Appetizer recipe collection

A spiced, crunchy snack mix baked with flaked grains, peanuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds tossed in garam masala, turmeric, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Keeps for a month in an airtight jar.

Loaded fajita nachos with seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack, tomatoes, olives, and green onions. Broiled until bubbly. Serve as an appetizer or a full meal.

South American empanadas with a lard pastry and two filling options: spiced fruit dessert or savory beef carne in tomato sauce. Bake, fry, or grill.

German-style microwave spareribs on a bed of sauerkraut with chopped apple and caraway seeds, topped with a ketchup-mustard-brown sugar barbecue sauce. Ready in under 45 minutes.

Kobeba samakeyah are Lebanese fish-filled bulgur croquettes seasoned with cumin and cilantro, deep-fried golden, and served with homemade tahini sauce. A Middle Eastern classic.

Microwave scalloped oysters: a holiday-table classic shortcut with shucked oysters, breadcrumbs, celery, and a splash of cream baked together in a covered casserole. Ready in 20 minutes, no oven required.

Modern hardtack made with flour, masa harina, wheat germ, and oats for a more nutritious survival bread. A shelf-stable cracker that keeps indefinitely in airtight containers.

Moong samosa filled with spiced mung beans, asafetida, mustard seeds, and amchur (green mango powder), deep-fried in ghee until golden. A vegetarian Indian snack with bold, tangy flavor.

Savory crepes filled with wine-braised leeks, shiitake mushrooms, and herbs, topped with a rich red wine mushroom sauce. An elegant vegetarian main that impresses.

Onion caviar with black-eyed peas, sweet Vidalia onions, green bell pepper, pimentos, and garlic in Italian dressing. A Southern marinated appetizer or side dish, best made overnight.

Penne pasta salad with kalamata olives, dried currants, toasted pine nuts, and red onion in a curry-cumin parsley vinaigrette. A Mediterranean-meets-Indian make-ahead side.

Paupiettes de bananes: whole bananas wrapped in ham, baked in cream with Parmesan and paprika until golden. A surprising French appetizer ready in 30 minutes.

Peppery mozzarella salad with beefsteak tomatoes, avocado, and shallots in a crushed green peppercorn and lemon dressing. Marinated one hour for bold flavor.

Black olive paste (pure di olive nere) blends pitted Italian or French olives with olive oil, lemon, pepper, and bread crumbs. Italian-style spread for crostini, sandwiches, and pasta. Vegan, keeps for weeks.

Homemade Cracker Jack-style caramel popcorn with peanuts, brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. A crunchy, sweet snack that comes together in just 15 minutes.

Quiche Nicoise is a Provençal savory tart with slow-cooked tomatoes, anchovies, olives, and herbes de Provence baked into an egg custard. Southern French cafe flavors in one slice.