Appetizer recipe collection

Classic asparagus almondine with a microwave-browned butter and almond sauce finished with tarragon vinegar. Ready in under 5 minutes, served hot or cold over cooked asparagus.

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 and scallop ceviche cures finely chopped scallops in lime juice and green peppercorns, then folds in mashed avocado and chives. Stuffed into raw mushroom caps brushed with garlic-lemon oil for a striking party appetizer.

Protein-packed avocado tofu egg dip blends creamy avocado with tofu, grated hard-cooked eggs, Dijon mustard, and horseradish. A tangy, no-cook dip ready in 15 minutes.

A classic taco salad piling browned ground beef, sharp cheddar, tomato, and crisp lettuce, tossed with Catalina dressing and taco chips. A potluck favorite that comes together in about 15 minutes.

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.]

Beef Cheese Ball: a vintage cream cheese spread blended with horseradish and chipped beef, then rolled in more chipped beef. Cocktail party classic, mixes in 10 minutes.

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.

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.

A quick warm herb butter dip: melted butter stirred with fresh herbs for dunking seafood, bread or steamed vegetables. Five minutes to a simple, savory dipping butter.