We’ve all enjoyed the Italian version for ages. This Middle Eastern version is my new favorite. Mix the herbs, spices together, and stir in the olive oil. Serve with bread or crackers,
Category: Appetizers
Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread
My brother-in-law Tony’s cousins, Sheree and Chris Shone, have a beautiful winery called Brigadoon in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. We spent a really lovely afternoon there a couple of years ago, enjoying the wine, the scenery, and these delicious shortbread cookies. I make them for almost every party we have. Make these your own…
Shrimp and Cucumber Asian Lettuce Wraps
Shrimp, cucumber, and jasmine rice combine to make my favorite snack, lunch, dinner wrap. Super easy to make — just need a little planning to cook and cool the jasmine rice and steam the shrimp. Try it. You’ll LOVE it! Zest one of the limes. Sprinkle the zest, salt and pepper over the shrimp. Steam…
Shrimp and Corn Beignets
This is from The NY Times, but I’ve seen other blogs with this exact recipe. Such a delicious appetizer — I served this for six people and had tons left. I’ll make half this recipe next time. Be careful not to over mix the batter because the beignets will end up being tough. INGREDIENTS Vegetable…
Parmy Crusted Potatoes
I have numerous shortcomings as a cook, not the least of which is serving too much food. I have never quite been able to wrap my head around the idea of if I make too many appetizers to amuse my guests’ bouches, they won’t be hungry for dinner. Honestly, my favorite part of ANY dinner…
Grilled Lemongrass Pork and Rice Noodle Salad
I am in love with Asian Box, a small chain takeout restaurant in the Pruneyard in Campbell. You HAVE to check this out: http://www.asianbox.com/menu Everything on that menu (except maybe the caramel egg) is so delicious, but it took just a couple visits to find my favorite: Lemongrass pork with chilled rice noodles, bean sprouts,crispy…
Charred Shishito Peppers with Avocado Crema
I know there are food fads that come and go, but honestly, these are staying in my repetoire. Forever. I love these shishito peppers — they are seldom spicy hot — maybe 1 in 12? But truthfully, I’ve had them 3 or 4 times just in the past month, and not a single one was…
Sweet and Spicy Nuts
I don’t think there is a day that ends without my eating pecans, wasabi almonds, salted peanuts . . . or some type of nut. I change the kinds of nuts almost every time I make these — I almost always add pepitas/pumpkin seeds, and when I’m feeling extravagant, I buy macadamia nuts at Trader…
Parmesan Manchego Dip/Salsa/Slather
This is a Michael Chiarello recipe with a couple of minor changes, and it’s a total Trader Joe’s recipe, AND it’s one of the best appetizers I know how to make. You THINK you’ll just have a taste, and then the bowl disappears! I used to call it a dip, but you definitely don’t…
Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Mark’s friend Gail from Sonoma brought these to his going away party, and I thought I was going to die — they were THAT good! Seriously delicious, easy to make — these are your answer to holiday potlucks, quick meals, and the ultimate appetizer! Ingredients Two package of 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half…
Parsley (or Cilantro) Fried Onion Rings with Salsa Verde
Absent of any nutritional value, onion rings are the food of the gods as far as I’m concerned — and these ones — well, they actually TASTE like something! Make them with parsley or with cilantro (my newest fave), and don’t forget the salsa verde! INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons beer (not dark) 1…
Chile Corn Cakes
Chile Corn Cakes Serves 4 4 T. olive oil ¾ c. flour ¼ c. yellow bell pepper, chopped 1 t. baking powder ½ c. red bell pepper, chopped ½ c. yellow cornmeal 2 c. fresh corn kernels 1 egg, lightly beaten ½ c.. milk 2/3 c. yellow onions, chopped 1 T. unsalted butter, melted 1 T. chili powder…
Cafe Barber 