Appetizers recipes

Kalamaria Parayemista: Greek stuffed squid filled with cinnamon-spiced rice, tomato, and chopped tentacles, then braised in white wine until tender. A traditional Greek meze.

Scalloped asparagus layered with sharp cheddar cheese sauce and toasted almonds. Microwave method makes this creamy side dish ready in 30 minutes.

Crispy deep-fried bean curd cubes with a spicy peanut dipping sauce made with roasted peanuts, rice vinegar, cilantro, and chile oil. A quick vegetarian appetizer.

Classic French country pate with veal, pork, chicken livers, and duck breast marinated in white wine and baked in a terrine. A two-day charcuterie project worth the wait.

Elegant sorrel frittata with red potatoes and shallots, topped with sour cream and broiled until golden. Lemony sorrel adds a bright, tangy twist to the classic egg dish.

If you have to be addicted to snacks, this is a great one! I was introduced to these while "stranded" in an airport with a woman who came prepared! They're great to munch on anytime, but are really excellent with wine!! Try them!

Salsa Bandera is a fresh Mexican salsa with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, cilantro, and a vinegar-lemon dressing. No cooking required, just chop, mix, and serve with chips.

Crispy baked rice cups filled with creamy guacamole and salsa, a vegetarian Mexican appetizer with edible cheddar-cumin shells. Bite-size party food made in a mini muffin tin.

Spicy chicken tortilla soup where crushed tortilla chips simmer right into the broth, thickening it and lending a toasty corn flavor. Chipotle and cayenne bring the heat, lime and cilantro the bright finish.

Microwave Italian tomato sauce with olive oil, garlic, basil, and oregano, ready in under 10 minutes. No stirring, no stovetop. A quick base sauce for pasta, pizza, or chicken Parmesan.

Quiche Nicoise is a Provençal savory tart with slow-cooked tomatoes, anchovies, olives, and herbes de Provence baked into an egg custard. Southern French cafe flavors in one slice.

Vegetarian brown rice and walnut pate with sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, and herbs baked in a loaf pan. Slice and serve chilled on lettuce for an earthy, satisfying appetizer.

Three-ingredient cheesy salsa dip made with sharp cheddar cheese spread, jarred salsa, and fresh cilantro. Melts in the microwave in 5 minutes for instant game day snacking.

Korean dipping sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. A three-ingredient vegetarian sauce for tofu, dumplings, and Korean dishes, ready in 5 minutes.

Pumpkin and avocado oil soup blends pumpkin, fennel and potato into a silky pureed soup, with buttery avocado oil standing in for butter. A light, velvety vegan starter finished with a drizzle of oil.

Flour-coated chicken livers cooked in butter with white wine, ketchup, and onion using the microwave. A quick 25-minute liver dinner with a tangy wine sauce, served over rice.