Hazelnut Cheese Bits

Hazelnut Cheese Bits

This appetizer recipe has so many flavors that they burst in your mouth. Make sure that you make enough because your guests are going to snatch them up in a hurry.
Ingredients -
8 Ounces of Cheese (your choice and shredded)
4 Ounces Butter, (softened)
2/3 Cup Flour
1/8 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1/3 Cup Hazelnuts, (toasted and finely ground)
Couple of Dashes of Hot Pepper Sauce, (to taste)

Preparation:
1.    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2.    Blend the cheese, butter, flour, salt, hazelnuts and hot pepper sauce together to form small balls.

3.    Press a whole hazelnut into the center of each ball.

4.    Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

5.    Serve them hot.

Game Day Dip

Game Day Dip

This amazingly spicy dip tastes as if you were eating buffalo chicken wings and blue cheese. It’s the perfect dip for get-togethers and is great with celery, carrots and tortilla chips.
Ingredients -
2 Cups Cooked Chicken, cubed
1 Cup Celery, chopped
1 Package Cream Cheese, (8 ounce), softened
1 Cup Hot Sauce
1 Cup Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preparation:
1.    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2.    In a 2 quart baking dish stir together the celery, hot sauce, chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and blue cheese dressing until evenly blended.

3.    Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly which usually takes about 30 minutes.

4.    Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese.

5.    Serve.

Fruit Dip

Fruit Dip

This is the perfect recipe for a fluffy and light fruit dip that you can take to a party, holiday get-together or just any time. Pick a selection of your favorite fruits for a taste that you are bound to love.
Ingredients -
1 Package Cream Cheese, (8 ounce) , softened
1 Jar Marshmallow Crème, (7 ounce)

Preparation:
1.    Blend the cream cheese and marshmallow creme until mixed thoroughly using an electric mixer.

Fried Ravioli

Fried Ravioli

This is an absolutely fantastic recipe. The mix of seasoned Italian breadcrumbs , cheese ravioli, parmesan and spaghetti sauce make it a finger licking good dish.
Ingredients -
2 Tablespoons Whole Milk
1 Egg, lightly beaten
3/4 Cup Dry Italian-Seasoned Breadcrumbs
1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
1/2 Package Frozen Cheese Ravioli, thawed
Vegetable Oil
Parmesan Cheese, grated
Spaghetti Sauce for Dipping

Preparation:
1.    In a small bowl combine the milk and the egg.

2.    In a shallow bowl place the breadcrumbs and salt.

3.    Dip the ravioli in the milk mixture.

4.    Coat them with bread crumbs.

5.    Pour the oil to the depth of 2 inches into a dutch oven.

6.    Heat the oil to 350 degrees.

7.    Fry the ravioli a few at a time for one minute at a time on each side until golden brown.

8.    Drain the ravioli on some paper towels.

9.    Sprinkle them with parmesan cheese.

10.    Serve immediately with warm spaghetti sauce.

Fried Brie

Fried Brie

Brie is one of the most popular cheeses out there. This is a perfect recipe for dipping bread, crackers and veggies in.
Ingredients -
1/2 Pound Brie Cheese
All-Purpose Flour
1 Egg
1 Tablespoon Water
1/2 Cup Dry Bread Crumbs
2 Tablespoons Butter
1 Loaf French Bread

Preparation:
1.    Remove and discard the paper and plastic wrapping from the brie cheese.

2.    Coat all surfaces with flour.

3.    Beat the egg with water in a pie plate until foamy.

4.    Dip the brie in the egg/water mixture, then in the bread crumbs, coating well.

5.    In a small skillet heat the butter just until it foams.

6.    Put the brie cheese in the pan.

7.    Cover and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown on one side.

8.    Flip over and cook, covered, on other side until golden.

9.    Remove from heat; make a cut in the cheese so it will run. Serve at once while warm with bread that has been cut into small pieces.

Easy Cheese Sticks

Easy Cheese Sticks

This is a really great recipe to make for a snack or an appetizer. It’s full of delicious melted cheese and its because of the golden brown outer layer.
Ingredients -
1 Pound Monterey Jack Cheddar, cut into 3x1/2-inch sticks
Olive Oil
1 Cup Original Bisquick Mix
1 Teaspoon Paprika
1/2 Cup Whole Milk
1 Egg
Marinara sauce

Preparation:
1.    Place the cheese sticks on a tray and freeze at least 1 hour.

2.    Heat 2 inches of oil to 375ºF in a large heavy saucepan or follow the manufacturer's direction on the deep fryer.

3.    Beat the Bisquick mix, paprika, milk and egg until smooth.

4.    Dip the cheese, 1 stick at a time, into batter, covering cheese completely.

5.    Fry 8 to 10 sticks at a time 1 to 2 minutes, turning carefully, until golden brown.

6.    Drain on paper towels. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with marinara sauce.

Herbed Chicken Nuggets

Herbed Chicken Nuggets

For a tender and tasty snack try this herbed chicken nugget recipe. Everyone that tastes one will be begging you for the recipe.
Ingredients -
4 Chicken Breasts, skinless, boneless
2 Eggs, beaten
1 Tablespoon Water
1 Teaspoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 Pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 Cup Dried Bread Crumbs, seasoned
1/2 Cup Wheat Germ
1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
1 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

Preparation:
1.    Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2.    Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

3.    Trim away all of the fat from the chicken breasts.

4.    Cut into 1 inch cubes.

5.    Beat the eggs with the water and add the chicken in a bowl.

6.    Combine the bread crumbs, wheat germ, parsley, thyme, red pepper, basil and ground pepper.

7.    Stir in the vegetable oil with a fork and mix well to distribute evenly.

8.    Pour the seasoning mixture into a resalable plastic bag and the chicken pieces to coat.

9.    Place the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes.

10.    Turn the pieces and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Double Tomato Bruschetta

Double Tomato Bruschetta

This is the simplest appetizer recipe to make and it tastes delicious. By adding the balsamic vinegar it makes it have a little bite. Although you can substitute dried herbs for the fresh herbs, using fresh herbs makes it turn out perfect.
Ingredients -
6 Roma Tomatoes, chopped
1/2 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, packed in oil
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 Cup Fresh Basil, stems removed
1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 French Baguette
2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Preparation:
1.    Preheat the oven on broiler setting.

2.    Combine the roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

3.    Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.

4.    Cut the baguette into 3/4-inch slices.

5.    On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer.

6.    Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly brown.

7.    Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the baguette slices.

8.    Top the slices with mozzarella cheese.

9.    Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Cilantro Cream Sauce

 

Cilantro Cream Sauce

This is a very versatile recipe that can be used as a dip for veggies and chips, or you can use it as a sauce for your favorite fish or chicken.
Ingredients -
1 Package Cream Cheese, (8 ounce), softened
1 Tablespoon Sour Cream
1 Can Tomatillo Salsa, (7 ounce)
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Celery Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
1 Bunch Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice

Preparation:
1.    Combine the pepper, celery salt, sour cream, cream cheese, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, cilantro and lime juice in a blender or food processor.

2.    Blend until smooth and creamy.

3.    Place in a serving bowl.

Jalapeno Popper Spread

Jalapeno Popper Spread

Sometimes the simplest recipes turn out the best. It tastes as if you are eating a jalapeno hot popper. It’s great on crackers, chips or bread.
Ingredients -
2 Packages Cream Cheese, (8 ounce), softened
1 Cup Mayonnaise
1 Can Green Chilies, (4 ounce), drained, chopped
2 ounces Canned Diced Jalapeno Peppers, drained
1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

Preparation:
1.    In a large bowl stir together the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.

2.    Stir in the green chilies and jalapeno peppers.

3.    Pour the mixture into a microwave safe serving dish.

4.    Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

5.    Microwave on High until hot which takes about 3 minutes.

Chili Con Queso Bites

Chili Con Queso Bites

These bites are spicy and delicious. The Pace Picante sauce, chili powder, green onion and cheddar cheese make them fantastic to eat and enjoy.
Ingredients -
4 Eggs
1/2 Cup Picante Sauce
1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
1 1/2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 Green Onion, chopped

Preparation:
1.    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2.    Grease 24 muffin-pan cups.

3.    Mix the eggs, chili powder, flour and picante sauce.

4.    Stir in the cheese and onion.

5.    Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into each one of the cups.

6.    Bake them for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown.

7.    Serve them warm or at room temperature with additional picante sauce.

Mini Pizza Appetizer

Mini Pizza Appetizer

This is a quick, easy and delicious mini pizza appetizer recipe. If you would rather, you can substitute 2 English Muffins for the pre-made pizza crusts. Simply split the muffins and toast them before putting the toppings on.
Ingredients -
2 Six-inch Pre-Made Pizza Crusts
1/2 Cup of Pizza Sauce
3 Green Onions (chopped)
1/2 Cup Pepperoni, sliced
1 1/2 Cups of Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)

Preparation:
1.    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2.    Spread the pizza sauce evenly over each crust.

3.    Finish by topping with the green onion, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese.

4.    Bake for about 8-10 minutes on until the cheese is melting and bubbly and the crust has turned to a golden brown on the bottom.

5.    Serve and enjoy!

Cheesy Herb Pinwheels

Cheesy Herb Pinwheels

As an appetizer bread accompaniment, these delicious pinwheels are Flaky and light and smothered with cheese!
Ingredients -
3 Cups Original Bisquick
1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
2/3 Cup Water
2 Tablespoons Butter
1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1 Cup Pizza Sauce

Preparation:
1.    Heat the oven to 425 degrees.

2.    Grease the cookie sheet.

3.    Mix the Italian seasoning , Bisquick,, water garlic powder and until a dough forms.

4.    Turn the dough onto a surface dusted with the dough and gently roll it into the dough to coat.

5.    Knead the dough 10 times.

6.    Roll it into a 18x10-inch rectangle.

7.    Brush the dough with melted butter.

8.    Sprinkle with the parmesan and mozzarella.

9.    Tightly roll up the dough and pinch the edge to seal.

10.    Cut the roll into eighteen 1-inch slices.

11.    Place them on a cookie sheet.

12.    Bake until golden.

13.    Heat the pizza sauce until hot.

14.    Dip pinwheels into sauce.

Cashew Truffles

Cashew Truffles

Truffles alone are so good and amazing to the taste except normal chocolate is made with just chocolate but this version adds the delicious nutty taste of cashews.
Ingredients -
1 Cup Plus 2 Tablespoons Whipping Cream
1/4 Cup Butter
12 Ounces Semisweet Chocolate, cut into chunks
6 Ounces Milk Chocolate, cut into chunks
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
2 Cups Cashews

Preparation:
1.    In a small saucepan bring the cream and butter to a boil.

2.    Remove the pan from the heat.

3.    Add the chocolates and vanilla and stir until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

4.    Refrigerate the mixture for about 2 hours until the candy is firm enough to handle easily.

5.    Form the mixture into 1 inch balls and then roll in chopped the cashews.

Pecan Date Cheese Ball

Pecan Date Cheese Ball

Graham crackers are the perfect cracker to eat with the sweet cheese ball. The balls are lightly sweet and so tasty. It’s a good recipe for the holidays and is sure to please.
Ingredients -
1 Teaspoon Mustard, ground
1 Teaspoon Water
2 Packages Cream Cheese, softened, (8 ounces each)
1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg, ground
2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, (8 ounces)
1 Cup Dates, chopped
1 Cup Pecans, chopped
Crackers

Preparation:
1.    Dissolve the mustard in water in a small bowl.

2.    Let it stand for 10 minutes.

3.    Beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl until it is smooth.

4.    Add the nutmeg and mustard to the mixture.

5.    Stir in the dates and cheese.

6.    Chill it for 15 minutes.

7.    Shape it into a ball roll it in the chopped pecans.

8.    Chill.

9.    Serve it with crackers and refrigerate the leftovers.

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

The wonderful flavors of the tomatoes and the texture combination of soft and delicious fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese make this salad a keeper and a favorite of most.
Ingredients -
Beefsteak Tomatoes
Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese
Basil, chopped coarsely
Sea Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Red Wine

Preparation:
1.    Slice the tomatoes into thick slices.

2.    Salt and pepper to taste.

3.    Slice the mozzarella cheese also in similarly thick slices.

4.    Arrange the tomatoes and cheese on a platter, alternating and overlapping slightly.

5.    Sprinkle over all with oil, then vinegar and chopped basil.

6.    Let mature at room temperature for a few minutes to an hour before eating as an appetizer.

Pita Chips

Pita Chips

These little baked pita chips go fantastically with and spread or dip.

Ingredients -
12 Pita Bread Pockets
1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Basil
1 Teaspoon Dried Chervil

Preparation:
1.    Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2.    Cut each piece of pita bread into 8 triangles.

3.    Place the triangles on a lined cookie sheet.

4.    Combine the oil, pepper, salt, basil and chervil in a small bowl.

5.    Brush each triangle with the oil mixture.

6.    Bake in a preheated oven for about 7 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy.

Image Credits
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Baba_ganoush_and_pita.jpg

Salsa Strips

Salsa Strips

These are fun little finger foods. The combination of the crescent rolls , salsa and mozzarella make for a delicious appetizer that you’ll want to make over and over.
Ingredients -
8 Ounces Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
3/4 Cup Salsa
1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (4 oz.)
Fresh Cilantro, minced

Preparation:
1.    Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 4 rectangles.

2.    Place on greased baking sheets.

3.    Spread mustard and salsa on each rectangle.

4.    Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

5.    Sprinkle with mozzarella and bake until golden brown.

6.    Cool for 10 minutes.

7.    Cut each into 4 strips and sprinkle with cilantro.

Bruschetta Romana Recipe

Bruschetta Romana

This recipe is amazing. The roasted peppers, garlic, parsley coupled with delicious parmesan is wonderful. It’s a great recipe as an appetizer or you can take it to a party. Just put the bruschetta on at the last moment.

Ingredients -
1 Jar Roasted Red Bell Peppers, drained and cut into 1/2 inch strips (7 ounces)
2 Medium Cloves of Garlic, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, shredded
1 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 Teaspoons Sea Salt
1/4 Teaspoons Fresh Ground Black Pepper
12 Baguette Slices, each 1/2 inch thick

Preparation:
1.    Heat the oven to 450 degrees.

2.    Except the baguette, mix all the ingredients.

3.    Place the baguette slices on an ungreased cookie sheet.

4.    Spoon the bell pepper mixture onto the bread slices.

5.    Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

More Inspiration

 

imge credits:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruschetta

Savory Spinach Balls

Savory Spinach Balls Recipe

This is the perfect appetizer because you can make it ahead of time and freeze it. Then you just take them out of the freezer and bake as instructed.

Ingredients -
2 Packages Frozen Spinach, chopped , cooked and drained
1 Large Yellow Onion, chopped fine
4 Eggs, beaten
3/4 Cup Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
2 Cups Stuffing Mix

Preparation:
1.    Mix the spinach, eggs, butter, salt, garlic salt, thyme, Parmesan cheese and stuffing in a large bowl.

2.    Chill 1/2 hour.

3.    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

4.    Grease cookie sheets with shortening or line with parchment paper.

5.    Roll the spinach mixture into small balls.

6.    Bake 15 minutes.

Image Credits
http://savorynotebook.blogspot.de/2005/09/spinach-balls.html

Bite Size Taco Turnovers

Bite Size Taco Turnovers

This is a really nice take on a taco. The ground beef, chili powder, taco sauce and pizza dough are delicious, cute and easy to eat.

Ingredients -
1/2 Pound Ground Beef
1/4 Cup Taco Sauce
2 Teaspoons Chili Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 10-Ounce Package Refrigerated Pizza Dough
1/4 Cup Shredded American Cheese
1 Egg
1 Teaspoon Water

Preparation:
1.    In a small skillet cook the ground beef until brown.

2.    Drain off the fat.

3.    Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, and onion powder and taco sauce.

4.    Set aside.

5.    Unroll the pizza dough.

6.    Roll the dough into a 14x10-1/2-inch rectangle.

7.    Cut it into twelve 3-1/2-inch squares.

8.    Divide the filling among the dough squares.

9.    Sprinkle it with the American cheese.

10.    Brush the edges with water.

11.    Lift one corner of each square and stretch the dough out to the opposite corner, making a triangle.

12.    Press the edges well with a fork to seal.

13.    Arrange them on a greased baking sheet.

14.    Poke them with a fork.

15.    Combine the egg and the teaspoon water.

16.    Brush on the turnovers.

17.    Bake the turnovers in a 425 degree oven until golden.

18.    Let them stand for 5 minutes before serving.

 

Image Credits

http://hungrysormuijai.blogspot.de/2010_03_01_archive.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagel_Bites

Sweet And Oh So Spicy Kielbasa

Sweet And Oh So Spicy Kielbasa

This fantastic recipe is versatile. It can be prepared on the stove top or you can throw them into a slow cooker in the morning and have them ready when your guests arrive.

Ingredients -
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
2 Packages Kielbasa Sausage, (16 ounce),cut into 1 inch pieces
1 Bottle Barbeque Sauce, (16 ounce)
1/4 Cup Grape Jelly
1 Can Pineapple Chunks, (15 ounce), drained
1 Jar Maraschino Cherries, (4 ounce)
1 Tablespoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
2 Dashes Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce

Preparation:
1.    In a large skillet over medium-heat, heat the oil.

2.    Cook the sausage in the hot oil until browned.

3.    Add the grape jelly, cherries, pineapple, barbecue sauce, red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper and stir.

4.    Simmer for 20 minutes.

More inspiration

Image Credits
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sweet-and-oh-so-spicy-kielbasa/
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sweet-n-sour-kielbasa/

Ultimate Guacamole Recipe

Ultimate Guacamole

Everybody loves a good guacamole and this recipe is true to its name. It’s the ultimate guacamole and is packed full of flavor. Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water and you dissolve the sugar in the water over a low heat.

Ingredients -
3 Large Ripened Haas Avocados (seeds removed, diced)
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Sweet and Sour Mix (recipe follows)
Juice of 1/2 Lime
2 Tablespoon Tomato (finely minced)
2 Teaspoon White Onion (finely minced)
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic (finely minced)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Cilantro
1/4 Teaspoon Jalapeno Pepper (very finely minced)
Dash Ground Cumin
Dash Ground Red Cayenne Pepper
3/4 Teaspoon Salt
3/4 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon White Pepper
Several Dashes of Hot Sauce

Preparation:
1.    Stir together the avocado, olive oil, sweet and sour mix, lime, tomato, onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, cumin, cayenne, salt, peppers, and hot sauce in a medium bowl.

2.    Take a fork and mash the avocados once you have mixed everything together.

3.    Make sure it is well blended.

4.    Season the mixture to taste with the salt, peppers and hot sauce.

5.    Put the guacamole into another bowl and cover.

6.    Serve with a sprinkle of paprika.

Sweet and Sour Mix
1.    Add 3/4 teaspoon fresh squeezed Lime Juice with 3/4 teaspoon Simple Syrup

2.    Add 3/4 teaspoon fresh squeezed Orange Juice and 3/4 teaspoon fresh squeezed Lemon Juice

More Inspiration:

 

 

Image Credits

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:El_tango_guacamole.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Guacamole_y_nachos.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Guacamole.jpg

 

Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

This recipe does take some time to make but it is well worth the effort. The combination of brown sugar and bacon is out of this world. It is easier to wrap the wieners with cold bacon.

Ingredients -
1 Pound Sliced Bacon, cut into thirds
1 Package Beef Cocktail Wieners, (14 ounce)
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar, or to taste

Preparation:
1.    Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

2.    Refrigerate 2/3 of the bacon until needed.

3.    Wrap each cocktail wiener with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

4.    Place on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle brown sugar generously over all.

5.    Bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until the sugar is bubbly.

6.    To serve, place the wieners in a slow cooker and keep on the low setting.

More Inspiration:

 

 

Image Credits:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_smoked_foods

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:D%C3%A1tiles_con_bacon_-_detalle.jpg

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmcar/2991157216/

 

Asian Tofu Cups

Asian Tofu Cups

This recipe is so flavorful and delicious. They are so cute to take to parties. One extra bonus is that they are very appealing to they eyes.

Ingredients -
36 Wonton Wrappers
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
2 Teaspoons Sesame Oil
2 Teaspoons Gingerroot, chopped
1/2 Teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
12 Ounces Package Firm Tofu, drained and diced
1/2 Cup Red Pepper, diced
3 Scallions, sliced

Preparation:
1.    Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

2.    Press the wonton wrappers into three 12 cup mini muffin pans.

3.    Coat the wrappers with cooking spray.

4.    Bake them until they are crisp.

5.    Remove from pans and cool on rack.

6.    In a bowl, whisk together the gingerroot, oil, red pepper flakes, vinegar and soy sauce.

7.    Combine the tofu, red pepper and scallions in a separate bowl.

8.    Drizzle with the soy sauce mixture and toss to combine.

9.    Divide among the wonton cups.

 Gruyere Cheese

Gruyere cheese is made from cow’s milk. Gruyere has a rich, sweet, nutty flavor, and is readily available in suoermarkets and specialty cheese shops.

Pinto Beans

Pinto beasn are reddish brown in color and are commonly found in chili and refried beans. Pink beans are a suitable substitute pinto beans are unavailable.

Wrapped Brie Recipe

Wrapped Brie

This is the most simple brie appetizer you could possibly make yet you wouldn’t know by its flavor and texture. Great for taking to parties because you can do all the setup when you get there without any mess.

Ingredients -
1 Large Can Crescent Rolls
1 Package Brie Cheese, (4 to 6 ounce)
1 Egg

Preparation:
1.    Wrap the crescent roll dough pinched together around the brie cheese.

2.    Brush it with the egg.

3.    Bake at 375 degrees F for 11 minutes.

4.    Serve and enjoy.

Recipe Idea

If you want to take this recipe to an elegant level, instead of using crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry. Thaw the puff pastry, and then un-fold and wrap around the brie. Turn the oven to 350 and cook for 11 to 15 minutes so that the cheese softens.

Serving Suggestions

Two great sauces to serve with this are pesto sauce and bruschetta. Make up a bowl of each and place by the plate of brie cheese. I guarantee this will be the first appetizer to go!

Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients -
1 Egg
1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
2/3 Cup Beer, good quality
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
2 Cups Coconut, flaked
24 Shrimp
3 Cups Oil for Frying

Preparation:
1.    Combine the beer, baking powder, egg and 1/2 cup flour in medium bowl.

2.    Place 1/4 cup flour and coconut in two separate bowls.

3.    Hold the shrimp by the tail, and dredge in the flour, shaking off all of the excess flour.

4.    Dip in egg/beer batter.

5.    Allow excess to drip off.

6.    Roll the shrimp in coconut.

7.    Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

8.    Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

9.    Meanwhile, heat oil to 350 degrees in a deep-fryer.

10.    Fry the shrimp in batches: cook, turning once, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown.

11.    Using tongs, remove shrimp to paper towels to drain. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.