Labor Day Weekend Appetizers

If you’ve been reading this blog, you know I’ve been milking the end of summer for as much as I can get. I love summertime! So, with this last hurrah upon us, why not celebrate with some great food and share it with close friends and family.

Hmmm… where to start, where to start? There are sooooo many wonderful ideas for Labor Day weekend appetizers. I thought I’d round up some of my favorites to share with you, dear readers!

First, some tips for grilling veggies: Read my article Grill, Baby, Grill and learn how to grill vegetables the right way. Then move on and Grill Your Salad.

Wanna make some of your own chips and dips? Here’s a plethora of ideas…

Dip Recipes

Not-Guilty Guacamole: A beautiful recipe for guacamole that cuts out 40% of the calories! Plus, it really tastes great!

Cowboy Caviar: A mixture of yummy ingredients with the taste of the Southwest. Great with baked pita chips or blue corn Tortilla chips. Use it as a dip or a side dish.

Warm Goat Cheese Spread: The goat cheese gives it a creamier texture which is wonderful, but you can also use Feta which has adds a nice sharpness to the flavor. Deeeeelish!

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.

Chip Recipes

Parmesan Basil and Lemon Crisps: If you like salt and cheese, then you’ll like these crisps. I recommend using the more expensive Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for this recipe. It bakes up better and the flavor is outstanding.

Homemade Potato Chips: I know, I know, why would you go to the trouble to make your own potato chips when there are literally BAGS of them waiting to be bought in any grocery store? Because… The. Taste. Is. So. Great!

Baked Tortilla Chips: Love chips but don’t love the calories? Try this baked tortilla chips recipe. You easily can lose the calories, but not skimp on taste.

And now for some great apps that pretty up your table and will wow  your friends and family…

More great Appetizers

Sun-dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Kabobs: When you make these little sun-dried tomato and goat cheese kabobs for your next gathering, make sure you make a few more than you think you’ll need. They go fast!

Cowboy Kabobs: I can make up these kabobs ahead of time and then hubby-o-mine grills them when he gets good and hungry! Great as an easy appetizer or as a main course. Make more than you’ll think you’ll need!

Chili Lime Corn: Next time you want to jazz up your corn on the cob, try this simple recipe. It’s a perfect complement to any BBQ food you are preparing and your friends and family will gobble it up.

Cocktails for your BBQ: Conjure up sitting by the pool, enjoying the heat of the summer and cooling off with the fresh taste of summer fruits and veggies mixed in a drink. Think outside the box and travel away from the usual Gin and Tonic.

I could go on, but this blog post is getting kinda long. Enjoy and wishing you all a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend!