Category: Appetizers
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Green Plantains (Tostones) with Garlic Mojo Dipping Sauce
Growing up, my best friend was Cuban. We were inseparable and needless to say, we spent a lot of time with each other’s families. I always laugh when I remember going over to her house on the weekends, and her grandmother (abuelita as we lovingly called her) would always answer the door. Her greeting…
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Herbed Focaccia with Oven Dried Tomatoes
Today I was craving something salty and doughy…I thought about making some pizza but didn’t have any mozzarella on hand, so I decided that the next best thing was to make some focaccia. Many years ago I had stopped by a place in Baltimore, Maryland called Stonemill Bakery, and they were known for making…
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Flaky and Meaty Empanadas
So it’s Cinco de Mayo and your making the traditional tacos, guacamole, salsa, maybe some nachos or those irresistible cheesy tostadas that leave you licking your fingers and smacking your gums. And if you are washing all of it down with a few beers or margaritas, life is good. Well, did you ever consider making empanadas?…
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HUSH! Puppies
Did you know that the legend of how these golden battered beauties came about started way back in the Wild, Wild West? Apparently, cowboys who used dogs to help herd their cattle across the range would fry up leftover corn batter and would use them as treats for their dogs to keep them quiet at…
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Bacon Cheddar Scones
I’m an early riser and I have always loved the peacefulness of the morning. During the Summer, I mostly enjoy a bowl of mixed fruit and yogurt for breakfast, something just enough to get me going but not anything that will weigh me down as the heat begins to peak through the veil of the…
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Mediterranean Style Chicken Wings
Over the Holidays I catch up with friends and family who I don’t always have a chance to see on a regular basis because of my busy schedule. On the days when I know we will be seeing a lot of people throughout the course of the day, I like to serve a variety of…
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Turkey Stuffed Mushroom Caps
The Holiday Season is such a busy time for everyone, and every year it is always the same…we find ourselves in a last minute mad dash to the finish line. Between the few remaining house cleaning chores, the last bit of decorating still to be done and the gifts that have still not made it under the tree, we…
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Hot Rod Chicken Wings
I was a vegetarian for many years, but there were a few things that I would find myself drawn to during this non-meat eating time in my life. The two items were chicken wings and bacon…ok, not the most healthy of treats, but if you enjoy them sparingly, there is no harm in indulging. Today…
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Hot Crab & Shrimp Dip
I consider myself a purist when it comes to crabmeat…Maryland crabmeat that is. What I mean by that is that less is truly more. The delicious sweetness and flakiness of this very special meat does not need much to enhance its flavor, so I keep it as simple as I can, even when I make…
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Killer Nachos
Coming from a family where a variety of meze on the table constituted a way of life, it is no surprise that on some days indulging in a variety of appetizers instead of preparing one large meal really feels right. Well, today was one of those days. I was hungry, but after the food induced…
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Lattice Topped Brie en Croute
Who doesn’t love cheese? Unless you are lactose intolerant or restricting your dairy intake for health reasons, most people love cheese. Growing up in a Greek home, we always had at least 3 types of cheese at the table to eat as a meze (appetizer), along with the requisite kalamata olives, freshly sautéed sardines, and…