Appetizer

A collection of Appetizers, Tapas, Antipasti, Meze, Hors d'oeuvres, Amuse bouche, Canapés, Bocas, Dips or even just snacks.

Caponata alla Siciliana – Sicilian Eggplant Cooked Salad

Caponata alla Siciliana

I’m a sucker for a bargain. The other day small fresh eggplants (aubergine) were on sale, and I had to buy as many as I could fit into a plastic bag, and then worry about what I was going to do with them later. I love the spontaneity of having not having a meal plan …

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Crostini topping ideas

Fresh Mozzarella, tomato and basil crostini

In some ways, Italy’s Crostini is similar to Denmark’s Smørrebrød in that they are both open sandwiches. Though smørrebrød tends to be eaten as lunch, crostini tend to be appetizers or antipasti. Crostini are small pieces of toasted bread, usually Italian or French, topped with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables or even just herbs or olive …

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Insalata Caprese – Simple tomato, mozzarella and basil salad

Insalata Caprese

Insalata Caprese or just caprese, is one of those dishes that most people will have eaten and enjoyed, but not really known what it was, other than tomato, mozzarella and basil salad. The salad originates from the island of Capri, to the South of the Gulf of Naples, in the Campania region of Italy, where …

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Hatch Chile Quesadilla with Avocado and Shrimp

Hatch Chile Quesadillas

With the arrival of the Hatch Chile Season I find myself thinking of numerous way to prepare and eat fire roasted Hatch Chiles. The irony of this is that in today’s age of perishable fruits and vegetables crossing the world by airplanes and refrigerated ships we are almost never without fruit and vegetables that were …

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Pico de gallo – The rooster’s beak

Pico de gallo - The roosters beak

I had never heard of Pico de gallo before coming to Texas, and when I was first asked if I wanted some on my taco, I had no idea what the lady said, let alone what it was. Basically it is a very simple, fresh chunky salsa also known as Salsa Mexicana or Salsa Fresca. …

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