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Posts Tagged ‘appetizer’

  1. Light Mexican Layer Dip

    February 16, 2012 by erinRD

    Adapted from Splattered Apron

    I made this dip for superbowl and it was a big hit!

    1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
    1 can diced chilies, drained
    1 1/2 cups 0% Chobani Greek Yogurt
    1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
    2 avocados
    a large bunch of cilantro, minced and divided
    4 limes, juiced and divided
    2 Tablespoons of a minced jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed
    10 ounces frozen roasted corn, cooked according to packaging and slightly cooled
    1/2 small red onion, minced
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    3 roma tomatoes, diced
    1 cup freshly shredded colby jack cheese
    2 green onions, white and green parts, sliced
    salt and pepper, to taste

    Directions:
    1. Combine the black beans, green chilies, salt and pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth then spread in the bottom of a serving dish. Clean the food processor, you’ll need it again shortly.


    2. In a bowl, stir together the Chobani Greek yogurt and taco seasoning until well combined. Spread on top of the of the black bean layer.
    3. Add 2 avocados, a large handful of cilantro (leaving 3 Tablespoons of cilantro for later), the jalapeño, the juice of two limes and salt to the food processor. Process until only slightly chunky, scraping down the bowl once or twice. Spread on top of the Greek yogurt layer.


    4. In a bowl, combine the corn, minced red onion, remaining minced cilantro, olive oil, the juice of two limes and a generous amount of salt. Spread on top of the avocado layer.


    5. Put tomatoes on top of the corn salsa followed by the colby cheese and green onions.

    Serve with tortilla chips. Serves 30 at ~ 2 Tablespoons per serving

    Nutrition Notes: A perfect spread of carbs, fat, carbs and fiber! Low in sodium and calories too. This is a prefect healthy dip to make in place of all the cream cheese, sour cream, cheese filled dips out there!

    Taste Test: This was one of my favorite dips! Loaded with fresh veggies, beans, greek yogurt – it was the perfect combination! It went quickly at the party and it seemed like everyone loved it!


  2. Baked Potato Skins

    February 8, 2012 by erinRD

    For Wholesome Husband’s 32nd Birthday, we had a football party at our place. I asked him what kind of appetizers he wanted and he picked potato skins.

    Since then, I have made these 3-4 times since they were requested multiple time from people!

    Adapted from All Recipes

    4 large baking potatoes, baked and cooled
    3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
    1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    1/4 teaspoon paprika
    1/8 teaspoon pepper
    8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
    1 1/2 cups shredded 2% Cheddar cheese
    1/2 cup light sour cream
    4 green onions, sliced

    Directions:
    1. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4-in. shell (save pulp for another use).
    2. Place potatoes skins on a greased baking sheet.
    3. Combine oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper; brush over both sides of skins. Bake at 475 degrees F for 7 minutes; turn. Bake until crisp, about 7 minutes more.
    4. Sprinkle bacon and cheddar cheese inside skins. Bake 2 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.
    5. Top with sour cream and onions. Cut each in half and serve immediately. Serves 16.

    Taste Test: These are always a big hit at parties. They are the classic appetizer and always a crowd pleaser. Of course Wholesome Husband loves these so I am sure I’ll be making them again and again!

     


  3. Spinach Artichoke White Bean Crostini

    August 16, 2011 by erinRD

    My family was invited to my second cousins house for a BBQ this past weekend so I was on the hunt for an appetizer to bring. I found this and it sounded perfect. Light and easy to make and easy to transport. Everyone gobbled it up and asked for the recipe. I’d say it was a success!

    Spinach Artichoke White Bean Crostini
    Adapted from Two Peas & Their Pod

    15 (1/4-inch thick) slices French baguette
    1 Tablespoon olive oil, for brushing baguette slices
    1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or white beans, rinsed and drained
    1 cup artichoke hearts (from jar), drained and chopped
    1 tomato, diced
    1 cup chopped fresh spinach
    1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
    1 clove roasted garlic, minced
    1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
    Salt and pepper, to taste

    Directions:
    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. On a large baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Using a pastry brush, brush the baguette slices lightly with olive oil. Bake until golden, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the bread from the oven and set aside.
    2. In a medium bowl, combine white beans, artichokes, tomato, spinach, basil, garlic, lemon juice, and feta cheese. Stir gently. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
    3. Spoon spinach and artichoke mixture onto the toasted baguette slices. Serve immediately. Serving size – 1 crostini.

    Taste Test: Delicious and refreshing. The beans can be substituted out for any other bean but the white beans were so yummy! The bread also made a huge difference. Throwing it in the oven made it warm and crispy. Next time I might spread a little garlic on the toast along with the olive oil. So good!

    Bring this to your next party!

     


  4. Spicy Cheese Crisps

    March 31, 2011 by erinRD

    I have the perfect appetizer for you to bring to your next party.

    Simple and classic.

    I made these when my girlfriends came over for girls night and they paired perfectly with a glass of wine.

    Spicy Cheese Crisps
    From Keep It Simple Foods

    4 cups parmigiano-reggiano cheese
    1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more to taste)

    Directions:
    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
    2. Grate your cheese as fine as possible. Or add to food processor and blend with red pepper flakes.


    3. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
    4. Take a small finger full of cheese and place on lined baking sheet.


    5. Bake in oven for 6-7 minutes, until brown around outside. Let sit on baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to cookie rack to cool.

    Nutrition Notes: Makes about 60 crisps. The nutritional information is for one crisp.

    Taste Test: You’ll see that in a few of the pictures, the crisps are lighter and some are darker. As I went along with making them, I noticed that the darker crisps had a lot more flavor and more crunch. So cooking them 6-7 minutes resulted in a better crisp. If you prefer the lighter crisp – bake for 5 minutes. Of course, it may vary depending on your oven.

    So cheesy. So yummy!