Tag: Appetizer

Appetizers, Brunch, Side Dishes

Recipe—Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Diva di Cucina


Are you looking for a classy appetizer to serve at your New Year’s Eve party tomorrow or any other night of the year? Search no further! These crab stuffed baby portobello mushrooms are easy, can be made ahead of time, are really elegant, and of course delicious. These will be a hit with all your guests. The crab filling is creamy with a nice little kick to it thanks to the Tabasco and the breadcrumbs give them the perfect little crunch. If you are serving a steak for a main course these can also be the perfect complementary side dish. Either way enjoy this fabulous recipe as you ring in 2013! Happy New Year everyone!

Note: You can completely make and assemble the stuffed mushrooms a half day in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake.

INGREDIENTS
1/4 c olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp shallot, chopped
10–12 baby portobello mushrooms, washed and destemmed
salt and pepper
3 tbsp red bell pepper, chopped
8 oz lump crabmeat
1 tsp hot sauce (I like Tabasco)
1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp old bay seasoning
1/2 c breadcrumbs

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 350º.
  • In a medium sauté pan heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add the garlic and shallot and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Add the mushroom caps and season with salt and pepper.
  • Sauté the mushroom caps for 2 minutes.
  • Remove the mushroom caps from the skillet and place them upside down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Add the chopped bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
  • In a medium bowl mix together the crabmeat, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, old bay seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper.
  • Stir in the sautéed veggies and mix well.
  • Stuff each mushroom cap with the crab mixture and top with breadcrumbs.
  • Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the breadcrumbs start to brown.
  • Allow mushrooms to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Appetizers

Recipe—Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Diva di Cucina

I am a girl who loves her boneless buffalo wings, just not all the calories that come with the batter fried chicken. This is a fabulous adaptation of the classic American appetizer. My husband isn’t really a fan of buffalo chicken but he really enjoyed these to my surprise. To be honest, the two of us finished off the entire batch over some Sunday football and I was guilt free! This is a really great appetizer that is not only quick but incredibly easy. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite size pieces
1/2 c buttermilk
1/2 c flour
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 c buffalo sauce (I love Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce!)
1 tbsp butter, melted

GARNISHES
bleu cheese dressing
celery and/or carrots

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 350º.
  • In a large bowl whisk together buttermilk, flour, and garlic salt until smooth. (If the batter seems too thick add more buttermilk a tablespoon at a time. You want it to be slightly thick so that it sticks to the cauliflower. If it is too runny the batter will all drip off while baking.)
  • Place the cauliflower into the bowl of batter and gently toss to coat.
  • Spread the battered cauliflower out on a greased baking dish making sure to shake off any excess batter.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes turning once until some of the edges turn a nice golden color.
  • While the cauliflower is baking combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl.
  • Remove the cauliflower from the oven and drizzle the buffalo sauce mixture over the top and toss to coat.
  • Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
  • Remove the finished cauliflower from the oven and plate with some fresh veggies and a side of bleu cheese dressing.

 

Note (added 01/13/14): Many people have asked about the texture. The batter becomes more like a soft breading on the outside rather than crispy. To get a crispy texture try frying the battered cauliflower. And be sure to shake of excess batter as you place it on the baking sheet so that the cauliflower is lightly coated.

Appetizers, Dinners, Side Dishes, Snacks

Recipe—Butternut Squash Crisps

Diva di Cucina

Over the past couple of weeks I have been getting squash on a regular basis from my produce delivery. I’ve been having fun trying to come up with creative ways to prepare them. These butternut squash crisps are a cross between potato chips and potato wedges, but with squash. They’re a fun way to enjoy this popular fall veggie. My son loves sauce so if you or your kids are the same way serve it with a little side of ranch. Happy dipping!

Note: For a crispier squash cut the slices thin otherwise they may come out soggy.

INGREDIENTS
1 butternut squash
2 tsp olive oil
1/3 c breadcrumbs
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 c parsley, chopped
1 tsp thyme
salt and pepper

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 400º.
  • Peel the squash using a vegetable peeler.
  • Cut the ends off and slice in half lengthwise.
  • Scoop out all the seeds and stringy pulp.
  • Cut into 1/4” slices or smaller. The thinner they are the crispier they will be.
  • Put the slices of squash in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Spread the squash out in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to use two sheets.
  • In a blender pulse together breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper.
  • Sprinkle the topping over the squash slices.
  • Bake squash for 25–30 minutes until the tops of the “crisps” are golden brown.
Appetizers, Snacks, Sweet Treats

Recipe—Toffee Apple Dip

Diva di Cucina

I love it when I can find festive after school snacks for my little munchkin. While this isn’t the healthiest snack, we sure had fun making it together. We had it “whipped” up in less than 5 minutes and eaten in almost the same amount of time. Just kidding, I demonstrated some self-control and saved a little for my husband to enjoy for dessert that night. This was so good that when we ran out of apples I was just using my fingers to scoop it out. I know, I’m ashamed, but I couldn’t help it! It was really yummy! A better name for this is probably “Apple Crack”. After we finished the dip off we were trying to think about what else would go well with it and we think some graham crackers or Nilla wafers would make great dippers too. Enjoy! (And I know you will!)

Note: This is the perfect amount for 3–5 people but if you want to make it for a group definitely double or triple the recipe.

INGREDIENTS
1 Heath bar
8 oz cream cheese (1 block)
1/3 c brown sugar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3–5 apples sliced

STEPS

  • Using a very sharp knife cut the Heath bar up into small bits. Set a tablespoon of the bits aside.
  • In a small mixing bowl beat together the cream cheese, sugars, and vanilla,
  • Stir in the majority of the Heath bits.
  • Transfer to a small serving bowl.
  • Top with reserved Heath bits.
  • Serve with sliced apples.
Appetizers

Recipe—Pear and Gorgonzola Crostini

Diva di Cucina

Summer has just come to an end and that means pears are in season. Here is a great appetizer that will help get you in the mood for fall. It’s really elegant and really easy, perfect for a romantic night in or a night of wine tasting! The flavors aren’t ones you might think to typically use together but they really do complement one another nicely. Once you eat these warm delights you will be in the mood to throw on a scarf and go pumpkin picking. Welcome fall!

INGREDIENTS
1/2 c cream cheese, softened
1/2 c Gorgonzola
1/4 c butter, softened
baguette, sliced into 1/2” thick slices
2 pears, sliced into thin wedges
1/2 c pecans, chopped
2 tbsp rosemary. chopped
1/4 c honey

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 375º.
  • In a small bowl combine cream cheese, Gorgonzola, and butter.
  • Spread a thin layer of the cheese spread on each baguette slice.
  • Place one or two pear slices on top of the cheese.
  • Top pears with some crushed pecans and sprinkle rosemary on the top.
  • Place the prepared baguette slices on a greased cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 7–8 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and drizzle with honey.
Appetizers

Recipe—Queso Fundido

Diva di Cucina

Today is day 1 of my hot & spicy week! My jalapeño plant has been giving me more peppers than I know what to do with so this week I will be featuring five different jalapeño based recipes. I hope you enjoy each and every one!

Planning a fiesta anytime soon? If so, this is a perfect appetizer sure to start the party off right. It is quick and easy. I have made this for two social gatherings in the last couple of weeks since jalapeños are in abundance at our house and both times the dish was practically licked clean. It is one of those appetizers that you just can’t get enough of. Just serve it up with your favorite tortilla chips and watch it disappear.

Note: If you have a small appetizer sized crock-pot you can put the finished queso fundido in it on low heat to stay warm.

INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tomato, diced
1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 jalapenos, deseeded, deveined, and finely chopped
3 tbsp tequila
2 c jack cheese, shredded
1/4 c milk
1/4 fresh cilantro, chopped

STEPS

  • In a medium saucepan heat oil over medium high heat and add tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños.
  • Cook until onions are translucent and soft, about 4–5 minutes.
  • Carefully add in tequila and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  • Mix in cheese and milk and stir until melted and smooth.
  • Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.
  • You can serve as it is OR you can put the cheese mixture in an oven safe dish and finish off under the broiler for 3–4 minutes or until just starting to turn a golden brown on top.

Appetizers

Recipe—Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms Wrapped in Bacon

Diva di Cucina

The other night I wanted to surprise my husband with a nice steak dinner because, well… that’s what good wives should do for their hardworking men. I wanted to come up with a “manly” appetizer that would complement a nice steak. I love my steaks with mushrooms as well as blue cheese so this is what I came up with. A steakhouse worthy appetizer of baby portobellos filled with rich blue cheese and a dash of tangy steak sauce and finished off with salty bacon. They were delish! The cream cheese really helps to cut the overpowering blue cheese flavor giving these just the right balance. These could easily be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you are ready to bake them making them perfect for dinner parties. They are absolutely delectable and worth the effort.

Note: For an easy and mess free way to fill your mushroom caps, put the cheese filling in a Ziploc bag and cut off the corner to create a disposable pastry bag.

INGREDIENTS
12 slices of bacon
12 baby portobello mushrooms
1/2 c cream cheese, softened
1/4 c blue cheese crumbles
1 tsp steak sauce (I like A1)
salt and pepper
2 tbsp chopped green onions

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 400º.
  • Arrange bacon slices in a large Pyrex baking dish and cook for 8 minutes.
  • Flip bacon over and cook for an additional 8 minutes. You want it to only be partially cooked and pliable so that it is easy to work with.
  • While the bacon is cooking clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
  • Remove bacon from oven and place slices on a paper towel lined plate.
  • Reduce oven temp to 350º.
  • In a small bowl combine the cream cheese, blue cheese, steak sauce, salt and pepper and stir thoroughly breaking up the large chunks of blue cheese.
  • Once your cheese mixture is well combined stir in the green onions.
  • Fill your mushroom caps with the cheese mixture. (See above note)
  • Wrap each mushroom in a piece of the bacon and secure using a toothpick.
  • Place the finished mushroom caps on a foil lined baking sheet and cook for 15–18 minutes or until mushrooms are soft and the filling has melted.
Appetizers, Side Dishes, Snacks

Recipe—Kale Chips

Diva di Cucina

I am someone who does all my menu planning and grocery shopping on the weekend so that I don’t have to worry about making any extra trips to the grocery store during the week. Being the working mom of a toddler keeps me busy enough Monday–Friday. I receive my produce delivery early in the week and one of my recent deliveries had an unexpected bunch of kale that didn’t really fit with anything I had planned on the dinner menu. I decided to use it for a healthy after school snack for my munchkin.

I have seen kale chips popping up all over the place so thought I would give them a try. While they may not look ultra appealing, they are delicious! My son and I gobbled them up. They are so addicting! Even my son kept coming in to the kitchen asking for more chips. While they totally taste best fresh out of the oven, they were still good the next day. They just loose some of that fresh crispiness over time. These are a perfect snack for those people watching their carbs or calories and they really were quick and easy to make. Perfect for snacking!

INGREDIENTS
1 bunch kale
olive oil
kosher or sea salt

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 350º.
  • Tear the kale leaves into bite sized pieces stripping out the inner stalks.
  • Wash well in water and dry as much as you can. (I used my salad spinner and it worked great!)
  • Evenly distribute the leaf pieces on a large cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
  • Toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle with salt.
  • Place in oven and bake for 10–15 minutes or until the kale is crisp.
  • Best enjoyed while warm and fresh!
Appetizers, Dinners, Sauces

Recipe—Chinese Chicken Meatballs with a Sesame Garlic Hoisin Sauce

Diva di Cucina

I saw a recipe for Asian meatballs made with pork and beef the other day and I thought that a great way to cut some of the calories would be to make something similar but with ground chicken. Two of my son’s favorite meals are chicken teriyaki and spaghetti with meatballs. You should have seen the size of his eyes when I told him we were having Chinese chicken meatballs. His eyes got really big and his mouth dropped open. I think he was excited for the marriage of two of his fave dishes. He really liked the sauce and gobbled dinner up. I served these over rice with steamed veggies but they would also make an excellent appetizer. I must admit the sauce really makes this recipe. It has so many different flavors in it. It really gets your taste buds going. This recipe is fairly quick and very easy. With the number of meatballs it makes it ended up being enough for two dinners so I have some in the freezer ready for a quick and easy dinner in a few weeks.

Note: Toss the cooked meatballs in a crock-pot and double up the sauce, heat on low and you have an awesome and healthy appetizer that will stay warm for hours.

MEATBALL INGREDIENTS
2 lbs ground chicken
2 tsp sesame oil
2 c panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 eggs
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 c green onions, thinly sliced
salt
sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

SAUCE INGREDIENTS
2/3 c hoisin sauce
1/4 c rice vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp ground ginger

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 400º.
  • In a large bowl, mix together all meatball ingredients until well combined.
  • Using an oversized spoon scoop about a ¼ cup worth of the meat mixture and shape into round meatballs. (Mine end up being about 1 1/4″ in diameter. This will yield about 28–32 meatballs.)
  • Place the formed meatballs in a large lightly greased baking dish.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes or until balls are lightly browned on the outside and no longer pink on the inside.
  • While your meatballs are baking put all your sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until well blended.
  • Pour the sauce over the hot meatballs and garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Appetizers, Brunch

Recipe—Puff Pastry Spirals

Diva di Cucina

Puff pastry has got to be one of my favorite ingredients to work with. It is so incredibly versatile and is a must have item in my freezer at all times. This recipe is a great one to keep in mind when you need an appetizer that can be made ahead of time. Serve them warm or at room temperature. You really can make these with almost any combination of ingredients but these are my favorite. Both combinations are classic flavors, spinach with feta and ham with swiss. These can be prepared a day ahead of time and kept wrapped up in the fridge until you are ready to bake them. I have made these not only as an appetizer but also as a side dish for brunch. I personally love to serve them with champagne. Yummy!

Note: Be sure to remove as much liquid as you can from the spinach before adding it to the pastry otherwise it may make the pastry soggy.

SPINACH AND FETA SPIRAL INGREDIENTS
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 c feta
1/4 c yellow onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
1 sheet Pepperidge Farm puff pastry (1/2 package)
flour for work surface
1 egg
1 tbsp water

STEPS

  • Stir together the spinach, feta, yellow onion, olive oil, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
  • Sprinkle flour on the work surface and unfold puff pastry.
  • Top puff pastry with the spinach mixture and evenly spread it out leaving one edge exposed about an inch back.
  • Starting at the edge opposite from the exposed edge roll up like a jelly roll.
  • Wrap your roll in saran wrap and chill in freezer for an hour or fridge for a couple of hours. (This will make it easier to slice through.)
  • Preheat oven to 400º.
  • Beat the egg and water together in a small bowl.
  • Remove the saran wrap and cut roll into 1/4″–1/2” slices.
  • Place the slices cut side down on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
  • Brush the top of each spiral with the egg wash.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove the spirals from the baking sheet and allow to cool.

HAM AND SWISS SPIRAL INGREDIENTS
1 lb of thin sliced ham
1 c shredded swiss
1 sheet Pepperidge Farm puff pastry (1/2 package)
flour for work surface
1 egg
1 tbsp water

STEPS

  • Sprinkle flour on the work surface and unfold puff pastry.
  • Top puff pastry with an even layer of the ham and then sprinkle with cheese leaving one edge exposed about an inch back.
  • Starting at the edge opposite from the exposed edge roll up like a jelly roll.
  • Wrap your roll in saran wrap and chill in freezer for an hour or fridge for a couple of hours. (This will make it easier to slice through.)
  • Preheat oven to 400º.
  • Beat the egg and water together in a small bowl.
  • Remove the saran wrap and cut roll into 1/4″–1/2” slices.
  • Place the slices cut side down on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
  • Brush the top of each spiral with the egg wash.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove the spirals from the baking sheet and allow to cool.