe that you'd like to share? Or a favorite website about appetizers that you'd like to pass on to all of us appetizer fanatics? I'd love to hear what makes your mouth water and your tummy growl for more...
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Jamie123
This is a great lens; you really covered the bases. My favorite pizza restaraunt is in my hometown: Mabes Pizza. It is simply the best! Posted February 08, 2008 |
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AnitaHampl
Fun lens - and just what I need as i scramble to find a recipe for a networking group holiday party TONIGHT! Thank you! Our favorite, hands down, is a baked brie with chopped apples and cranberries on top, I think it's a Pampered Chef recipe, my friend Sandra brings it to everything! Posted December 12, 2007 |
When you're in a big hurry!
Fast Appetizers
Price: $14.36
Each of the 100 recipes in Fast Appetizers, from spring rolls to pizza to caviar, can be made in a flash, most under 15 minutes.
Smoked Ham Tapas with Tomato, Garlic and Toasted Bread
(Pan con Tomate, Ajo y Jamon)
Delightfully fragrant and flavorful, this extremely simple smoked ham tapas is made with slices of toasted bread - any kind your heart desires, plus the following ingredients. Straight from Spain, this easy to make snack is served in homes and bars and sold locally from street carts.What you'll need:
- Slices of bread
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 ripe tomato
- Slices of smoked ham
- Olive oil
Toast the slices or better yet, pan fry them. Not sure why the pan frying tastes better... your toaster will work fine though, if you're in a hurry.
While the slices are still hot, rub them with the clove of split garlic until it absorbs the flavor. Cut the tomato in half (needs to be juicy) and rub it over your toasted bread - enough to see the juices sinking in a bit. Add a pinch of salt, olive oil and finally top with your favorite kind of smoked ham. The ham can be warm or cold.
Divine! So simple and so much flavor. How can you go wrong? Enjoy!
For more great Tapas recipes like this one, visit Tapas Small Plates for more tasty ideas.
Appetizing Links
- Chips and Dips
- Delicious, delectable chip dip recipes for every palate!
- Tapas Small Plates
- Spanish snacks that melt in your mouth. Make easy, simple tapas small plates - great appetizers to enjoy with friends and family.
- Great Snacks!
- Great snacks can mean two different things. Good to eat and good for you. Well, why not both at the same time?
- After School Snacks
- Some ideas for after school snacks don't need an oven, just your imagination for variations on the theme. Other ideas you can make ahead and store, like the sweet breads and snack mixes.
Dinner Appetizer - Mini Pizzas
Who says dinner has to be meat and potatoes?
These easy to make mini pizzas are loved by kids and adults alike.You can substitute 2 English Muffins for the Boboli crusts if you prefer. Simply split the muffins and toast them before putting the toppings on.
Remember, this is a versatile recipe that is hard to screw up. You can exchange any of the ingredients below for your favorite cheese, veggies, sausage or favorite pizza toppings. Go wild! Use your imagination!
What you'll need:
- 2 six-inch Boboli pizza crusts
- 1/2 cup of pizza sauce
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- 1/2 cup of sliced pepperoni
- 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese (shredded)
First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
For each crust, spread the pizza sauce evenly. If you decided to make them with English Muffins, make sure you split and toast them first before adding the sauce.
Finish by topping with the remaining ingredients. Bake for about 8-10 minutes on until the cheese is melting and bubbly and the crust has turned to a golden brown on the bottom.
Serve and enjoy! This recipe serves 2 so make plenty!
For more terrific ideas for appetizers for Dinner, check out Easy Appetizer Recipes and plan your appetizer!
Refer a Friend!
It's so easy...
Refer a Friend (or yourself!)
Gouda Onion Dip
Not your average, packaged onion dip!
Pretty up your average onion dip with a scooped-out ball of Gouda cheese. No kidding! Because it's so beautifully self-contained, it travels well when you want to take this as an appetizer to a party. Not only that, but your friends will be bowled over by the presentation and the great flavor. There will be no leftovers!What you'll need:
- one 10-oz ball of imported Gouda cheese
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 4 oz Roquefort cheese (crumbled)
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese (finely grated)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 drops of hot pepper sauce
- 1 tsp whole-grain mustard
- 4 Tbsp dark beer or stout
With a sharp knife, cut the top to make a lid from the Gouda cheese ball, about 1 inch thick. Save the lid. Hollow out the cheese without cutting through the wall of the ball. The wall should be as thin as you can make it on all sides. Take the reserved Gouda cheese and grate it and set aside.
In a small skillet, heat 2 Tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it reaches a golden brown color. This usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir often. Remove the onion from the skillet and set aside to cool.
Combine the Gouda, Roquefort, and Cheddar cheeses in a food processor, along with the remaining butter, the onions and the Worcestershire, mustard, and hot pepper sauce. Process the mixture until smooth. Scrape the sides occasionally. Pour in the beer and continue to process until smooth and creamy.
Next, fill the hollowed out Gouda ball with the mixture. You'll probably have more mixture than will fit in the ball. Place the lid on the ball of cheese and put the remaining dip into a bowl. Cover both with plastic wrap and refrigerate before serving.
One nice aspect of making this dip is that if you make it a day ahead, it actually enhances the flavor. When you serve the dip, bring out the Gouda ball in time to reach room temperature. You can use the additional dip to refill the cheese ball.
This recipe makes approximately 2 cups. You must refrigerate it at least 4 hours before serving.
Enjoy with Homemade Potato Chips, Italian Bagel Chips
And...
For more great recipe ideas, checkout Free Recipe Sites to find the perfect recipe for the perfect occasion.
The things you can do with Gouda cheese!
igourmet 1-lb. Walnut Gouda
Price: $8.99
The cheese market in Holland is changing rapidly. For years, Holland was known for Gouda and Edam, two simple cheeses that appeal to the masses. But... more »
Parmesan Cheese Crispies
Just enough crunch...
This is one of my favorite easy appetizer recipes because of it's crispy lightness and they way they melt in your mouth at the same time.
Try them out next time you want to do a different appetizer for your next gathering. You don't even need a dip to go with these chips - they are that good!
What you'll need:
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 teaspoon ground tumeric
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- salt
First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Then, in a small bowl, combine the butter and the spices. Brush the top of each tortilla with the butter mixture and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and salt.
Next, cut the tortillas into wedges. Place the wedges on a baking sheet and back until crisp (about 10 to 15 minutes).
Once, crisped, take them out of the oven and transfer the chips on to a wire rack to cool. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving or storing. How easy is that?
This easy appetizer recipe makes about 8 dozen chips.
For more great chip ideas, check out our Chip Dip recipes page.
Appetizing Del.icio.us Tags for YOU!
Find more ideas for those tasty little packages
Peruse what others have written about appetizers and snacks and party pleasers and....
- Simply Recipes: Cheesy Bread Recipe
- 101 Simple Appetizers in 20 Minutes or Less - New York Times
- Baked Artichoke Dip Recipe - 101 Cookbooks
- 15 Mexican Dishes in 15 Minutes - Editor's Picks on Yahoo! Food
- Cherrapeno: Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan & Basil Whirls
- David Lebovitz: My Killer App Candied Peanut Recipe
- running with tweezers: holy edamole!
Crispy Carrot Fries
When kids won't eat their veggies...
Are your kids "Carrot-Haters?" And are you scratching your head trying to come up with another great healthy snack that your kiddo will love (and that's good or him)?Well, scratch no more, and try this recipe for a new twist on fries. Delicious, nutritious and everyone will love them even the most notorious carrot-hater!
What you'll need:
- 16 medium carrots
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- parchment paper for baking
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Peel and cut the carrots (16 carrots or 2 pounds worth) into sticks that are about 4 inches long. Put the sticks into a bowl and pour the olive oil over them and mix to coat.
Next, place the carrot sticks on a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, sprinkle the carrots with the salt.
Bake the carrots until they begin to crisp (about 20 to 25 minutes)
Serve these beauties warm. Kids that hate carrots will have a change of heart after they try this easy appetizer recipe!
Visit this Great Snacks page for more terrific ideas for school snacks, everyday snacks, snacky snacks...
Some Favorite Appetizer Recipe Books
When one source is just not enough...
Here are some of my favorite appetizer recipe cookbooks. Feel free to add your own!
100 Best Appetizer Recipes
You'll be the star of every party with 100 Best Ap more...1 point
And of course, from Martha
Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook
Amazon Price: $24.75 (as of 05/16/2008)
List Price: $37.50
Simple Snacks for Every Day
- Apple Surprise - Simple and delicious - anyone who loves peanut butter will love this snack.
- Peanut Butter and Celery - More for the peanut butter lovers!
- Coconut Fruit Kababs - More for the peanut butter lovers!
- Pizza Crackers - Make this for your kids when you are tired of serving the same old snack. They love it!
- Apples and Cream Cheese with Raisons - Bring a happy smile to your kiddo's face with this one.
For the middle-of-the-night munchies...
Midnight Snacks
Price: $11.86
Re-issue. This is a witty, charmingly illustrated guide to satisfying the nighttime munchies. From late night to dawn's early light, readers will be... more »
My Favorite Appetizing Links
Here are some GREAT places to visit if you need even more inspiration for THE PERFECT APPETIZER.
Easy Appetizer Recipes. Find GREAT ideas for simple, fun and tasty appetizers.
Delicious, easy appetizer recipes for the busy Mom more...1 point
Come join us at the Soup Hoopla!
Soup Hoopla! A soup extravaganza. It's the place t more...1 point
How To Make Cheese | Making Cheese At Home
Learn how to make cheese at home. Making homemade more...1 point
Southwestern Recipes
Whether you're interested in appetizers and dips s more...0 points
The Cheese Shop
Welcome to the Cheese Shop! Sliced, cubed, shredde more...0 points
Free Recipe Sites
Looking for free recipes? Hey, that's why we're he more...0 points
After School Snacks
Great snacks for hungry kids (and adults!)
After School Snacks definitely means summer is over! My son came home from the first day of school, completely exhausted and cranky. I was surprised because he was so excited to get back to school and see all his buddies.But then I thought back to my days of returning to school and remembered that going from a state of "play" to a state of highly structured activity WAS exhausting. And he was grumpy because he was hungry! What kind of nutritious, great-tasting after school snacks could I give him?
I didn't want to give him sugary stuff that would ruin his dinner, not to mention add to his already grumpy attitude. I needed to know what of snack would work after expending all the mental and physical energy he does during a regular school day.
Typically, whatever is convenient and readily available in my cupboard is what I would let him have. And I try really hard to find good, nutritious after school snacks that are easy, but let's face it. Any kind of snacks you buy in the store are processed, full of sugar usually, and the fat content can be, or is quite high.
Read the complete article here.
Appetizer Blogs You Might Like!
Want to know what appetizers other people like?
- Sweet 'N' Sour Sausage
- A sweet sauce and merry Christmas colors make this fruit-and-sausage combo a trusted holiday crowd-p...
- Mini-Quiche Appetizers
- I'd been meaning to try out a few appetizer recipes, and finally got around to making a few this w...
- Easy Recipes Layered Fruit Salad recipe - 4 points
- It is oftenly served as an appetizer, if not that, dessert. Eitherway, fruit salads are definitely d...
- Christmas Cheese Balls
- Christmas at our house just wouldn't be complete without these rich cheese balls. Friends and family...
