Appetizer recipe collection

A layered vegetable terrine with golden carrot-cauliflower and earthy spinach-mushroom layers baked in a water bath, chilled, and sliced for an elegant appetizer.

A great summer relish to serve with chips or as a topping for hamburgers off the grill.

Creamy braunschweiger spread shaped into a ball and frosted with cream cheese. Tangy sweet pickles and onion cut through the rich liverwurst. A retro Midwestern appetizer that belongs on every party table.

Buttery, sharp cheddar crackers studded with crunchy pecans and a sneaky kick of red pepper. This slice-and-bake appetizer chills overnight and bakes in minutes. Guaranteed to crack any snack craving wide open.

Smooth and creamy chicken pâté blended with Neufchâtel cheese, dry sherry, and a hint of nutmeg. No cooking required. Just blend, chill overnight, and serve with crackers.

Traditional chickpea hummus made from dried beans soaked overnight, cooked until tender, then blended with tahini, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Makes a large batch for freezing.

This recipe is very tasty with an interesting texture. Unless you're a fan of hard work, use a food processor. The pate was originally pounded to the proper consistency in a mortar and pestle... It can be used all sorts of ways - made into balls for soup, sliced after cooking and added to lettuce or rice paper rolls, served with shrimp chips for munchies - whatever inspires you. The cinnamon flavor is discernible but not overpowering. I've actually made this recipe and found it to be a keeper.

Savory bite-sized biscuits stuffed with sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and ham, then topped with herb cream cheese. The buttery dough chills overnight for flaky layers. Makes 2 dozen party-ready appetizers.

Chilled sweet and sour cabbage-tomato soup pureed smooth with honey and lemon, finished with orange juice and tofu balls. A vegetarian cold soup that balances tangy, sweet, and savory.

Note: In lieu of fresh trout, 1/2 lb cooked and flaked fish may be used. Make smaller protions and serve as an appetizer. Oatcakes that have been gently warmed in the oven go well with this dish.

Fruited cheese log of Monterey Jack and cream cheese blended with dried apricots, dates, raisins, and sherry, rolled in walnuts. The holiday appetizer plate centerpiece.

Gloria's black bean soup simmers dried beans low and slow, then gets stirred thick with a blended sofrito of peppers, onion, garlic, cumin, and oregano. A rich, Cuban-style puréed bean soup.

Polish hunters stew (bigos) with sauerkraut, kielbasa, bacon, dried mushrooms, apples, and tomatoes. Simmered low and slow, best reheated the next day.

Molded crab dip with cream cheese, cream of celery soup, scallions, and gelatin for a sliceable appetizer. Vintage party fare made for crackers.

Duck liver mousse with port and cognac, set in a flavored aspic jelly base. A classic French masterchef pate, sliced and served on toasts as a refined first course.

Neua daet diao, Thai sun-dried fried beef marinated in fish sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, coriander root, and a splash of whiskey. Crisp jerky-like edges with chewy centers, served with sweet chili sauce.