Appetizers and Snacks

Are you getting pumped up for the Superbowl?  I could care less.  I have never been a football fan.   There’s just too much meat involved, in all ways imaginable. This Sunday, I’ll be busy shopping.  Or shaving my legs.  Okay, so neither of those is very likely to happen.  But I will be...
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I have been making my own hummus for awhile and always get compliments on how good it is.  I make it with garbanzos, but this week I decided to add in some cannellini beans.   The result?   A smooth, creamy, heavenly hummus. 1 tbs olive oil plus extra (about 1/2 cup) 2 cloves garlic,...
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I’ve been known to throw collard greens in where you’d least expect them, so this combination should come at no surprise.  Before you say “Yuck” and move on, think about the nutritional benefits of these quesadillas.  A little shredded cheese, the right tortillas, and a hot griddle can turn good-for-you-greens into a cheesy delight. ...
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This weekend I was in the mood for something a little naughty but nice, so I made these deviled eggs.  They are a little different from traditional deviled eggs, with shallots and sun-dried tomatoes.  They were a big hit- the creamy filling melts in your mouth, while the bacon crumbles on top add a...
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It’s beet season, again.  Ugh.  I have no problem with beets, but The Boys won’t eat ‘em.  Unless… I create this yummy, electric pink beet hummus.  It’s not every day that you get to enjoy something this colorful that didn’t come from a candy machine!  Serve with crackers or pita chips. 3 beets, trimmed,...
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Oh, how we love thee, pizza!  Some days, there’s nothing better than ordering pizza for dinner, your favorite combination, with a glass of red wine… But, of course, we are supposed to be making dinner, right?  When I have run out of ideas, I make pizza.  I keep a package of crusts in the...
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Crab meat is so delicious (and nutritious!), and every time I make something with it, Hayden ends up eating big chunks of it right out of the pan.  These quesadillas made me feel like I was in Cabo, sans the margarita.  I’ll have to say, though, my Frontier Red (lot 81) complemented the smokey...
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Don’t be fooled by the creamy white color and texture of this dip- it’s super salty and spicy.  Serve with crackers or unsalted tortilla chips and a cold beer-  this one is for the grown-ups! 2 cups feta chunks 1/2 cup plain yogurt 2 tbs lemon juice 1 small serrano pepper, chopped Using a...
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I was craving a salty snack but feeling lazy, so I bought some jarred olive tapenade form a fancy grocer that will go unnamed. I was soooo disappointed.  It was almost flavorless, and not very salty.  Should have brought out the mini-Cuisinart and made my recipe: 1 tbs olive oil 1 cup chopped onion...
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Being raised in Texas and transplanted to Los Angeles, my husband and I eat a lot of hot sauce.  We always have a bottle of Tapatio in the fridge, but nothing beats fresh salsa.  At our local farmers market, we like to get pupusas (which Hayden loves) and salsa.  The mint in El Salvadoran...
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Fresh, simple ingredients are the key to making perfect guacamole. 3 ripe avocados 1 small tomato, chopped 2-3 tbs finely chopped onion 2 squeezes of lime salt Halve avocados and scoop out flesh with a spoon.  Place in a medium sized bowl.  Add tomato, onion, and lime, and a little salt.  Lightly mash with...
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