Appetizers

Five ingredients are all it takes to whip up an elegant and delicious no-bake appetizer that’s fancy enough to serve at cocktail parties or holidays, yet easy enough to make before a weeknight dinner. I adore serving a variety of appetizers, with a delicious cocktail, Read More..

Now you can make your favorite restaurant appetizer at home in less than 30 minutes.  These ridiculously good fried pickles are the bar snacks that you’ve been craving. Who knew that a fried pickle could be so irresistible?  It’s salty, sour, crispy, and even more Read More..

This garlicky white bean dip makes an easy appetizer or snack.  Roasted garlic, herbs, and lemon enhance the creamy white beans for a dip that’s so satisfying, you won’t remember how healthy it is. This dip is one of my favorite ‘go-to’ snack recipes.  You Read More..

This spicy seafood dip makes a perfect party appetizer.  It’s cheesy, creamy, and full of spicy flavor.   I like to serve the dip with celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, and buttery crackers. The dip is elegant enough for bridal and baby showers, yet hearty Read More..

In 30 minutes, you can whip up restaurant-quality scallops in a buttery, lemon sauce.  Scallops Bruno makes a great appetizer and an elegant main course as well. I’ve served the Scallops Bruno as part of a cocktail party menu alongside Mexican Picaditas, Fried Deviled Eggs, Read More..

Crispy avocado fingers make a tasty appetizer or side dish when you’re craving something a little different.  Creamy avocado is breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection, then served with creamy, spicy lime crema.  It has all the flavors of your favorite guacamole. I like to Read More..

One of the best things about a Mexican restaurant is the chips, salsa, and queso served with the margaritas. Why not make it at home?  In about 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of Chunky Homemade Salsa and Creamy Rotel Queso for a Read More..

There are lots of guacamole recipes that claim to be ‘the best’, but this recipe uses fresh ingredients, is ridiculously easy, and is super flavorful, truly making it ‘The Best Guacamole’ recipe!  I think your family is gonna love it! Kick-off Cinco De Mayo with Read More..

Pretty, crisp, buttery homemade Southern cheese squares are an easy and tasty appetizer.  The same taste as the classic cheese straw, but made into a slice and bake roll. I like to serve these at most of my gatherings – especially for a Southern brunch Read More..

No Kentucky Derby party would be complete without a platter of little sandwiches.  These easy egg salad finger sandwiches are a delicious nibble that satisfies just about everyone. I like to serve the sandwiches as part of a beautiful Kentucky Derby cocktail party.  I’ve gotten Read More..

A vintage recipe that needs to make a comeback, Kentucky Derby Benedictine Spread is a delicious appetizer for any party.  It also makes a great filling for tea sandwiches. I like to serve this spread as a dip with crudites.  For a beautiful Kentucky Derby Read More..

A Mexican Picadita is a traditional dish consisting of a base of fried masa harina with savory toppings.  These picaditas are topped with a smokey Mexican tomato sauce, black beans, chorizo, onions, and cilantro.   They make a delicious appetizer or a light lunch.  Top with Read More..

These toasted ravioli are always a favorite.  Cheese ravioli is breaded in a flavorful, cheesy coating and baked until golden brown.  Serve them with your favorite tomato sauce for dipping. Fried foods seem too heavy for an appetizer.  Yet, I adore the crunchy, cheesy fried Read More..

A healthier take on everyone’s favorite amusement park or fair treat, these Easy Corn Dog Muffins make a quick, yet fun brunch, lunch, game day appetizer, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Who doesn’t love a corn dog?  There’s something gratifying about eating food off Read More..

Forget about those greasy, overcooked, rubbery shrimp that you remember from bad restaurants in your past. These Light And Crunchy Fried Shrimp are moist, tender, delectable, and crunchy without being heavy and greasy.  The key to light and crunchy shrimp is keeping the oil at Read More..