Category Archives: Appetizers

Shrimp Taco Dip

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers and tagged with , , , , , ,

If you’re getting the idea that I made a lot of appetizers recently, you’d be right.  The holiday weekend brought with it invitations to two cookouts and when that happens I like to volunteer the same kinds of dishes to both events.  So it was appetizers and desserts that I brought to each cookout.

Shrimp Taco Dip with Tortilla Chips.

Shrimp Taco Dip with Tortilla Chips.

This particular appetizer was one that I found in a new cookbook that I got when I was on vacation last fall.  It fuses the flavors of a shrimp cocktail with a taco dip.  I must say that it turned out to be very popular and it disappeared quite quickly. I find that when I bring a dish to a gathering, I either forget to take a picture of it, or when I do remember it has already been half eaten, which is the case here.  So please forgive the lack of a decent photograph of this yummy dip that I served with reduced-fat baked tortilla chips. All the ingredients in the dip are on the low end of the calorie/fat scale so that I could enjoy  having some  along with everyone else.

Over half gone by the time I got to take this picture!

Over half gone by the time I got to take this picture!

I would also like to tell you about this cookbook that I found in a little gift shop when I was in North Carolina last fall.  It is one of a series whose titles all begin with the words, “Any Bitch can —”  with Bitch being an anachronym for Babe in Total Control of Herself  My book is called “Any Bitch can lose it”.  That is meant in a good way!

SHRIMP TACO DIP

Yield:   about 2 cups

Just a few ingredients go into this delicious dip.

Just a few ingredients go into this delicious dip.

Ingredients:

  • 8 – oz. less-fat cream cheese
  • 2 T. skim milk
  • 1/2 cup chili sauce
  • 2 T. Taco seasoning
  • 1  (4 – oz.) can tiny shrimp, drained, rinsed
  • 4 scallions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped red or green bell pepper
  • 1 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese

1.  Mix the cream cheese and milk in a mixing bowl until smooth.  Stir in the chili sauce and taco seasoning, and combine well.

2.  Add in the shrimp, scallions, green pepper and cheese.  Stir to incorporate evenly.  Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

3.  Spoon into a serving bowl and surround with reduced-fat tortilla chips.

Shrimp Taco Dip with Tortilla Chips.

Shrimp Taco Dip with Tortilla Chips.

SOURCE:   Any Bitch can Lose it.

Bacon Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers and tagged with , , , , , ,

IMG_4131

When I think of picnics and cookouts I think of deviled eggs.  The dad of my husband’s family loves deviled eggs and we always have them at every gathering; usually made the traditional way with mayonnaise, mustard, a little sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika on top.  This is the way it’s always been and we just don’t mess with a good thing.

Bacon guacamole deviled eggs, awesome!

Bacon guacamole deviled eggs, awesome!

Along comes yours truly who’s always tampering with recipes and I saw this idea for mixing guacamole with the deviled egg filling; and since bacon also goes with eggs why not add some of that too?  Two great foods that we love can only get better when combined, right?  No matter how you look at it these had to be a match made in heaven.  Well, turns out I was right on that score.  Just about everyone at our cookout loved my new-fangled deviled eggs—except the dad.  I made a few the way he likes them just for him!

If you like deviled eggs and you also like guacamole, then I think you’re going to like these eggs very much!  Make a lot, they will disappear quickly.

BACON GUACAMOLE DEVILED EGGS

Servings:    6     Increase ingredients accordingly for larger amounts.

Ingredients;

  • 6 eggs, boiled, peeled and cut in half
    Hard-cook the eggs, remove yolks and mix with other ingredients.

    Hard-cook the eggs, remove yolks and mix with other ingredients.

  • 1 large ripe avocado, mashed
  • 2 Tbsp. bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 Tbsp. jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. diced tomato
  • 1 Tbsp. red  onion, finely diced
  • 1 Tbsp. lime juice ( ~ 1/2 lime)
  • 1 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
  • salt, and pepper and cayenne to taste
  • pinch chili powder for garnish

1.  Scoop the yolks out of the eggs and mash in a bowl with the avocado.  Add the bacon, jalapeño, onion, tomato, lime juice and cilantro.  Season with salt,  pepper and cayenne.

2.  Place a tablespoon of the mixture back into the holes left by the egg yolks and serve garnished with a pinch of chili powder.

Green eggs but no ham!

Green eggs but no ham!

SOURCE:  Adapted from a recipe on ZIP LIST

Butternut Ravioli in Sage Browned Butter Sauce

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers, Side Dish and tagged with , , , , , , , ,
Butternut Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Butternut Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Not too long ago we were out for a special dinner that was catered, and for the appetizer we were served this dish; butternut squash ravioli with a sage brown butter sauce.  It was so good I wanted the recipe, but, sadly, it was not available from the chef.  So I went on the hunt for a similar recipe, and on the Food Network website, I found this one by Emeril Lagasse.

He roasted his squash for starters, but I simply steamed mine, then mashed it with the same results.  Possibly roasting the squash brings out a debt of flavor that mine lacked, but with the nice balance of seasonings that are added I was perfectly satisfied with my results.  I found that using won ton wrappers is a good substitute for fresh pasta dough, if you’re in a time crunch.  However you don’t get that toothy “al dente” texture.  Not a big issue for me;  we enjoyed them all the same.

In trying out this recipe I served the ravioli as a side dish with roast chicken, and it was a good compliment.  The original recipe is written to be served as an appetizer, and that is very nice for a sit-down dinner where silverware is in use. But I would not try to serve it when people need to balance a plate and use a fork to eat it.

IMG_3103

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI WITH A SAGE BROWN BUTTER SAUCE

YIELD:   4 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 9 Tablespoons butter
  • 3 Tablespoons minced shallots
  • 1 cup cooked butternut squash, mashed
  • salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
  • 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesean cheese, plus more for serving
  • pinch nutmeg
  • fresh pasta dough,rolled out into wide ribbons,  or won ton wrappers
  • 12 fresh sage leaves
  • 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

1.  In a large saute pan, over medium heat, melt 1 Tablespoon of the butter.  Add the shallots and sauté for 1 minute.  Add the squash puree and cook until the mixture is slightly dry, about 2 to 3 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.  Stir in the cream and continue to cook for 2 minutes.  Remove from the heat and stir in 3 Tablespoons cheese and nutmeg.  Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.  Cool completely.

2.  Start a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat and bring to boiling.  Cut the pasta into 3 – inch squares.  (Or alternately, use won ton wrappers.)  Place 2 teaspoons of the filling in the center of each square.  Bring one corner of the square to the opposite corner, forming a triangle, and seal completely, by wetting the edges slightly and pressing together.  Add the ravioli to the pot of boiling salted water.  Cook until al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes or until the ravioli float and are pale in color.

Remove the pasta from the water and drain well.  Season with salt and pepper.

3.  In a medium saute pan, melt the remaining 8 Tablespoons butter.  Add the sage leaves to the butter and continue to cook until the butter starts to brown.  Remove from the heat.

4.  Place some of the ravioli in the center of each serving plate.  Spoon the butter sauce over the ravioli.  Sprinkle with additional cheese and garnish with parsley.

Can be served as a side dish also.

Can be served as a side dish also.

SOURCE:  Emeril Lagasse, via Food Network

Spicy White Bean Dip

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers, Snacks and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,
Spicy white bean dip with crudités.

Spicy white bean dip with crudités.

Most times when you hear the word “dip” you think, appetizer. Well, so do I, mostly. However I also think of a dip as lunch or on its way to becoming lunch. What I mean is that when you combine a really interesting, tasty dip with raw veggies and some whole-grain crackers, or pitas that becomes lunch; at least for me it does.

Another way to enjoy this dip is to use it to appease your appetite, when you’re starving. Like you just came home from work, ravenous , you could eat shoe leather, but instead here you have a nutritious fill-in to snack on while you make dinner. I know you are going to like this, because I do, and I didn’t think I would. I was so wrong!!!! Give it a try, it might just become you’re new favorite food.

IMG_3225

SPICY WHITE BEAN DIP

YIELD: makes about 2 cups

  • 2 cans canneloni beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce ( reduced sodium, if possible)
  • 1/4 cup Sirracha Sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • up to 1/4 cup water, as needed
  • cilantro for garnish

In the work bowl of a food processor, place all the ingredients through lime juice. Process to blend well. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add water, a little at a time, to achieve a smooth consistency. Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with cilantro.

Serve with raw vegetables, crackers, pita chips, etc.

IMG_3227

This is sooooo good that once I started on it I did not want to stop. Luckily I was eating it with raw veggies, so I at least got in a fair share of my allotted requirement of vegetables for the day, a la the food pyramid.

Spicy, but not too spicy--just right!

Spicy, but not too spicy–just right!

SOURCE: Annieseats.com

Breaded Toasted Ravioli

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers, Snacks and tagged with , , , , ,
Breaded Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Sauce

Breaded Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Sauce

These raviolis breaded and baked till golden, then served with warm marinara sauce, are perfect little appetizers or munchies for when folks stop by and you need a quick snack, or for yourself while you’re watching a game.  Be sure to make plenty, because once everyone gets a taste of this crunchy, cheesy, yumminess, they’ll be gone in no time.  And the best part is they are baked, not fried.

On your next trip to the supermarket do your self a favor and pick up a package of fresh or frozen ravioli, either cheese or meat filled.  Either works fine, but we particularly like the three-cheese variety.  There is no need to pre-cook them.  When you’re ready to make them, just dip them into the egg wash, then the seasoned bread crumbs.  Place on a baking sheet and bake until puffed and crisp.  Serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping.  Very easy to do, and they look like you spent a lot of time on their preparation.

BREADED TOASTED RAVIOLI

SERVINGS:  about 4-5

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 egg 
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1 cup bread crumbs, plain, pre seasoned , or Panko
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
  • 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 (25 ounce ) package ravioli, thawed if frozen
  • cooking spray, or olive oil spray
  • sauce for dipping, ie; marinara or alfredo

1.  Preheat oven to 400*F  Place a wire rack on a baking sheet, or simply line with foil.

2.  Beat together the egg and water in a small bowl.  Mix together the bread crumbs, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt and cheese, in a large bowl or shallow pan.

3.  Dip each ravioli in the egg, and then roll in the bread crumb mixture.  Spray both sides of breaded ravioli with cooking spray;  place on the wire rack, or foil lined sheet.

Dipped, sprayed, and ready for the oven.

Dipped, sprayed, and ready for the oven.

4.  Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, puffed and crispy, 15 – 20 minutes.  My recommendation is to turn them over about half way through the cooking time so both sides get equally brown and crispy.

IMG_3094

See how the edges break open and the cheese starts to ooze out?

Serve warm with marinara or alfredo sauce for dipping.   Oh, Yum!

SOURCE:  All Recipes.com

Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers and tagged with , , , , ,
Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels.

Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels.

Yes, it was Super Sunday, and no we didn’t watch the game, go to a party, or cheer for any particular team, but I did use game day as an excuse to make some foods associated with game watching.  I guess I’m more interested in food than football!  Anyway, I made these easy little pinwheels that we enjoyed for lunch with some fresh fruit.  Then I went on to make a chicken quesedilla casserole for dinner.  I’ll be telling you about that in a few days. so stay tuned.

These easy to hold little pinwheels make a great appetizer, combining two flavor favorites; bacon and cheddar cheese, wrapped into crescent roll dough.  You can eat them with your fingers, no utensils required, while in the other hand you hold your favorite beverage.  A neat party food, I think.  One that guys will like–at least my husband did.  In fact, he asked me to make them after seeing them in a picture.  Turns out he was on the right track with that suggestion.  I liked them very much too.

BACON CHEDDAR PINWHEELS

Just a few ingredients, you probably have on hand.

Just a few ingredients, you probably have on hand.

Yield:   Makes 12 – 16, depending on how thick you cut them.

  • 1 roll refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
  • 2 Tablespoons ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup cooked bacon pieces,  4 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

1.  Preheat oven to 350* F.  Spray baking sheet with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper.

2.  Unroll the crescent roll dough;  pressing each section into a 12 x 4 inch rectangle,  firmly pressing the perforations to seal.

3.  Spread 1 Tablespoon dressing over each dough rectangle to the edges.  Sprinkle each with bacon, cheddar cheese, and onions.

Layer on the fillings, then roll up.

Layer on the fillings, then roll up.

4.  Starting at one short side, roll up each rectangle;  press edge to seal.  With serrated knife, cut each roll into 6-8 slices;  place cut side down on prepared baking sheet.

Slice, then bake.

Slice, then bake.

5.  Bake 12 – 17 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown.  Immediately remove from baking sheet.  Serve warm.

Served warm with fruit for a light lunch.

Served warm with fruit for a light lunch.

Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels

Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels, a neat little appetizer.

SOURCE:   Pillsbury Baking

A Super Bowl of Dip

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers, Snacks and tagged with , , , , , , ,
Pimiento-Cheese Dip

Pimiento-Cheese Dip

This is just the thing for your Super Bowl Party!  Pimiento cheese dip is one of those comfort foods that can serve as a really delicious appetizer or as a cheese spread.  If you’re looking for a whole lot of comfort, use the spread to make a sandwich on white bread and grill it like grilled cheese. (Sublime!)  If it’s an appetizer you’re after, put it in a small bowl or serving dish, and surround it with chips, crackers, toast points, or celery sticks.

Whenever I’ve been served this dip I found that if you don’t get to it when it’s first put on the table, there won’t be any left in a few minutes.  Everyone seems to really like it, and its extremely easy to make.

PIMIENTO-CHEESE DIP

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup butter or cream cheese, softened  (Ease your conscience a little, use the low-fat variety.)
  • 1 ( 4 ounce ) jar chopped pimientos, drained
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp. salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp. white sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

 

Beat the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and softened butter or cream cheese in a mixing bowl with a mixer on low speed until well blended.

Add the pimientos, garlic powder, salt and sugar; mix to combine.  Stir in the pecans if using.

Additional notes:   This recipe can become too salty, if using salted butter, so taste before adding the salt and adjust amount accordingly.  This becomes particularly important if serving with salty chips or crackers.  Another nice addition is chopped black olives especially if serving with finger-cut raw veggies.

This does not last long once put out on the table.

This does not last long once put out on the table.

SOURCE:   All-Recipes.com

Chicken Liver Pate with Crostini

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers, Carolyn's Originals and tagged with , , , ,
Chicken Liver Pate with Crostini

Chicken Liver Pate with Crostini

When our family all gets together to open gifts on Christmas Day we always have appetizers to snack on, and everyone brings something to contribute to the table.  This year I want to bring something different.  I remember that my husband often speaks of a liver pate that his grandmother used to make, and that the family was very fond of.  So I decided to try my hand at making some.

First I did a web search, and up came quite a number of different recipes.  I read most of them, and the comments for each one,  then I developed my own recipe based on the ingredients from some of them, and added in some seasonings I thought would enhance it.   I made it today and served some to my husband.  First of all he was very surprised, then he said he loved it, and it reminded him of his grandmother’s pate.  I’m very pleased with the result which I plan to bring on Christmas Day.  I think it would go well on a table of appetizers for New Year’s Eve or anytime you are entertaining.  It takes about 30 minutes to make, and you get approximately 3 cups of pate.  Keep it covered in the refrigerator and it will last quite a long time.   Ahem—-not so long at my house because I keep snacking on it!

IMG_2233

To make the crostini,  I used a large Baguette, sliced on the diagonal, about 1/2 inch thick.  Place the bread slices on a baking sheet, brush or spray with olive oil and sprinkle with a little garlic powder. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 5 – 6 minutes till crisp.  Spread some pate on each “crostini” and top with crumbled hard-cooked egg, sliced green onions, or leaves of parsley.

CHICKEN LIVER PATE

YIELD:   Makes about 3 cups of pate

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound chicken livers
  • 4 Tablespoons of fat    Use chicken fat if available, or butter.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped.   I used up some green onions in mine.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons dry sherry,  white wine,  or chicken broth
  • 3 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice   )  here I used 1 teaspoon Penzeys Tsardust Memories, a Russian-style seasoning that contains salt, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, marjoram and black pepper.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg   )
  • hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste

WHAT TO DO:

1.   Melt fat/butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the liver and 1/2 the chopped onion.

Saute the liver with chopped onions.

Saute the liver with chopped onions.

Reduce heat to low and cook about 7 – 10 minutes until liver is tender and no longer pink.  Add the garlic and cook another minute till it releases it’s fragrance.  Remove from heat.

2.  Place liver mixture in a food processor or blender.  Add the liquid, i.e.. sherry, wine or chicken broth.  Also add the cream cheese, remaining chopped onion, allspice, nutmeg, salt, pepper and hot sauce/cayenne.  Process till smooth.  Scrape into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours to chill and firm up.

3.  To serve:  transfer the pate into a mold or serving dish and crumble hard-cooked egg over the top.  Garnish with sliced green onions, or parsley.   Spread on crostini, or serve with toasted bagel chips or crackers.

Chicken Liver Pate with Crostini

Chicken Liver Pate with Crostini

SOURCE:  a Carolyn Original

IMG_2074

Baked Brie with Apricot Jam and pecans

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers and tagged with , , , , ,

Baked Brie with Apricot Jam and Pecans

The best made plans don’t always work out (as planned).  One example was my plan to serve Butternut Bisque in small cups as an appetizer prior to our Thanksgiving meal.  The guests arrived late, the dinner was ready too soon, etc, etc, etc.  So to stave off the hungers while I got the last minute details ready, I quickly put together this appetizer that I have had at other peoples’ homes but never made myself.  No problem, it’s so easy you don’t really need a recipe, and everyone seems to like it.

The only real requirement is a piece or wheel of brie cheese.  Everything else can be a mix and match with whatever you have on hand.

Here’s what you need and how to put it together:

  • A mini wheel of Brie–about 8 ounces.  I used only half a wheel to make a small amount.
  • 2-3 Tablespoons of jam.  Apricot is a good match with Brie, also Fig jam is good.
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped pecans or other nuts of choice.
  • 1 -2 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced into wedges.
  • small crackers,  whole grain or nut crisps work well.

1.  Place Brie into a small, greased oven proof dish.  Spoon jam on top.

Brie in a baking dish with jam spooned on top, ready to be baked.

Bake in a 350 degrees oven about 10-15 minutes, until cheese is oozy and jam is melting.  Remove from oven.  Sprinkle nuts over the top.

2.  Place the cheese dish on a larger plate or tray and arrange crackers and apple wedges around it.  To eat just dip the apples and/or crackers into the cheese mixture and enjoy.

Butternut Bisque

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers, Holiday, Soups and tagged with , , , , , , , ,

Butternut Bisque

As many of you are probably doing,  I’m making out my menu for Thanksgiving Dinner, checking the cupboard for what I have on hand and what I need to get.  My shopping list is close at hand.  There are certain dishes that are alway present on my Thanksgiving dinner table because it’s a favorite of someone in the family and they want to enjoy it once again.  Each year I try to make one dish a little different than I’ve made it previously just to give it a new spin, or I introduce something new.

This year as my guests arrive, I will be serving small cups of soup along with a cheese board and crackers.  The soup is one which I have made many times before, but never served as an appetizer, so we will have to see how that works out.  Because it is a favorite of my husband and me I’m sharing it here.  We usually have it with grilled cheese sandwiches, and it makes a very hearty meatless meal.  You might also want to serve it in small cups as a appetizer for your holiday meal as I will be doing.

The recipe has gone through several adaptations, but was originally given to me by a co-worker, who was a wonderful French cook.  She grew a big garden every year and just had a special way of using all those vegetables she grew.  Her soups were outstanding, and I’m fortunate that she shared some of her recipes with me.  They are some of my very favorites.

BUTTERNUT BISQUE

SERVINGS    6

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients for Butternut Bisque

  • 2 – 2 1/2 pounds butternut squash,  peeled and cubed
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 5 – 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • pinch each:  nutmeg, ginger, cayenne pepper
  • salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

1.  Melt butter in a large soup pan.  Add onions, carrots, and celery.  Saute for 2-3 minutes.

Saute onions, carrots, and celery.

2.  Add potatoes and squash to the pan; followed by the broth.

Potatoes and squash ready to be added.

Bring to a boil.  Decrease heat, cover and simmer till vegetables become very tender,  approximately 40 minutes.  Add the curry, nutmeg, ginger and cayenne.

3.  Puree the soup mixture using an immersion blender, or regular blender working in batches.  Return soup to the pan.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Keep warm till ready to serve.  Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.

This is the perfect use for a fall vegetable.

SOURCE:   With thanks to Ann N., my friend, who was so generous in sharing her recipes and cooking talents with me.