Easy Appetizers | Simple Recipes » appetizers

Fun Halloween Recipe for Pizza Mummies

BusyMOM — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:16:29 +0000

My family loves pizza. And we’ve gotten pretty good at making our own pizzas as opposed to buying them. When I saw this fun Halloween Recipe for Pizza Mummies, I had to try it. Suffice to say, it was a huge hit! This simple appetizer recipe can be used for your Halloween party OR for anytime of year. It’s healthy and doesn’t take a long time to make. Plus, your kiddos might even like helping you make it. Let me know what you think of this Halloween treat!

What you’ll need:
- English muffins
- Pizza sauce
- Black olives
- Green onions
- Red or green pepper
- Cheese sticks or slices

What to do for this fun Halloween snack:

Heat the oven to 350º F. For each pizza mummy, spread a tablespoon of your favorite pizza sauce onto half of an English muffin, toasted. You can substitute the English muffin with a Sandwich Thin. Or use whole wheat versions of both for an even healthier pizza.
Cut, olives in slices and place them on the English muffin for eyes. Then add round cut green onions to the middle of the olive and add bits of red or green pepper for the pupils. How cute is that??
Lay strips of cheese – either pull apart a cheese stick or cut strips – across the muffin for the mummy’s wrappings. Refer to the photo for placement.
Bake for around 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the muffin is toasted on the edges. Serve ‘em up!

Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of FamilyFun.com. Thanks!

Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Kabobs

BusyMOM — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:38:15 +0000

Besides loving appetizers and all foods in small packages, I also love watching professional skating. I’ve been a fan of skaters since I could watch them on TV. Well, one of my favorites, Brian Boitano makes this wonderfully easy appetizer of sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese that makes my mouth water.

I especially love goat cheese and anything that goes with it. 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!

What you need:
- 1 (8-ounce) log fresh goat cheese, chilled
-1 cup pistachio nuts, finely chopped
- 20 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 20 small skewers or cocktail toothpicks

What to do:
GREAT TIP: Fill a pitcher with hot water. Dip a knife into the hot water to slice the goat cheese log in half lengthwise.

Slice each half into 10 pieces making sure to dip the knife into the hot water in between slicing to ensure a nice clean cut. Roll each piece of goat cheese into balls approximately 1/2-inch in diameter and put onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.

Add the chopped pistachio nuts to a shallow bowl. Roll a goat cheese ball into the pistachio nuts and coat 1/2 of the ball. Return to the sheet pan and repeat with the remaining goat cheese balls.

Drain the oil from the tomatoes and put onto a plate lined with a paper towel.

Skewer a goat cheese ball onto the skewer. Lay a basil leaf on top a sun-dried tomato. Fold the tomato in half around the basil leaf and add to the skewer with the goat cheese. Repeat with remaining skewers. Arrange on a serving platter, cover and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Deeeeelish! And it looks pretty too. This simple recipe makes 20 skewers. And for more wonderful ideas for appetizers, check out the cheese appetizers section of the Easy Appetizer Recipes website.

Photo courtesy of the Food Network.

Sliced Jamón Serrano Ham

BusyMOM — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:59:38 +0000

My favorite place on the Internet for delicious tapas and Spanish food is La Tienda.

And for all of my loyal readers, here’s a tidbit I’m passing on to you. Through August 8th, La Tienda has put their well-known and well-loved all natural sliced Jamón Serrano ham on sale.

There are so many scrumptious ideas for appetizers or grilling that you can use this tasty ham for. Jump on it – you’ll be glad you did. Details are below. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

This is what La Tienda says about their serrano ham: Thinly sliced serrano ham has a delicious nutty, salty flavor that makes it a perfect partner for lots of summer favorites. Wrap it around shrimp or scallops for a grilling combination made in heaven. Or serve skewered with honeydew melon or olives for a cool appetizer.

Cured for 15 months high in the mountains of Spain, this jamón is made the most traditional way, with nothing but pork and salt, and then sliced in the US for freshness. Our exclusive all natural jamón serrano is sure to be a hit at your next summer get together!

You can get All Natural Sliced Jamón Serrano, two 4 ounce packages, normally $19.95, now on sale for only $16.95! Click here to buy it before they run out!

Wine and Cheese Parties

BusyMOM — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:52:48 +0000

Wine and Cheese
Tonight, 6 close girl-buddies are coming over and we’re going to sit out in my beautiful “Little Italy” backyard and eat big! We do this, the six of us, about once a month. It’s a blast. We pick one of our homes as the party house and through email blasts back and forth, we decide who is bringing what part of the meal and who is bringing the wine. Every time, we have an amazing meal. Because all my gal-pals are great cooks!

My "little Italy" backyard

But, sometimes, it’s just too hot to cook, or you aren’t in the mood. Here’s a solution:

Why not try a wine and cheese party? Here’s the beauty of doing that. YOU DON’T HAVE TO COOK!

So, if you are someone like me, who loves to have your best friends over for a fun evening of food and spirits, make it easy on yourself! I found this helpful video about making an easy wine and cheese party. Take a look and have fun!

A great place to order wine online is at Wine.com.

July 4th Appetizers

BusyMOM — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:00:54 +0000

That day of Independence that means just a little bit more than just BBQs and picnics is in a couple of days. I love 4th of July. I love the sunny days and the sparkly fireworks and the great food. But this year, I’m giving a little more thought to what it means.

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.

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes – cute and oh so good!

BusyMOM — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:28:07 +0000

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!

Father’s Day is Man-food Day

BusyMOM — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:14:37 +0000

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!

Fun Grilling Facts to Chew On

BusyMOM — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:16:57 +0000

With summer just starting and the weather getting hotter every day, grilling your food outdoors is a lot more pleasant that slaving over a hot stove inside. I was reading Fitness magazine the other day and came across these fun grilling facts. Take a look:

- 76 percentage of women who like to grill
- 150 millions of hot dogs Americans eat over Memorial Day weekend
- 100 calories in a turkey dog
- 148 calories in a regular dog
- 49 percentage of grillers who think it’s acceptable to bring their own sauce to a barbecue
- 121 calories you save by grilling a chicken breast instead of frying it

Now that you know all about the facts of grilling, here’s a really easy appetizer to grill while you are sipping cocktails on the patio.

Mushroom Bacon Bites

What you need:
- 24 medium fresh mushrooms
- 12 bacon strips, halved
- 1 cup of you favorite barbecue sauce

What to Do
1. Wrap each mushroom with a piece of bacon; secure with a toothpick.
2. Thread onto metal or soaked bamboo skewers; brush with barbecue sauce.
3. Grill, uncovered, over indirect medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the mushrooms are tender, turning and basting occasionally with remaining barbecue sauce.

This easy appetizer recipe makes 2 dozen. For more wonderful grilled appetizer recipes, visit our Simple Appetizer Recipes page.

Idiazabal Sheep’s Cheese Lightly Smoked

BusyMOM — Fri, 29 May 2009 03:41:39 +0000

I’m on a cheese “bender”. I decided I want to try different cheeses that I don’t normally eat or find in my local supermarket. So, I visited a great site that I love, La Tienda, and ordered a few different cheese types that I thought sounded interesting.

Here’s the first one that I must say, is delicious. It’s called, Idiazabal Sheep’s Cheese Lightly Smoked.

Wow! I have tried other smoked cheeses and sometimes the smokey flavor is just too overwhelming, but this cheese was perfect. Lightly flavored with just enough of the smoke essence and but not so much that it overwhelmed the natural cheese flavor. DEEEEELISH!

This is the description you’ll find on La Tienda’s website about this delicious finger food of cheese:

Deep, subtle smoked flavor
From the heart of Basque country
Aged 8 months

Our Idiazábal cheese is from the original producer and is still produced by the same family in the heart of Basque Country. A smoked unpasteurized sheep’s milk cheese aged 8 months, it gets a deep but subtle flavor from being smoked with hawthorn and cherry wood.

Traditionally Basque shepherds would keep their flocks high in the Pyrenees Mountains throughout the spring and summer. In the early autumn, right after the first snows, the shepherds would appear in the villages below carrying with them the cheeses they made from the ewe’s milk all summer long.

In order to preserve the cheeses in the highlands they stored them by the chimneys of their mountain shelters, where they aged and naturally smoked.

This D. O. controlled raw sheep’s milk cheese is hardwood smoked, coloring the outer rind from orange to a nutty brown. The smoke gently permeates the pale beige interior. As it ages, the flavor becomes a little sharper, and can be grated.

Idiazábal goes beautifully with fresh fruits, ham, salchichón and crusty bread and pairs well with a favorite red wine from your wine collection. It can keep in your refrigerator for a month or more. Store in foil or waxed paper, so that your cheese can continue to breathe.

Try it… I think you’ll find it is a beautiful cheese to serve with your favorite cracker, bread or fresh fruit.

Enjoy!

For more great ideas for appetizers, please visit our Simple Appetizer Recipes page.

Easy Sweet and Sour Shrimp Puffs

BusyMOM — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:39:22 +0000

Wow. Here is a beautiful easy appetizer recipe that will give your party table some extra ‘zazz. These shrimp puffs are easier to make than they look. A lovely appetizer recipe for either a friendly get together or works well as a fancy hors d’oeuvre for a cocktail party. Enjoy!