Tag: appetizers

Homemade Bruschetta with Fresh Tomatoes

Homemade Bruschetta with Fresh Tomatoes

Homemade Bruschetta with Fresh Tomatoes is one of our favorite summer appetizers. Nothing says summer is almost here like farm fresh tomatoes and basil on top of crisp bread. We like this bruschetta for several reasons. First of all, it is a fairly inexpensive bruschetta 

Roasted Sweet Potato Hummus

Roasted Sweet Potato Hummus

Roasted Sweet Potato Hummus is one of our favorite autumn appetizers. I start this hummus by boiling chickpeas and roasting sweet potatoes. Then, I use my food processor to create a creamy hummus. Finally, I grill pita triangles and serve them with the hummus and 

Chipotle Queso Fundido Dip

Chipotle Queso Fundido Dip

Chipotle Queso Fundido Dip is one our favorite winter appetizers. I start this queso dip by cooking peppers, onions, garlic, and jalapenos until they’re soft and tender. Then, I stir in a beer, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese mixture. Finally, I serve the dip with crisp vegetables and corn tortilla chips. We like this dip for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this dip in less than thirty minutes. Secondly, I like that I can make this dip ahead of time. Thirdly, I like how well this dip goes with any Tex-Mex meal. I especially like serving it with fajitas . This dip also goes great with steak dinners and tacos. And, lastly, we all love how rich and creamy cheese this dip is.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Saucepan-I use a three-quart saucepan to make my dip.
  • A Whisk- You’ll need this to stir the cheese into the beer.
  • A Skillet or Bowl- I like to serve this dip in a mini cast iron skillet or a small bowl. You could also serve it in a fondue pot to keep it warm.

The Ingredients Needed for Chipotle Queso Fundido Dip

  • Cheese- I really like the Cabot brand Monterey Jack Cheese and Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
  • Jalapeno peppers- I add these to my dip. But I remove the seeds and membranes. That makes the jalapenos fairly mild rather than spicy.
  • Beer- I use a pale ale as the liquid base for this dip.
  • Cornstarch- You’ll need this to thicken the dip and hold everything together.

How I Made my Warm Cheese Dip

  • First, I cooked the vegetables. It’s important to cook the onions and peppers until they are soft, but not burnt.
  • Then, I heated the beer and whisked in the cheeses. It’s important to whisk in the cheese gradually, not all at once.
  • Finally, I poured the dip into a serving dish and topped it with some fresh veggies to make it pretty.

If you like cheese, you need to try this rich and creamy Chipotle Queso Fundido Dip.

Chipotle Queso Fundido Dip
Chipotle Queso Fundido Dip
Chipotle Queso Fundido Dip

Chipotle Queso Fundido Dip

A warm cheese and vegetable filled dip.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup minced onion
  • 2 tbsp. minced jalapeno
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 2 tbsp. chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced up
  • ½ cup pale ale or other beer
  • 1 cup each shredded Monterey Jack cheese and Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp. paprika

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat and cook the onion, jalapeno, garlic and red pepper. Cook until the vegetables are crisp tender. Stir in the chipotles. Cover and keep warm while you make the cheese fondue.
  • In a three-quart saucepan, bring the beer to a boil. As the beer is heating, toss the cheeses with the cornstarch. Then, turn the heat to low, and slowly whisk in the cheese until it melts completely. Add the paprika. Mix the melted cheese into the vegetables and pour it into a serving bowl. You can make this ahead of time and heat it up in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
Keyword appetizers, meatless meals
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Mango and Pork Pot Stickers

Mango and Pork Pot Stickers

Mango and Pork Potstickers are one of our favorite winter appetizers. I start these dumplings by making a hearty pork, mango, and veggie filling for my pot stickers. Then, I fill gyoza wrappers with the filling and fry them until they’re crispy and delicious. Finally, 

Pumpkin Gouda Chicken Quesadillas

Pumpkin Gouda Chicken Quesadillas

Pumpkin Gouda Chicken Quesadillas are one of our favorite fall appetizers. I start these quesadillas by seasoning and roasting some boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Then, I quickly fry up some colorful bell peppers and onions and make the tomato salsa. Finally, I sandwiched this all 

Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip

Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip

Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip is one of our favorite fall appetizers. I especially like serving it on Halloween. I start this dip by stirring together pumpkin beer, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. This creates a rich and creamy fondue-like dip. Then, I serve this warm pumpkin beer dip with hot pretzel nuggets, bell peppers, cucumbers, and broccoli. We like this pumpkin beer dip for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this dip ahead of time. I like to make it early in the day, and then reheat this pumpkin beer dip in the microwave. Secondly, I like that I can make this dip in just fifteen minutes. That makes it easy for me to make this dip on busy days. And, lastly, we all love the rich and cheesy flavors in this dip.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Saucepan- All you’ll need for this recipe is a three-quart saucepan.

The Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip

  • Beer- I used Dogfish Head Pumkin Ale. But you can use any pumpkin beer, or a regular beer, as well.
  • Cream Cheese- Be sure to soften your cream cheese. You can leave it on the counter to soften, or just put it in the microwave for a few seconds.
  • Cheddar Cheese-I recommend you use a good quality extra sharp cheddar cheese. I really like the Cabot brand extra sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Cornstarch- You’ll need this to thicken the dip. You can find it in the baking aisle.

How I Made my Dip

  • First, I boiled the beer. Make sure to measure everything precisely, for best results.
  • Next, I tossed the cheese with the cornstarch.
  • Then, I stirred the cheese into the beer, whisking constantly.
  • Finally, I stirred the cheese in the cream cheese.

If you like cheese, you need to try this creamy and rich Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip.

Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip
Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip
Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip

Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip

A warm cheese and pumpkin beer filled dip served with hot pretzels, broccoli, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 4
Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup pumpkin beer
  • 1 cup each shredded Monterey Jack cheese and Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp. paprika
  • ½ cup each chopped tomatoes and cilantro
  • 2 cups hot pretzel nuggets
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers

Instructions
 

  • In a three-quart saucepan, bring the beer to a boil. As the beer is heating, toss the cheeses with the cornstarch. Then, turn the heat to low, and slowly whisk in the cheese until it melts completely. Add the paprika. Mix the melted cheese into the vegetables and pour it into a serving bowl. Garnish with the tomatoes and cilantro. You can make this ahead of time and heat it up in the microwave.
  • Serve with the pretzels, cucumbers, and bell peppers.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal
Keyword appetizers, dip
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos

Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos

Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos are one of our favorite Tex-Mex dinners. I start this dish by braising chicken thighs in tomatoes, cilantro, chipotle peppers, and chicken stock. Then, I shred the chicken and mix it with cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Next, I roll up 

Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers

Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers

Pork and Pumpkin Pot Stickers are one of our favorite fall appetizers. I start this recipe by making a hearty pot sticker filling. Then, I wrap the pumpkin filling in gyoza wrappers and fry and steam the pot stickers until they’re golden brown. Finally, I 

Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas

Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas

Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas are one of our favorite summer dinners. I start these quesadillas by braising boneless skinless chicken thighs in my homemade Salsa Verde. Then, I shred the chicken and put it into flour tortillas along with lots of Colby Jack cheese. Finally, I top the quesadillas with Roasted Corn Salsa and sour cream. We like these quesadillas for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make all the components of this dish ahead of time. Then, right before serving, I just fry up the quesadillas. Secondly, I like that this is a complete meal. No side dishes are necessary. And, finally, we all love the tender chicken and all the melted cheese.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Food Processor- I used this to make the Salsa Verde. If you don’t have a food processor, just mince everything with a knife.
  • A Dutch Oven- I like to braise my chicken in an enameled cast iron Dutch oven. But you can use any four quart or larger pot.

The Ingredients Needed for Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas

  • Chicken- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs. I always use Bell and Evans chicken because I find it to be the most tender.
  • Tomatillos- You can find these at markets with good produce sections. Sometimes these come with a husk on them. If so, you’ll need to remove the husk before chopping.
  • Chicken Stock- I always use my homemade stock. The recipe is below.
  • Cheese- I used Colby Jack cheese, but Monterey Pepper Jack would also be great.

How I Made my Quesadillas

  • First, I braised the chicken. It’s important to just simmer the chicken and not boil it. Boiling the chicken will make it tough.
  • Next, I roasted the corn for the salsa.
  • Finally, I added everything to the tortillas and fried them up. And, I added the salsa on top.

If you like Tex-Mex flavors, you need to try these cheesy and delicious Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas.

Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas
Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas
Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas

Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas stuffed with chicken slowly braised in a salsa verde. They're topped with a Roasted Corn Salsa.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 Food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp. each garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 chopped tomatillos
  • 1 chopped jalapeno
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp. chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup cilantro
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 4 8-inch flour tortillas
  • 3 cups Colby Jack cheese
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sour cream

For the Roasted Corn Salsa:

  • 2 ears of corn
  • 4 tsp. salted butter
  • 1 cup diced plum tomato
  • 1 minced jalapeno
  • ¼ cup red onion, minced
  • ½ cup minced cilantro leaves
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp. lime juice
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Begin by preparing the Salsa Verde Chicken: Dry off the chicken thighs all over with paper towels and sprinkle on all the spices. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the oil. Add a couple of chicken thighs at a time and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove the thighs to a plate after they're browned. After all the chicken is browned put it all back in the pot.
  • While the chicken browns, make the Salsa Verde: Put the tomatillos, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and lime juice in the food processor. Process until finely chopped. Add this mixture to the chicken pot along with the chicken stock. Cover and simmer for 50 minutes. Then, remove the chicken and shred it. With a slotted spoon remove 1 cup of the braised minced vegetables and add this to the chicken.
  • While the chicken simmers make the Roasted Corn Salsa: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Peel the husks of the corn and wrap each cob in foil, with two teaspoons of butter in each packet. Roast for thirty minutes. Cut the corn off the cobs and place the kernels in a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and refrigerate until serving.
  • Lay out your four tortillas. Place some shredded chicken and cheese on half of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas in half, and cook on medium heat, on a grill pan, or in a cast iron skillet. Use some of the butter to cook each quesadilla. Just cook them long enough to melt the cheese. Serve with the roasted corn salsa and sour cream.
Keyword Chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Chicken Stock

Chicken Stock

Homemade chicken stock
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 4½ lbs. chicken breasts and wings with skin and bones
  • 10 cups water
  • 2 peeled onions
  • 2 peeled carrots
  • 3 peeled parsley roots
  • 1 tbsp. kosher salt
  • 4 stalks celery
  • 1 peeled parsnip
  • 2 tbsp. garlic cloves
  • 1 cup fresh parsley and fresh dill

Instructions
 

  • Put the chicken and the salt in a large, tall pot and cover with ten cups of cold water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes, skimming any scum that forms.
  • Add all the vegetables and herbs and simmer for two and a half hours. Pour the soup through a strainer to remove everything but the broth.
Keyword chicken soup, chicken stock, stock
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Peachy Pork Pot Stickers

Peachy Pork Pot Stickers

Peachy Pork Pot Stickers are one of our favorite summer appetizers. I start these pot stickers by mixing together ground pork, minced peaches, cabbage, ginger, garlic and chives. Then, I stuff the pot sticker wrappers with the filling and fry them until they’re crispy and