Appetizer recipe collection

Grilled pepper salad tosses charred multi-colored bell peppers with oil-cured black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette. A smoky vegetarian side for grill night.

Guacamole with serrano heat, white onion, and a surprise hit of pureed zucchini for body. Mexican-style avocado dip finished with tomato, green onion, and cilantro garnish.

Classic hummus made the simple Levantine way: chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic blended smooth, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of parsley.

A honey mustard sauce for dipping homemade chicken fingers or chicken nuggets.

Microwave honey roasted nuts with cinnamon, orange zest, and a sticky honey glaze. Five ingredients, 15 minutes, and no oven needed for a crunchy homemade snack or gift.

Hot crab meat canapes on crackers with lemon-cayenne mayo, warmed in the microwave until bubbly. A quick, elegant appetizer ready in 15 minutes.

Roquefort canapes with cream cheese, walnuts, and a hit of Worcestershire, melted on crackers in the microwave. Ready in 10 minutes flat for easy entertaining.

Homemade hummus with tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and cumin blended until silky smooth. A big-batch recipe that's vegan, no-cook, and ready in 10 minutes.

Classic homemade hummus with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and scallions, blended thick and creamy. Vegan Middle Eastern dip ready in 15 minutes.

Roasted eggplant and pepper salad with celery, garlic, black olives, red wine vinegar, and oregano. A make-ahead Italian antipasto served at room temperature.

Italian-style zucchini with butter, olive oil, basil, oregano, and parsley. A quick microwave side dish that keeps the zucchini crisp-tender in 20 minutes.

This is truly an authentic Mexican recipe as her husband was from Mexico.

An easy lamb canape: crisp celery-seed toast strips spread with a quick cooked-lamb-and-mayonnaise mixture and topped with pimiento. A smart, retro party bite for using up leftover roast lamb.

Layered Mexican dip with refried beans, mashed avocado, taco-seasoned sour cream and yogurt, cheddar, and fresh tomatoes. No-cook party appetizer ready in 10 minutes.

Lemon Pasta Salad with Peppercorn-Coconut Glaze recipe

Lemon popcorn tossed with melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stovetop popped in corn oil for a tangy, buttery snack that's ready in 20 minutes.