Appetizer recipe collection

Fettunta Toscana is Tuscan grilled bread rubbed with raw garlic and topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. The original Italian bruschetta, simple and seasonal.

Fiery salsa: fresh pico de gallo with ten jalapenos, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime, and lemon. Made ahead and chilled overnight for the bold heat to develop fully.

Fresh fig appetizers two ways: prosciutto-wrapped quarters with lime and black pepper, or fig halves filled with pecan cream cheese. No-cook, elegant cocktail bites.

Five-spice tofu simmered in soy sauce, star anise, and molasses for a deeply savory, aromatic Chinese-style appetizer. Make-ahead and keeps in the fridge for a week.

Saganaki: Greek flaming kasseri cheese pan-fried in butter, deglazed with lemon juice and cognac, and lit at the table for an "Opa!" tableside appetizer.

Crispy chicken flautas rolled in flour tortillas and fried golden in two minutes flat, served with homemade guacamole loaded with jalapeno, cilantro, and fresh lime juice.

Florida Keys black bean dip blended with balsamic vinegar, orange juice, red onion, and garlic. No-cook, five ingredients, ready in minutes.

Focaccia Pugliese made with durum flour and mashed potatoes for a soft, chewy crumb. Topped with fresh tomatoes, capers, oregano, and olive oil.

French style herbed cheese spreads softened cream cheese with oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk into a five-minute Boursin-style appetizer for crusty bread or crackers.

Microwave-steamed globe artichokes with a zesty mustard dipping sauce made with brown mustard, Italian dressing mix, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.

Indian-style cilantro mint chutney with green chili, lemon, and yogurt. Bright, herbal 10-minute dipping sauce for samosas, pakoras, and grilled meats.

Deep-fried corn and sausage fritters with beaten egg whites for an extra-light, puffy texture. Fresh corn kernels and crumbled sausage in a paprika-spiced batter.

Fresh pear halves filled with Roquefort cream blended with white wine and cayenne. An elegant no-cook appetizer or cheese course ready in 15 minutes.

Fresh microwave spinach in 5 minutes flat with no oil, no fuss, just clean leaves and steam. The fastest way to a tender, nutrient-packed side that actually keeps its bright green color.

Fresh zucchini salad with Parmesan layers grilled zucchini ribbons with bright lemon dressing, blanched lemon peel, toasted almonds, and shaved Parmigiano. A simple summer side that turns garden squash into a star.

Thai fried tofu triangles with a sweet-sour peanut dipping sauce made from vinegar, sugar, chili powder, and ground roasted peanuts. A crispy vegetarian appetizer.