Tag: appetizers

Creamy Lobster Jalapeno Dip

Creamy Lobster Jalapeno Dip

Creamy Lobster Jalapeno Dip is one of our favorite summer appetizers. I start this dish by stirring together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Monterey Jack cheese, jalapenos, and lobster. Then, I add more cheese on top and bake it until everything is warm and bubbly. 

Nacho Fries with Cheddar Sauce

Nacho Fries with Cheddar Sauce

Nacho Fries with Cheddar Sauce are one of our favorite appetizers. I start these fries by deep-frying sliced up potatoes. Next, I make a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Finally, I top the fries with a fresh tomato salsa. We like these French fries for several 

Roasted Pepper and Feta Dip

Roasted Pepper and Feta Dip

Roasted Pepper and Feta Dip is one of our favorite summer appetizers. I like to make this on hot days, for a cool and refreshing start to the meal. I start this dish by roasting red bell peppers. Next, I blend them in my food processor along with feta cheese, lemon and garlic. Then, I serve the dip with fresh cut up vegetables. We like this dish for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this entire dish ahead of time. Secondly, I like serving dishes like this to my kids. It’s a great way to expose them to lots of different vegetables. And it helps me eat more vegetables, too. And, lastly, we all love the fresh and delicious flavors in this dish.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Food Processor- You’ll need this to puree the ingredients for the dip.

The Ingredients Needed for Roasted Pepper and Feta Dip

  • Feta Cheese- You’ll need four ounces of feta cheese for this recipe. I like to use the brined French feta cheese, if I can find it.
  • Olive Oil- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. I like the California Olive Ranch brand.
  • Peppers- You’ll need red bell peppers for the dip. And you’ll need baby peppers for the dipping.
  • Lemon Juice- Be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Garlic- I like to buy peeled cloves and store them in my freezer.
  • Sugar Snap Peas- Slice these in half to make them easier to eat.
  • Beets- You can use yellow or red beets.

How I Made my Dip

  • First, I roasted my peppers and beets.
  • Next, I used my food processor to make my dip.
  • Finally, I served the dip with the veggies.

If you like peppers, you need to try this smooth and creamy Roasted Pepper and Feta Dip.

Roasted Pepper and Feta Dip
Roasted Pepper and Feta Dip
Roasted Pepper and Feta Dip

Roasted Pepper and Feta Dip

Roasted Pepper and Feta Dip
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Greek
Servings 6 people

Equipment

  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 3 yellow beets, trimmed
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
  • ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • cups radishes, halved
  • cups sugar snap peas, halved
  • 3 cups baby bell peppers

Instructions
 

  • Begin by roasting the peppers and beets: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Wrap each beet in foil and place them on a baking dish along with the peppers. Bake them for one hour. Then, remove the skin and seeds from the peppers. Under running water, rub the skins off the beets. Cut the beets in half and set aside.
  • Place the peppers in a food processor. Add the feta, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Process the mixture until everything is combined and smooth. Pour in a bowl and top with the pepper flakes and thyme.
  • Serve the dip with the rest of the vegetables.
Keyword appetizers
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Sesame Steak Lettuce Wraps

Sesame Steak Lettuce Wraps

Sesame Steak Lettuce Wraps are one of our favorite appetizers. Sometimes I serve it as a party appetizer, but I also like to make it for a family dinner. I start this dish by marinating tender skirt steak in a Korean- inspired sesame marinade. Next, 

Barbecue Pulled Pork Totchos

Barbecue Pulled Pork Totchos

Barbecue Pulled Pork Totchos are one of our favorite cool weather appetizers. I start these totchos by making homemade pulled pork. This recipe makes far more pulled pork than you’ll need for this appetizer. But, I recommend dividing the pork into a few packs and 

Chicken Satay with Peach Dipping Sauce

Chicken Satay with Peach Dipping Sauce

Chicken Satay with Peach Dipping Sauce is one of our favorite summer appetizers. I love this recipe for several reasons. First of all, the coconut marinade is insanely delicious. Secondly, this dish is hearty enough to be a main dish. But, it’s also a super appetizer. And, lastly, I like that this dish features all the ripe summer peaches that my local orchards are full of right now.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Food Processor- You’ll need this to puree the Peach Dipping Sauce.
  • Wooden Skewers- I used wooden skewers, but you could also use metal ones.
  • A Grill Pan- Use this or any large skillet to cook your chicken.

The Ingredients Needed for Chicken Satay Skewers with Peach Dipping Sauce

  • Chicken- I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You could also use chicken breasts.
  • Coconut Milk- Use canned coconut milk. My favorite brand is Native Forest.
  • Peaches- Fresh peaches are key for this recipe.
  • Cornstarch- This helps the sauce thicken up.
  • Sriracha- You can find this in the Asian foods section of your market.
  • Fish Sauce- This can smell pretty pungent, but is mild in the marinade.
  • The Spices- All the spices add great flavor to the marinade and the chicken. Sometimes I can find these spices a little strong and overpowering, but in this recipe, they create a really great, light flavor.

How I Made my Satay

  • First, I mixed up the marinade, and let the chicken marinate for one hour. It’s important to cut your chicken pieces so that it cooks evenly.
  • Next, I made the peach sauce. Just keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn.
  • Then, came my least favorite part- threading the wet chicken cubes on the skewers.
  • Next, I grilled my chicken. It’s important to cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside.
  • Finally, I served the chicken with the dipping sauce.

If you like Thai flavors, you need to try this mildly spiced, summery Chicken Satay with Peach Dipping Sauce.

Chicken Satay with Peach Dipping Sauce
Chicken Satay with Peach Dipping Sauce
Chicken Satay with Peach Dipping Sauce

Chicken Satay with Peach Dipping Sauce

Coconut marinated chicken skewers with a peach dipping sauce.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 8 wooded skewers
  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut in half inch cubes
  • 13.5 ounces canned coconut milk
  • 1 tsp. fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. each coriander and cumin powder
  • ½ tsp. each black pepper, yellow mustard powder, ground ginger, and fennel seed
  • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil

For the Peach Dipping Sauce:

  • 2 cups peeled and chopped peaches
  • ¼ cup each water and honey
  • 1 tbsp. lime juice
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. sriracha

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the marinade: In a large bowl, stir together the coconut milk, fish sauce, sugar, coriander, cumin, pepper, mustard, ginger, and fennel seed. Add the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Also, soak your wooden skewers in water, for at least thirty minutes.
  • While the chicken marinates, make the Peach Dipping Sauce: Simmer all the ingredients for ten minutes in a three quart saucepan. Puree in a food processor. You can serve this warm, cold, or at room temperature.
  • After the chicken is marinated, thread the chicken on the skewers.
  • Heat a grill pan to high heat, and grill the chicken on both sides for about ten minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Serve with the peach sauce.
Keyword appetizers, Chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Lobster Salad Topped Crostini with Lemon Aioli

Lobster Salad Topped Crostini with Lemon Aioli

Lobster Salad Topped Crostini with Lemon Aioli are one of our favorite summer appetizers. I love this appetizer for several reasons. First of all, I can make this dish in less than half an hour. That means, that I can whip this dish up very 

Summer Vegetable Rolls with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Summer Vegetable Rolls with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Summer Vegetable Rolls with Sweet and Sour Sauce are one of our favorite summer appetizers. I love this dish for several reasons. First of all, I love that this is a meatless recipe. We just came back from a vacation, where we didn’t eat nearly 

Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings

Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings

Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings are one of our favorite summer appetizers. I love these wings for several reasons. First, of all, I love that this recipe uses the juicy and delicious summer peaches. Secondly, I really like that these wings bake in the oven, and that I don’t have to watch them at all. Thirdly, I like that this recipe uses ingredients that I always have in the house. And, that means that this is an inexpensive recipe for me to prepare. Finally, I absolutely love these crispy wings, the peachy barbecue sauce, and the lemon aioli.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Large Baking Sheet- You’ll need this to bake your wings on.
  • A Saucepan- I used a three quart saucepan to simmer my barbecue sauce.

The Ingredients Needed for Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings

  • A Peach- You’ll need one fresh peach to make this recipe. You don’t need to peel it.
  • Chicken Wings- Buy the wings that are separated into flats and drums. Be sure and get them nice and dry so that they crisp up in the oven.
  • Fresh Ginger Root- You can find this in the produce department of your market. You could also use a quarter teaspoon of ginger powder instead. Or, you can completely omit the ginger. I just made this in our vacation house and just omitted the ginger. I just didn’t want to bother searching for it a strange supermarket.
  • Ketchup- I always use Heinz Organic.
  • Mayonnaise- Hellman’s is the brand I always use.
  • Lemon Juice- Be sure and use fresh lemon juice.

How I Made My Wings

  • First, I baked the wings. Just be sure and grease the foil really well, or the wings will stick horribly to the foil.
  • Next, I made the barbecue sauce. Of course, you want to simmer it on low heat so that it doesn’t burn. I also mixed up the Aioli.
  • Finally, I used a pastry brush to paint the wings with the sauce.

If you like chicken wings, you need to try these scrumptious Peachy Barbecue Wings.

Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings
Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings
Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings

Peachy Barbecue Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings coated in a Peach Barbecue Sauce and served with a Lemon Aioli.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds chicken wings, flats and drums
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and pepper

For the Peach Barbecue Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 cup minced onions
  • 1 tbsp. each minced garlic and ginger
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 1 cup minced peaches
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 1 tsp. soy sauce

For the Lemon Aioli:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • zest of one lemon
  • ½ tsp. paprika
  • 2 cloves grated garlic

Instructions
 

  • Begin by baking the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Dry the wings off really well. Place them on a well oiled foil lined baking sheet and sprinkle them with the salt and pepper. Bake them for fifty minutes.
  • While the chicken is baking, make the Peach Barbecue Sauce: Melt the butter in a three quart saucepan, and cook the onion and garlic on low heat until they're soft. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer uncovered for twenty minutes.
  • Also, make the Lemon Aioli: Stir together all the ingredients in a small bowl, and chill until serving.
  • After the chicken has baked for fifty minutes, brush it liberally with the barbecue sauce. Bake ten minutes more. Serve the wings with the Lemon Aioli.
Keyword appetizers, Chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Cheesy Tomato and Basil Dip with Crostini

Cheesy Tomato and Basil Dip with Crostini

Cheesy Tomato and Basil Dip with Crostini is a warm and gooey appetizer. I love this dip for several reasons. First of all, it only takes minutes to prepare. Secondly, it reheats very well. Thirdly, it uses ingredients I always have in the house. And,