Appetizer recipe collection

Delicious! And simple to make in a large batch for appetizers. As made in Thrace, the soft-dough may be spread into a sheet and cut in squares before baking, or each shaped individually into daintly "bastounakia" (little canes or sticks). The word "trifti" identifies the texture - crisp and crumbly in the mouth.

Veal chops Italienne: seared veal chops finished in a quick microwave tomato, oregano, and red wine sauce with a parmesan crust. Italian-style weeknight veal in under 30 minutes.

Microwave veal roast rubbed with garlic and pepper, cooked on an inverted saucer to stay out of the drippings. Simple technique with timing charts for rare, medium, and well-done.

Homemade vegetable broth mix with celery salt, garlic powder, savory, thyme, marjoram, and turmeric. A pantry staple that replaces store-bought bouillon cubes.

Vietnamese vegetable platter arranges fresh lettuce, cilantro, mint, basil, cucumber, scallions, and bean sprouts alongside rice rolls or grilled meats. The essential wrap-and-dip accompaniment.

Watercress and leek soup sweats leeks and watercress in margarine for 15 minutes, simmers in stock, then blends smooth. A peppery, vibrant green soup in 30 minutes.

Wild rice and mushroom soup simmered in vegetable stock with red wine, bell pepper, and parsley. A vegan, broth-based soup with earthy depth and chewy wild rice in every spoonful.

Wine fruit cup with sliced plums, nectarines, and golden raisins soaked in a spiced white wine syrup infused with anise, cinnamon, and lemon. A chilled starter that doubles as a light summer dessert.

Yum Hoi Mang-Pu, a Thai mussel salad tossed with lemongrass, shallots, fresh mint, fiery bird's-eye chilies, lime juice, and fish sauce. Crisp, fiery, and sour, served over lettuce as a starter.