Appetizer Recipes

Whole cold glazed salmon baked in wine with fresh herbs, chilled overnight and finished with fish aspic and turnip flower decorations. A stunning centerpiece for buffets and celebrations.

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.

Sicilian-style caponata with tender eggplant, olives, capers, and tomatoes in a tangy vinegar sauce. Make it ahead and serve cold as a rustic Italian appetizer.

Roman-style concia: zucchini slices fried golden in olive oil, then layered with garlic, basil, and vinegar. An old-world Italian appetizer that improves as it sits.

Mushroom caviar appetizer with finely chopped mushrooms, onion, lemon juice, sour cream, and chives. Chilled and served on crackers or with sliced tomatoes.

A fun, interactive Chinese-style hot pot where guests cook shrimp, chicken, beef, and fresh vegetables in simmering broth right at the table. Dinner and entertainment in one pot.

This recipe uses ready-made taco shells, but soft tortillas are good too.

Caribbean-style baked crab in shells with curry powder, scallions, chili peppers, coriander, and breadcrumbs. A spicy, fragrant seafood appetizer for eight.

Cream of Jerusalem artichoke soup blended silky smooth with rosemary, garlic, and soy sauce. Dairy-free and naturally creamy from the sunchokes themselves.

Tender sweetbreads poached in milk, cubed, and served in a classic béchamel sauce. A refined old-world appetizer for adventurous cooks who appreciate offal done right.

Creamy cheese fondue made with American cheese, cream cheese with chives, and dry white wine. Smooth, rich, and ready for dipping with bread sticks or crusty French bread.

Crisp-fried pasta nibbles boiled until almost tender, then deep fried until golden and crunchy. Sprinkled with garlic salt for an addictive party snack.

Cucumbers in yogurt with fresh basil, mint, scallion, and garlic. Cool Mediterranean-style cucumber salad or dip for grilled meats and warm flatbreads.

Curried beef meatballs with almonds and water chestnuts, fried crisp and served in a sweet-and-sour pineapple curry sauce. A crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties.

Baked vegetarian samosas with a homemade whole wheat crust and a curried spinach, carrot, and scallion filling glazed with tamari. No deep frying needed. Equally good served hot from the oven or cold for lunch.

Curried yogurt dip with honey, lemon juice, hot sauce, and black pepper. A creamy, Indian-inspired party dip for vegetables and pita, ready in 10 minutes.