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!

The 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day, but it should be! And Cinco de Mayo is not an American holiday, but it should be. Mexico declared its independence from mother Spain on midnight, the 15th of September, 1810. And it took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico.

So, why Cinco de Mayo? And why should Americans savor this day as well? Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862. To continue reading about Cinco de Mayo history, click here. Otherwise, take a look at the list below of great appetizers for this well loved holiday.

7-Layer Guacamole Dip
Baked Tortilla Chips
Black Bean Cheese Dip
Chiles con Caso Dip
Chipotle Salsa
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Corn Tortilla Chips

Flour Tortilla Chips
Frijoles Refrito Dip
Hot Asiago Dip
Mexican Guacamole
Ranchero Bean Dip
Shrimp and Avocado Cocktail
Summertime Sangria
Tex Mex Soup with Black Beans
White Cheese Dip (Queso Blanco)

What you’ll need:
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup of soft breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise (light or low fat)
- 1 teaspoon
of lemon juice (fresh)
- 1/4 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of Mrs. Dash seasoning
(or anything similar)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper (fresh, if possible)
- 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 pound of lump crab meat (fresh is always best, but canned works as well)
- 1 pound of shrimp (large and uncooked)
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese (grated)

Please preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

First, peel the shrimp, but leave the tails on. Next, de-vein and butterfly the shrimp by making a little slit down the back of each one all the way from the large end to the tail. You’ll be making a cut – but make sure you don’t cut all the way through to the inside curve of the shrimp.

Then, lay each shrimp on a greased cookie sheet to form a circle with the tail pointing up. The tail fans out to form a handle.

Next, mix the first 7 ingredients and fold into the crab meat. You’ll then place a spoonful of crab meat mixture on top of the circle. With freshly grated Parmesan top the mixture and bake for 15 minutes. After cooking your delicious Stuffed Shrimp Appetizer, gently remove with tongs to your favorite serving tray and serve right away. Awesome, awesome, awesome!

A couple of great tips:
You can double the stuffing and use the excess for stuffing little button mushrooms and bake them right along side of the shrimp. 2 easy appetizers in one fell swoop! They will bake up beautifully in 10-15 minutes, same temperature.

And if you are preparing for a party, simply make up the appetizers ahead of time, store in your refrigerator and then bake them 15 minutes before you need to serve. How easy is that?

For more easy appetizer recipes like this one, visit my simple appetizer recipes page.