Appetizer recipe collection

A layered vegetable terrine with golden carrot-cauliflower and earthy spinach-mushroom layers baked in a water bath, chilled, and sliced for an elegant appetizer.

Smooth and creamy chicken pâté blended with Neufchâtel cheese, dry sherry, and a hint of nutmeg. No cooking required. Just blend, chill overnight, and serve with crackers.

This recipe is very tasty with an interesting texture. Unless you're a fan of hard work, use a food processor. The pate was originally pounded to the proper consistency in a mortar and pestle... It can be used all sorts of ways - made into balls for soup, sliced after cooking and added to lettuce or rice paper rolls, served with shrimp chips for munchies - whatever inspires you. The cinnamon flavor is discernible but not overpowering. I've actually made this recipe and found it to be a keeper.

Note: In lieu of fresh trout, 1/2 lb cooked and flaked fish may be used. Make smaller protions and serve as an appetizer. Oatcakes that have been gently warmed in the oven go well with this dish.

Neua daet diao, Thai sun-dried fried beef marinated in fish sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, coriander root, and a splash of whiskey. Crisp jerky-like edges with chewy centers, served with sweet chili sauce.

Salsa gruda is a chilled fresh tomato salsa with crushed coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and a splash of red wine vinegar. A no-cook condiment built for grilled chicken or fish.

Turkish-style sauteed eggplant with a garlicky tomato sauce finished with vinegar. Salted and drained for silky, golden slices. Served warm or at room temperature.

A retro Southern appetizer of boiled shrimp suspended in seasoned consommé aspic with lemon, green onion, and a kick of hot sauce. Unmold onto crackers for a showstopping starter.

Party-ready shrimp mold using cream of shrimp soup, cream cheese, and gelatin for 12 servings. Baby shrimp and crab meat suspended in creamy gelatin make a vintage appetizer spread perfect with crackers or sourdough.

Cheddar cheese ball blends sharp cheddar with cream cheese, onion, Worcestershire, and Tabasco, then chills overnight and rolls in chopped nuts. Classic make-ahead party appetizer with crackers.

Cheddar sage and walnut torta: a layered no-bake cheese mold with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, fresh sage, and toasted walnuts. An elegant make-ahead appetizer for the holiday board.

Chickpea salad with tahini made from dried garbanzo beans, lemon, garlic, cumin, and coriander. A from-scratch hummus-style dip that's sieved smooth and chilled overnight for the best flavor.

Fresh citrus and pineapple salsa with orange, jalapeño, cilantro, green onion, and lime zest. A bright, no-cook fruit salsa for grilled fish, chicken, or chips.

Concia is a Roman Jewish dish of fried zucchini layered with garlic, fresh basil, and white wine vinegar. A make-ahead antipasto that improves overnight.

Homemade Boursin-style garlic and herb cheese spread with cream cheese, butter, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, thyme, and marjoram. The classic French appetizer made at home for a fraction of the boutique cheese price.

Imam bayildi, Turkish stuffed eggplant braised in olive oil with a tomato, onion, currant, and allspice filling. Served cold after chilling overnight.