Appetizer recipe collection

Asparagus spears wrapped in bologna with a Dijon mustard and mayo spread, microwaved until hot. A quick diabetic-friendly appetizer ready in 12 minutes with just 4 ingredients.

A smooth, tangy avocado cream blended from ripe avocado, lime, and creme fraiche. A pourable five-minute crema to dollop over grilled meat, spoon into wraps, or drizzle on tacos.

Avocado Torey is a quick no-cook avocado appetizer with scooped avocado balls on romaine, drizzled with a garlic-oregano vinaigrette of olive oil, red wine, and vinegar.

Microwave baked sweet potatoes deliver tender, fluffy potatoes in minutes. Scrub, pierce, arrange in a circle with space between them, and microwave to perfection. Quickest healthy side dish without firing up the oven.

Classic Italian balsamic bruschetta with ripe Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and Parmesan on toasted French bread. Essential summer appetizer for tomato season.

Vegetarian bean pate purees a 7-bean and barley mix with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin into a thick Mediterranean-style spread. Serve chilled with whole wheat bread or crackers.

Beau's notes: * There are no "jalapeno beans;" there are jalapeno peppers and pinto beans. I have two recipes, both of which are quite tref, but a Catholic should worry? But if you are hosting a Jewish person, smoked turkey will substitute most agreeably for the chazer called for in either recipe.]

Homemade beef jerky from flank or top round, marinated in soy sauce and slow-dried in a low oven or smoker. Lean, chewy, and savory snack made simple in your own kitchen.

Moroccan beet salad with boiled beets dressed in lemon, olive oil, cinnamon, sugar, and parsley. Two versions: classic and a spiced variation with orange flower water, cumin, and paprika. Bright cold appetizer.

Bell pepper rajas broiled with melted Monterey Jack cheese, black olives, and red pepper flakes. A colorful Mexican appetizer ready in 15 minutes flat.

Bite-size pepperoni pizza bites made on English muffins with pizza sauce, green pepper, and melted mozzarella. Microwaved in 1 minute for a 5-minute snack.

Chunky black bean dip with carrot, celery, garlic, and warm spices folded into sour cream. Half-mashed beans give body while whole beans add bite. No-cook party dip ready in 15 minutes.

Cold microwave borscht with grated beets, lemon juice, and a chilled overnight rest. A streamlined Eastern European soup ready in 12 minutes of cook time, finished with cold sour cream.

Vibrant beet dip pureed with soft tofu, apple cider vinegar, shallots, and herbs. A creamy vegan appetizer with stunning magenta color and earthy flavor, ready in 10 minutes.

Two-ingredient caramel fondue made from melted caramel candy squares and water. Serve warm with apple chunks, marshmallows, and fruit for dipping, then roll in chopped nuts.

Caviar kisses with salmon caviar on cucumber rounds topped with dill sour cream, served with buttered heart-shaped toast points. An elegant two-bite appetizer for special occasions.