Easy Appetizers

Lordy, Lordy! It’s been way too long since I’ve contributed to this little ol’ blog… life gets busy and mine could get into the Guinness Book of World Records for the busiest… or so it feels like.

But we can’t stop eating good food just because we’re all busier than God! Try this delicious and satisfying Acorn Squash Soup. Serve it up for the holidays or just because it sounds like good comfort food.

Make it a whole meal or serve it in tiny cups to whet the appetite. However you do it, do it NOW! It’s a great time of year for it. Enjoy!

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Well, I took some time off from blogging but now I am back with a vengeance and armed and ready to give you some more ideas for delicious treats and easy party appetizers – just to name a few things! Keep reading and stay tuned for more deliciousness!

One of my favorite subjects (obviously!) is all about appetizers. So, let’s talk about them for parties… It doesn’t matter whether you are planning a BBQ in your backyard or a beach party to watch the sunset, when your party starts, you should have plenty of “starters” to get things going. People love to eat and in my experience, they love food that comes in small packages.

You can lead off the party with imaginative easy party appetizers that you can find all over the Web and particularly here! Depending on what kind of party you are throwing will determine what kind of appetizers you serve. This won’t be a problem because there are literally HUNDREDS of ideas you can find to use outright or to adjust or just to make up your own tasty treat. Read the rest of this entry »

Those cute little stuffed cherry tomatoes are so cheerful looking. But best of all, they are delicious, adding a nice touch to your repertoire of simple appetizers. Even if you think you don’t like tomatoes, I bet you’ll change your mind just a little if you tried this easy recipe. These cherry tomatoes are tiny, and stuffed with great flavor. Basically, the tomato acts like a little holder or a cup. And, they present nicely. Try it, you tomato-haters might change your mind!

What you’ll need:
- 48 cherry tomatoes
- Salt
- 1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 3 oz. cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp cognac or other good brandy
- 2 oz. pimiento stuffed green olives(chopped)
- Tobasco sauce
- 1/2 cup parsley (minced)

What to do:
First, cut a thin slice from the stem end of each tomato and scoop out center pulp. Yes, it’s a bit labor-intensive and you are wondering where is the “easy” part of this appetizer recipe? Well, what’s easy about it, is the eating part. REAL easy.

Next, sprinkle inside with salt and invert the tomatoes on a paper towel for 10 or 15 minutes. Combine the cheeses and cognac. Blend until smooth and then add olives and 2 or 3 dashes of Tobasco sauce. Fill the drained tomatoes with the cheese mixture, sprinkle with parsley and serve it up!

Serve this easy appetizer on your favorite party platter. Enjoy!

I’m still on a Spanish food kick. And with hot weather upon us, eating hot foods isn’t always appealing. That’s where traditional Gazpacho comes in and saves the day. Even those who think they don’t like soup – particularly vegetable soup, will change their minds once they’ve tried a sip of this yummy gazpacho.

This basic version is what you’d find if you were traveling around Spain. But, basic does not mean boring, in fact, it is chock full of flavor. But, what is even better about this cold soup, is that it’s filling and can be used as a main course, or just serve a little half cup or so for a delicious appetizer. Enjoy!

What  you’ll need:
- 10 oz of bread
- 21 oz. of tomato
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 onions
- 2 red and green peppers
- 1 cucumber (optional)
- 7 Tbsp of oil
- 2 Tbsp of vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp of water
- Cumin (optional)

What to do:
In a big mortar mash the cumin, the garlic and the soaked bread. Then, in a plastic bowl mix the chopped onion, the chopped tomato, the oil, the vinegar, the salt and the contents of the mortar. Mash it with the mixer and add very cold water to mix everything. Add salt and strain it. Keep it in the fridge until served.

Serve with the tomato, the cucumber, the pepper and the toasted bread cut up. You can sprinkle these toppings on each serving of soup, or serve them in small bowls and let your guests pick which toppings they want to put on the soup.

This easy appetizer recipe serves 4.

Here’s a wonderful idea for serving a dip for vegetables. Watch the video below to see how you can transform a bell pepper into a gorgeous serving cup that houses your favorite dip. It’s a creative and pretty way to serve dips and vegetables. And for terrific recipe to fill the cup, simple read this Chunky Veggie Dip recipe.

Veggie Dip Cups

Posted to Taste of Home by Taste of Home Editors on June 22, 2008

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Need some new ideas for Chips and Dips?
Easy Appetizer Recipes is the place to go for all your appetizer needs.

Oh my gosh. I love asparagus and wrapping it up in delicious prosciutto is a wonderful way to serve it. This Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus recipe is a wonderful addition to any holiday menu. Since Easter is just around the corner, try this and add it to your menu. You won’t be sorry!

What you need:

- 1/2 pound prosciutto, sliced
- 1/2 (8 ounce) package Neufchatel cheese, softened
- 12 spears fresh asparagus, trimmed

What to do:

1. First, preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
2. Then, spread the prosciutto slices with Neufchatel cheese. Wrap the slices around 1, 2, or 3 asparagus spears – depending on how big or small the spears are.
   
3. Lastly, arrange the wrapped spears in a single layer on a medium baking sheet.
4. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until asparagus is tender.

This delicious, simple and easy appetizer can also be used as a side dish and goes very well with chicken main dishes. Enjoy!

If you love this recipe, then try more at our Easy Appetizer Recipes website.