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Easy Appetizer Idea

partysugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 11:13:22 -0700

A few weekends ago I attended a huge picnic on a ranch. The hosts provided the meat, drinks, and entertainment while the guests were asked to bring an appetizer, salad, or dessert-pot luck style. As I was hitting the appetizer side of the giant flatbed (where all of the food was laid out) I discovered a super easy, totally tasty appetizer that made me wonder, why didn't I think of that? Roasted garlic with tiny croutons. Someone had roasted up a bunch of garlic heads and crisped up pieces of bread. The guests were allowed to stab a clove or two of the gooey, sweet garlic and smear it on to a piece of crusty bread. Bite-sized and delicious, I made a whole plate full of these before heading back over to my friends. This is great for feeding a crowd, a picnic potluck, or a wine tasting party at an art gallery. To roast garlic, cut about 1/4 inch off of the top of a garlic head. Place in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Sit garlic cut side up, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until garlic skin is golden brown and cloves are tender-about 45-55 minutes. Serve with Croutons and voila, instant appetizer!

Cheese Crostini Is Easy and Delicious Appetizer

partysugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:30:52 -0700

If you've ever been to one of my parties, you know that I love crostini. They're my favorite appetizer and have made an appearance at virtually every event I've ever hosted. Crostini are crisp toasts topped with vegetables, meat, or cheese. I enjoy crostini because there's an endless variety of topping options; basically you can put whatever you want on them!

Although I've never come across a crostini I didn't like, I recently tasted the most sublimely simple, insanely scrumptious cheese crostini. My cousin served these heavenly bites - a combination of Parmesan, blue cheese, and garlic - at a dinner party. Don't be afraid of the blue cheese, the Parmesan cuts the pungency. To check out the recipe, read more.

Parmesan-Blue Cheese Crostini With Green Onions
From Gourmet

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 5 ounces)
3/4 cup finely crumbled blue cheese (about 3 ounces)
28 1/3-inch-thick diagonal bread slices cut from 2 sourdough baguettes
Olive oil
3/4 cup finely chopped green onions

Directions

Combine mayonnaise, garlic, ground pepper, and cayenne pepper in medium bowl and whisk to blend. Mix in cheeses; season with salt. Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush 1 side of each bread slice with oil. Place oiled side down on large rimmed baking sheet.
Bake bread slices until almost golden, about 5 minutes. Spread 1 generous tablespoon cheese mixture on each bread slice on sheet.
Bake until cheese topping starts to bubble and toasts are golden at edges, about 10 minutes.
Transfer toasts to large platter. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Makes 28.

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Killer App: Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Brochettes

partysugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:30:04 -0700

Although not as widely known as peanut butter and jelly, or salt and pepper, I consider melon and prosciutto to be a classic flavor combination. There is something about the sweet juiciness of the melon that so wonderfully complements the salty porkiness of the prosciutto. Throw some fresh mozzarella in the mix and you've got an appetizer that is insanely divine to eat!

This recipe serves the trio on a skewer, making it the perfect crowd-pleasing cocktail party bite. A drizzle of thick basil oil takes the easy and quick-to-prepare brochettes to a whole new level of deliciousness. Sound like something you might enjoy? Get the recipe and read more.

Brochettes of Melon, Prosciutto, and Fresh Mozzarella
From Bon Appétit

If melon isn't your cup of tea, consider using another type of fruit. I've also made this exact recipe with ripe peaches.

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves plus sprigs for garnish
1 medium shallot, quartered
1 small (about 2-pound) cantaloupe, halved crosswise, seeded, cut into 6 wedges, peeled
6 small fresh water-packed mozzarella balls or one 8-ounce ball, drained
6 thin slices prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise, gathered into ruffle
6 8-inch wooden skewers

Directions

Using on/off turns, puree olive oil, 1/3 cup basil, and shallot in processor until basil and shallot are finely chopped.
Cut each cantaloupe wedge crosswise in half. If using large mozzarella ball, trim and cut into 6 cubes.
Alternate 1 melon piece, 1 piece ruffled prosciutto, 1 mozzarella ball or cube, 1 more prosciutto piece, and 1 more melon piece on each skewer. Can be prepared 2 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature 15 minutes before serving.
Arrange skewers on platter. Drizzle with basil oil and sprinkle with cracked black pepper. Garnish with basil sprigs.

Serves 6.

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No Brainer Appetizer: Proscuitto-Wrapped Mozzarella Skewers

partysugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:15:07 -0800

Last night I attended a book launch for a yet-to-be released guide to the good life called Bixology. The book was written by Doug Biederbeck, the owner of San Francisco's popular restaurant Bix. The event was hosted at one of my favorite boutiques, Carrots, and the passed appetizers were original Bix creations. One of the delicious bites was an incredibly easy appetizer idea that I had to share with you! Proscuitto-wrapped mozzarella skewers are a fuss free, no-cook hors d'oeuvre perfect for a last-minute holiday party. I'll definitely be serving them at my next soiree. Here's how you make them:

Look for a high-quality fresh mozzarella. Bix's cheese is pulled in house making for a creamy, luscious texture. Slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
Wrap the outside edge with a piece of proscuitto and secure in place with a decorative toothpick.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.

Voila - instant sophisticated appetizer!

YumTV: A Killer App to Kick Off Your Thanksgiving Meal

partysugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:48:15 -0800

Now that you know how to prep a butternut squash, try roasting it and using it in a light but warming soup. In this episode of Killer Apps, chef Meg Hall shows us the easy steps to make Butternut Squash Shooters - a light and delicious appetizer to warm your palate, before your Thanksgiving feast! To learn how it's done, watch this episode of YumTV now!

Come Party With Me: Last-Minute Thanksgiving - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:50:22 -0800

Thanksgiving is two days away, and if you've all of a sudden realized that you're in charge of planning, cooking, and hosting a dinner, don't freak out. I've got your back - and an incredibly easy menu that can be put together in just about two hours. For the appetizers, take some help from the store. Pick up your favorite cheese, crackers, dried fruit, and nuts. Use these items to throw together an uncomplicated yet stunning cheese display. When it comes to the main course, the simpler the better. Serve turkey breast roasted with lemon and thyme, mashed sweet potato paprika puree, and a hearty, healthy portion of braised kale.

Thanksgiving isn't about the quantity of food, it's about the quality of conversation you have while enjoying the meal. To savor these dishes with loved ones, get the recipes and read more.

Early Bird Turkey
From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

Two 2 3/4-pound boneless turkey breast halves with skin on
One 2 1/4-pound bone-in turkey thigh
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
1 lemon, halved crosswise
1/2 cup chicken broth
Store-bought cranberry sauce, for serving

Directions

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400°. Arrange the turkey parts on a rimmed baking sheet, tucking the smaller end of each breast under to make an even thickness. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with the thyme, salt and pepper. Place the lemon halves, cut side down, in the pan. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted in each piece registers 155°, about 55 minutes.
Transfer the turkey parts to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil; let stand for 20 minutes before slicing.
Meanwhile, pour the chicken broth into the baking sheet, scraping up any browned bits. Pour into a microwaveable cup; skim the fat that rises to the surface. Microwave on high power for 1 minute. Serve the turkey pan sauce with the sliced turkey and cranberry sauce.

Serves 8.

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Sweet-Potato Purée With Smoked Paprika
From Gourmet

Ingredients

3 pounds sweet potatoes
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and softened
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon sweet or hot smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste

Directions

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F.
Prick each potato once with a fork, then bake potatoes in a foil-lined shallow baking pan until tender, about 1 hour.
When cool enough to handle, peel, then cut away any eyes or dark spots.
Purée potatoes with butter, cream, paprika, salt, and cayenne in a food processor until smooth.

Serves 8.

Make Ahead: Purée can be made 1 day ahead and chilled in an airtight container. Reheat in a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally.

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Braised Kale
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
1 1/2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
3 pounds kale, stems and inner ribs discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

In a very large soup pot, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the chicken stock, then add the kale in large handfuls, letting it wilt slightly before adding more. Season with salt and pepper, cover and cook over moderate heat until the kale is tender, about 5 minutes.
Remove the lid and cook until the liquid has evaporated, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer to a bowl and serve.

Serves 12.

Make Ahead: The braised kale can be covered and refrigerated overnight. Reheat before serving.

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For a Quick Bite, Roll Your Own Spring Rolls

YumSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:00:59 -0700

This past weekend, San Francisco experienced a couple of the hottest days of the year. After a blistering morning walk around the city with out-of-town visitors, I invited my friends over for lunch. To keep things appropriately light, I served wine spritzers and made fresh Vietnamese-style Spring rolls.

Although they may look and sound labor-intensive, non-fried Spring rolls - or Summer rolls, as they're sometimes called - can make for an incredibly speedy meal. While this recipe calls for deli roast beef (an unusual filling for Spring rolls), you can use any protein you like; I later made rolls with roasted turkey, which tasted great as well. The versatility of the filling is part of the beauty of the dish. Learn how to roll your own when you read more

Photo Gallery: Roast Beef Summer Rolls

YumSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:51:43 -0700

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Come Party With Me: All Hallow's Eve - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:50:08 -0700

Have no plans for Halloween? Well, there's still time to invite some friends over for a blowout Halloween bash! Halloween won't fall on a Saturday again until 2015, so now is the time to throw a fright-night-themed party.

Start the soirée after dinner and you won't have to worry about serving a complex menu. Instead offer a few fun bar snacks like vampire nut mix. This easy-to-make mixture of nuts gets a vibrant red color from cayenne pepper. Sprinkle won ton wrappers with cheese and bake; the resulting snack resembles bat wings.

Make deviled eggs look like the actual devil by adding a chive beard and bell pepper horns. To check out these quick, simple, crowd-pleasing bites, get the recipes and read more.

Vampire Nut Mix
From Woman's Day

Ingredients

3 cups raw mixed nuts
1⁄3 cup agave syrup
2 tsp salt, or to taste
1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste

Directions

Heat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil or aluminum foil coated with nonstick spray.
Put all ingredients in a medium bowl; toss to mix and coat. Spread on prepared baking sheet.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes until fragrant and toasted. Cool completely before serving.

Makes 3 cups.

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Crispy Cheese Chips
From Diabetic Living

Ingredients

30 wonton wrappers
Nonstick cooking spray
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Directions

Use a sharp knife to cut wonton wrappers diagonally in half to make 60 triangles.
Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange one-third of the triangles in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, for ruffled chips, line baking sheet with foil. Shape foil to make ridges. Lightly coat foil with cooking spray. Place wonton triangles on foil, draping over foil ridges.
In a small bowl stir together the olive oil, garlic, and basil. Lightly brush the wonton triangles with one-third of the oil mixture; sprinkle with one-third of the cheese.
Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 8 minutes or until golden. Cool completely on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining wonton triangles, oil mixture, and cheese.

Makes 60 chips.

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Devilish Eggs
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

12 large eggs
3 jarred roasted red peppers, finely chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco (optional)
1 small red bell pepper, cut into small triangles, for garnish
2 scallions, dark-green parts only, cut into small triangles, for garnish
Fresh chives, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, for garnish

Directions

Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside.
Put eggs into a medium saucepan, and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Cover; let stand 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggs to ice-water bath.
When eggs are cool, peel, and cut in half lengthwise. Carefully remove yolks, keeping whites intact and transferring whites and yolks to separate bowls. Refrigerate whites.
Add roasted peppers, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, and hot sauce (if desired) to yolks. Mash with a fork until smooth. Cover, and refrigerate until stiff, about 30 minutes.
Mound yolk mixture in each egg-white half. Garnish with bell pepper, scallions, and chives to make devilish faces.

Makes 2 dozen.

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Off to Market Recap: Thanksgiving Accessories

partysugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:50:19 -0800

Creating a memorable Thanksgiving is not just about serving a moist turkey and flavorful pureed potatoes. It's also about enjoying a meal with loved ones! To get excited for the big day, I searched the Internet for festive table accessories and functional turkey tools. Then I used our wonderful bookmarking device to save the products in the Off to Market group in the YumSugar Community.

This allows me to share all of my discoveries with you in one easy widget! I'm absolutely crazy for this three-section leaf server ($30). It can be used for appetizers like nuts, olives, and chunks of cheese. Or for the main meal, fill the acorn center with gravy and the surrounding dishes with turkey, sectioning off the dark and light meat.

Interested in learning more about bookmarking and creating product widgets? Check out the complete instructions here.