There are many variations of this favorite party appetizer, but this version is simple and easy to make ahead. One recipe makes enough for a large crowd. INGREDIENTS: Cream Cheese layer: 1 lb. cream cheese, room temperature 1 lb. unsalted butter, room temperature Pesto Filling: 2 1/2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves 5 ounces...Read More

This sauce is used as a dip for grilled onions, to top fish or meat, and is great on sandwiches. INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup olive oil 1 slice “white” bread (French, ciabatta, francese) 1” thick, approx 1 ounce 1/2 cup roasted almonds, broken up with the bottom of a pan 2 medium cloves garlic, minced 2...Read More

Serve this delicious Mediterranean feta spread on a platter with pita crackers or flatbread, marinated Greek olives, marinated mushrooms, pickled peppers, or marinated artichoke hearts. INGREDIENTS: 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano...Read More

This is a large-batch hummus recipe — on purpose! I like to divide the hummus into several portions and stir in additional ingredients for variations, such as chopped roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or chopped Kalamata olives. Hummus also makes a great filling for a vegetarian sandwich layered with sprouts, cucumber, and tomato.    INGREDIENTS: 3-4...Read More

This is a twist on Insalata Caprese, the ubiquitous tomato, mozzarella, and basil “salad” that often features as a starter when tomatoes are in season. This version, however, is more of dessert-meets-the-cheese-course. The basil syrup called for in the recipe was developed originally for making grown-up sodas. INGREDIENTS: 1 pint strawberries, tops removed and cut...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 6 large artichokes, trimmed to the pale tender leaves, some stem left on if edible 1 cup loose mint leaves, chopped 2 tablespoon mint leaves, sliced into fine chiffonade* 3 cloves of garlic-thinly sliced 2 lemons, sliced (optional) plus 1 lemon cut in half for rubbing the cut surfaces Salt and fresh ground pepper...Read More

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia – Poke (English pronunciation: /poʊˈkeɪ/) is a raw fish salad served as an appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine. Pokē is the Hawaiian verb for “section” or “to slice or cut.” INGREDIENTS: 1 pound fresh sashimi-grade Yellowfin (Ahi) Tuna, cut into small cubes 1/2 cup toasted sesame oil 1/4 cup soy sauce...Read More

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and crispy edges add a toothsome quality that makes them extra-delicious with a garlicky aoili. INGREDIENTS: Aioli: 1 cup mayonnaise, such as Best Foods 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano 2 garlic cloves, pressed 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon...Read More

An elegant looking appetizer with lots of bright flavors, perfect with a glass of something bubbly or a dry white wine. INGREDIENTS: 8-12 paper-thin slices prosciutto (enough to cover a 12-14 inch platter) 1/4 pound wedge Pecorino-Romano cheese 1 pound purple asparagus, fattest spears, trimmed and peeled 1 Meyer lemon, cut in half Extra virgin...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 pounds button mushrooms 1-2 cups balsamic vinaigrette (recipe follows) METHOD: Clean the mushrooms. Do this by wiping them down with a clean towel or using paper towels. If you must, lightly rinse them with cold water and dry them with paper towels. Prepare the mushrooms for cooking. Decide on what you will...Read More