Appetizers recipes

Roasted habanero salsa with 10 grilled habaneros, oven-roasted Roma tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro. Extremely hot, keeps in the fridge for weeks.

Yellow Hell is a Caribbean mango marinade with scotch bonnet pepper, dark rum, coconut milk, ginger, and lime. Fruity, fiery, and built for grilled chicken, pork, or seafood.

Shrimp, chicken, water chestnuts, and Chinese ham wrapped in pork caul fat, deep-fried into crispy golden rolls, and served with hoisin dipping sauce. An impressive Chinese banquet appetizer with showstopping presentation.

Microwave scalloped oysters: a holiday-table classic shortcut with shucked oysters, breadcrumbs, celery, and a splash of cream baked together in a covered casserole. Ready in 20 minutes, no oven required.

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.

Oven-roasted chili peanuts with cumin, dried red chilies, and chili powder. Raw peanuts baked twice until golden and coated in smoky, spicy seasoning.

Sweet and sour pork with vinegar-simmered pork shoulder, pineapple, peppers, and onions in a glossy honey-soy sauce. Restaurant takeout, recreated at home with tender meat.

Port-soaked dried figs stuffed with ricotta cheese and topped with a whole almond. An elegant make-ahead appetizer or dessert bite that needs overnight chilling.

Scallops and mussels with Dijon mustard vinaigrette, served over al dente asparagus on a bed of Boston lettuce. Lemon-marinated bay scallops and steamed mussels in a herb-rich dressing.

Marinated mixed Italian olives cracked and soaked with bell peppers, celery, garlic, oregano, and vinegar. Cured at room temperature for two days for bold, giardiniera-style flavor.

Retro shrimp mousse dip with cream cheese, tomato soup, mayonnaise, and chopped shrimp set with gelatin into a firm, scoopable spread. A make-ahead party appetizer that's been stealing the show at potlucks for decades.

Moroccan cucumber salad tosses grated cucumber with olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and za'atar, then garnishes with cured black olives. Bright, refreshing North African side ready in minutes.

Sweet and sour meatballs in pineapple-soy glaze with green pepper, served as a party appetizer or weeknight main over rice. Classic American-Chinese retro plate.

Sautéed chicken livers with onions and mushrooms in garlicky butter, dredged in pancake flour for a crisp crust. An old-school appetizer or budget dinner over rice pilaf.

Pepperoni onion quiche with slow-cooked Vidalia onions, Swiss cheese, and a creamy egg custard made with half-and-half and yogurt in a pre-baked pastry shell.

Moroccan eggplant salad with fried eggplant, garlic, cumin, and red pepper dressed in olive oil and lemon juice. A warm-spiced appetizer served at room temperature.