Appetizer recipe collection

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.

Velvety curried cream soup with coconut milk, chicken broth, and a swirl of cream. This French-Indian fusion starter comes together in just 25 minutes.

Crispy baked Creole chicken wings rubbed with garlic, paprika, cayenne, and thyme, served with a sweet-tangy peach mustard dipping sauce. Game day gold.

Hearty Creole gumbo pot loaded with shrimp, eggplant, okra, corn, and rice in a smoky paprika-tomato broth. One pot, one hour, six happy bowls.

Slow-simmered Creole lentil soup with bell peppers, celery, onion, tomato paste, and a touch of brown sugar. Hearty, plant-based, and full of bayou soul.

Rich, velvety chicken liver pate with a warm curry kick, blended smooth with hard-boiled eggs and sealed under a golden layer of melted butter. A stunning make-ahead appetizer that's ready in minutes and improves overnight.

A baked vegetarian pate made from pureed lentils spiced with curry, turmeric, cumin, and chili, bound with eggs and baked in a terrine. Earthy, warm, and spreadable. Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead entertaining.

Knead berbere spice into stiff dough, roll into thin strips, cut into bite-sized pieces, and bake until crunchy for these addictive Ethiopian snack bites.

Savory no-bake Danish blue cheese pie on a pumpernickel crumb crust, topped with fresh green grapes. A bold, tangy appetizer that doubles as an elegant cheese course.

Moong dal pounded into a paste with red curry and kaffir lime, shaped into walnut-sized balls and fried golden. Served with a sweet rice vinegar dipping sauce. A traditional Thai snack.

Loaded fajita nachos with seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack, tomatoes, olives, and green onions. Broiled until bubbly. Serve as an appetizer or a full meal.

Rock lobster or lump crab in a buttery cream sauce spiked with mustard, sherry, and hot sauce, finished with Parmesan and served in flaky pastry shells.

Try this new variation of dumplings made with ground beef, spinach and water chestnuts.

A bold, no-cook layered Mexican dip stacked with bean dip, taco-spiced sour cream, two kinds of cheese, diced tomatoes, green chiles, scallions, and olives. Grab the tortilla chips and dig into this party-ready crowd pleaser in 10 minutes.

A three-ingredient cocktail party dip blending Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and Drambuie Scotch liqueur. Whisked together in minutes, it's a sophisticated match for chilled shrimp and crudités.

Traditional Greek dolmas stuffed with rice, pine nuts, fresh herbs, cinnamon, and allspice, simmered in olive oil and lemon juice. This recipe makes about 50 stuffed grape leaves served at room temperature.