Almond Joy – a big food wrapped up in a small package!

Almonds are a excellent food all packaged up in it’s little brown coating. It not only packs a wallop when it comes to nourishment, but they add flavor to all kinds of easy appetizer recipes. The next few paragraphs will explore some of the uses of almonds – their nutritional worth as well as some interesting facts that I bet you never learned about the little brown packages.

While most doctors wouldn’t recommend eating nuts as a snack for those that have high cholesterol – due to their high fat content – many studies have been done that show that eating almonds actually lowers your cholesterol.

For example, a study was done using volunteers that had a history of high cholesterol. The end result was that this group eating almonds actually showed significant reductions within their LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). So, in line with these findings, whole almonds eaten in moderation can decreasing cholesterol.

That being said, did you realize that there is a right and wrong approach to eat almonds? Eating almonds incorrectly could  make you miss out on many of the benefits an almond has to offer. By eating almonds wrongly, they could potentially harm your digestion. Because almonds are a fantastic source of protein, vitamin E and fiber, and also the least acid-forming of all nuts, digestion is significant thing to bear in mind. Here’s why. The natural brown coating of almonds contains an enzyme-inhibiting substance in the coating that makes digestion for many people difficult.

A fairly easy fix for this digestion problem is to begin with raw almonds – organic if possible. (Trader Joe’s carries organic almonds if you have one in your area.) Soak them in purified water in a stainless steel or glass container. You must cover the almonds and let them soak overnight for around 12 hours. This process of soaking removes the enzyme inhibitor to ensure that the enzymes that are secreted during digestion are then allowed to do their job correctly. Once soaked, simply drain them and then refrigerate the almonds to use as a snack, or in your favorite recipes – without fear of digestive difficulties.

Almonds can also be a source for the omega-3 and the omega-6 fatty acids. Women usually need this more than men, but typically, the American diet doesn’t always include enough foods that cover the fatty oils and acids that the body needs. Almonds are a good source for this.

Listed below are some delicious and fun facts about almonds:

1. 80% of the world’s supply of almonds originates from California
2. To pollinate the California crops of almonds, it will take over 1.2 million bee hives!
3. One of the favorite snacks of Japanese teenagers is a snack mix of dried sardines and slivered almonds.
4. Almonds are the most nutrient-dense out of all the nut families.
5. The protein found in almonds is just like protein in breast milk that many baby formulas use almonds as their base.
6. It will take approximately a thousand pounds of almonds to produce one pint of almond oil.

In summary, almonds taste great and can be used as a snack or prepared as a delicious simple appetizer. Of course, you can use them as a tasty ingredient in your favorite recipes, but they are a nutrient-dense nut that contains protein and the right kinds of fat that the body needs. Almonds – as tiny as they are – are a big food!

Super Bowl Sunday is nearly here! Check out this Super Bowl Snacks page for some great ideas to feed the hungry crowds.

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!

What you’ll need:
- 2 acorn squashes (on the large side)
- 2 Tbsp. of butter
- 1 onion (small and chopped)
- 1 14.5-oz.can of chicken broth (or make your own)
- 1/4 tsp. of nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp. of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp. of salt
- 4 3-inch slices of Italian or sourdough bread (toasted)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese

What to do:
Place both squashes (whole) on a paper towel in the microwave. If both don’t fit, then, microwave them one at a time. Cook on high for about 5 minutes. You do not have to pierce the skin first. Turn them over and microwave for another 4 minutes or until the squash is a tiny bit tender when you pierce with a knife. Take them out of the microwave and let them stand for an additional 5 minutes.

While you are waiting for the squash to cool a little, you can melt the butter in a large saucepan and sauté the onion over medium heat.

Once the squash has cooled slightly, cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Keeping the shells intact, do your best to scoop out the rest of the flesh. Add the pulp to the onion and cook for a few minutes.

Add the broth, nutmeg, cayenne and salt. Bring all to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, uncovered.

Next, puree the squash mixture in a blender or food processor.

Reheat the soup mixture. Arrange the squash shells in oven proof soup bowls and place on a baking sheet.

Fill the squash shells with the soup and top with the pieces of toast and cheese slices. Broil for about 3 minutes (5 inches from the heat source).

This beautiful soup appetizer makes 4 servings.

Want more ideas like this one? Simply visit our soup appetizers page at Easy Appetizer Recipes. OR, visit this very cool Soup Hoopla website that has everything you ever wanted to know about soup.

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.

The trick is to find appetizers that are appealing to your particular crowd and don’t necessarily take up too much of your time to prepare. You’ll be busy enough as it is!

Some classic example of popular easy party appetizers are bruschetta, tapenade, shrimp cocktail, chip dip recipes, ceviche, Mexican appetizers, pigs-in-blankets and so much more. The nice thing about easy party appetizers is you can easily mix and match different cuisines that will end up pleasing your crowd. Just use your imagination and make a list of what sounds good to you too.

Below are a list of some of my favorite easy party appetizers. Check them out and see if you agree, or if you have some of your favorites you’d like to share, feel free to write back and let me know.

Artichoke Tomato Dip – is a new twist on an old theme. If you like the flavors of both tomatoes and artichokes, then wait until you combine them! This dip is even better if you grow your own tomatoes. Not a requirement, by any means, but it does have a noticeably fresher flavor with homegrown tomatoes.

Cowboy Kabobs – are perfect for grilling or broiling. And if you have a grill master in your house, he or she will love making this easy party appetizer.

Stuffed Cherry Tomato -Not a big stuffed cherry tomato fan? Well, I bet I can change your mind with this recipe. Every time I make it, I never have enough. They disappear faster than I can say, “Wait, there’s more…” Try this appetizer out on your next party or gathering. You’ll see what I mean.

Coconut Fruit Kabobs – will please every fruit lover and make a believer out of those who don’t like fruit that much (who would that be???) Plus, this easy appetizer is easy on the diet! Make them ahead for picnics, BBQs and parties. They are healthy and everyone loves them. Make more than you think you’ll need!

These are just a few of my favorites. To find more, simple visit the Easy Appetizer Recipes Website and try out our simple appetizer recipes. Thanks!

For more easy appetizer recipes check out our Holiday Appetizers page.

We live in a FREE country. Most of the time, we don’t give that a second thought. But, when you stop to think about all the things we take for granted that some countries aren’t allowed to do. Like vote. Like speak our minds freely. Like having as many or as few children as we choose. Wow. Can you imagine any of those things taken away from you? I can’t.

When I watch the fireworks on July 4th, I’m going to be celebrating the freedoms we have. Thank you Founding Fathers. Thank you for your courage and your foresight. Let us always remember that freedom is a right, but it’s also a priviledge.

Happy July 4th. Happy Independence Day. And have some delicous simple appetizers to help celebrate! Visit our July 4th Appetizers page.

For more great easy appetizer recipes, check out our Holiday Appetizers page.

Want to give your Dad or the special family guy in your life a unique gift? Why not give him a gift of flavorful Spain? Spaniards love a fiesta – gathering friends and family together to enjoy great food and wine is second nature.

Here are some great gift ideas to help you celebrate Father’s Day in the Spanish style – paella burners for an outdoor paella party, distinctive Spanish grilling sausages, and festive porron wine pitchers are just a few ways to celebrate Spanish-style. Show Dad how much you love him.

Paella Burner with Rolling Stand – Roll this solid paella burner out, hook it up to a standard propane bottle, and you are ready to cook a paella, as easy as that! All you need to do is start cooking (attaches to a normal U.S. propane tank.) Read more about it here.

Glass Porrón Wine Pitcher – The porrón wine pitcher is a festive way to serve wine or sangria. Just pick up the porrón and tilt it so that a thin stream of wine pours directly into your mouth! It takes some skill, but it is fun at a party to see how well you and your friends master the technique. Each porrón holds 1 liter, well over a bottle of wine. Read more about it here.

Grilling Sampler of Spanish Sausages – A selection of three distinct sausages of Spain… all ready for the grill! Slice them in 2 inch chunks for crispy, flavorful bites, or roast them whole. Read more about it here.

Spanish Wine and Cheese Party – Have a pleasant wine and cheese party, with no effort at all! You and your friends can savor three of Spain’s finest artisan cheeses – and then cleanse your palates with a tasty red wine. Read more about it here.

Happy Father’s Day!

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!

Great Appetizers, Snacks and Man-food for Father’s Day

Dad’s Day is less than a week away. What are you going to do for the special Dad in your life? We’re going to our local airport (small airport) and watch a helicopter show. That’s what the Dad in our family wants to do so that’s what we’re doing. Can’t wait. (No, really!)

Actually, I saw the show last year and it was AMAZING to see the kinds of tricks helicopters can do! But, I’m getting off topic here. Let’s get back to great appetizers and recipes for your Father. Here are a few ideas to spark  your imagination. Even if Dad loves to cook, give him the day off and fill up his plate with some fun MAN-food. He works hard. He deserves it.

Starting with Breakfast:

Hashbrown Casserole
Oh yeah. This is a delicious small feast – bakes up like a dream.
The man in your life will love it!

Move on to lunch (here’s a few ideas to get the ball rolling):

Chicken Wings Recipes
What Dad doesn’t like good ol’ Buffalo Wings or other types of chicken wings.
Here’s a really nice variety of flavors.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp
You will probably need to make more than you think,
because it’s such a popular and tasty treat.

South of the Border Burger
is a perfect hamburger to serve to your friends and family on these well-celebrated holidays -
especially if you like your burgers on the spicy side.

How about some mid afternoon appetizers and snacks?

Chip Dip Recipes
Surprise Daddy-O with some homemade chips and fantastic dips.

Cowboy Kabobs
So tasty and so easy to make! This is a favorite around our household. And it’s definitely a Man-food!

Pepperoni Cheese Puffs
You will be amazed at how quickly they disappear and the clamoring for more will soon be heard.

Super Sausage Rolls
Easy to make and easy to eat, these yummy easy appetizers, sometimes called
“pigs-in-blanket”, are loved by everyone.

And if Dad and everyone else isn’t too full by now, try out this dinner idea:

Grilled Flank Steak with Basil Mustard Marinade
It’s easy to prepare and easy to BBQ. Everyone will love it!
To get your friends (and neighbors!) mouths watering – just start grilling!

Chile Lime Corn
Next time you want to jazz up your corn on the cob, try this simple recipe,
you’ll never go back to plain ol’ corn on the cob.

Summertime Sangria
Even though Dad might want a beer or a coke instead, he might decide this
drink concoction is pretty darn tasty, too!

And finally… what about Dessert to top off the day?

Mississippi Mud Cake
this dessert is to die for and if you love the flavors of chocolate and coffee…
well, then you will love this!

Have a wonderful day celebrating with the Dad in your family and eating up a storm! It’s all good!

Apple Cinnamon Snack Mix – It’s a little more involved than other snack mixes, but the extra effort is well worth it.

Apple Pizza – Is this a great after school snack? Or a terrific, yummy dessert? You choose.

Brown Sugar Cherries – This tangy-sweet dip for cherries could be used for any number of fruits or berries, and the cherry stems make dipping extra fun in this great snack.

For more great ideas, visit our Fruit Snacks page.

Here’s what La Tienda says about their offering:

Villajos Reserva is an authentic hand-made, raw sheep’s milk cheese. The aged Manchego has a full rich flavor with a healthy sharpness. Slice and serve with olives and sliced Serrano ham for the authentic flavor of Spain. Packed in a wooden box, it would make a superb gift. Read more here.

What is Manchego and what makes it so delicious? It’s a raw sheep’s milk cheese. It’s natural sharpness is a perfect match for the sweet flavor of Membrillo and a perfect way to end a great meal.

One of the things I love about this cheese is how good it tastes with other flavors married to it. For example, Manchego is used as a dessert when paired with a favorite Spanish jelly called Membrillo quince. I have to say, this is my favorite way to eat this cheese.

But Manchego also works well with the tart goodness of Jamon Serrano ham. This combination makes for an excellent addition to your Tapas servings.

However you decide to use Manchego cheese, you’ll enjoy it. It’s a flavor that takes you instantly to Spain. Find out more at La Tienda.com.