Appetizers recipes

A chilled Hungarian-style cherry soup made with Bing cherries, claret wine, cinnamon, and lemon, thickened with egg yolk. Served cold as an elegant starter or light meal.

Tender veal pieces browned with garlic, then braised with lemon zest, sage, and a touch of cayenne before finishing in a silky cream sauce. A refined one-hour dinner for four.

A zesty curry-lime dip with Dijon mustard, garlic, and a kick of cayenne. Whips up in 10 minutes and pairs with veggies, chips, or grilled chicken.

Quick microwave chili con queso dip with sharp cheddar cheese spread, fresh tomato, and green chiles. A Tex-Mex chip dip ready in under 10 minutes.

Wild and brown rice pilaf with a full pound of fresh mushrooms, thyme, parsley, and optional pecans, simmered in chicken broth. A nutty, earthy side dish for holiday tables.

Middle Eastern-style beef kabobs with rice, mint, allspice, and cinnamon on skewers with zucchini and red pepper. Broiled with a lemon-mint oil baste.

Pomodori secchi imbottiti: sun-dried tomato "sandwiches" drizzled with garlic and red pepper-infused olive oil. A simple Italian antipasto with intense flavor.

Eggplant relish with baked eggplant, hard-boiled egg, green pepper, and onion ground together with vinegar and garlic. A cold Eastern European-style spread for bread and crackers.

Orange spirited carrots cooked in the microwave with vodka, butter, orange zest, and a touch of sugar. A quick glazed carrot side dish ready in 20 minutes.

Tomato kachumber with fresh mint, ginger, lime juice, and popped black mustard seeds. A tangy Indian tomato salad that adds bright, cool contrast to any curry or dal.

Cheese hoosies are crispy slice-and-bake cheese crackers made with sharp American cheese, butter, flour, and a dash of cayenne. Dusted with sugar for a sweet-savory bite.

Simple lettuce salad dressed in a homemade vinaigrette of olive oil, white vinegar, garlic, basil, and scallions. A fresh, classic side salad with no-fuss dressing.

Italian roast onions (cipolle arrositite) baked whole in their skins with olive oil until soft and golden. Three ingredients, hands-off, and versatile as a side or antipasto.

Microwave Parmesan croutons made from whole wheat bread dried in the microwave, drizzled with melted butter, and topped with grated Parmesan. Ready in under 7 minutes.

Deep-fried red bean paste cakes wrapped in egg roll skins and fried twice for a crispy, golden shell around sweet, smooth filling. Just three ingredients for a classic Asian dessert or snack.

Baked falafel patties with chickpeas, tahini, parsley, cumin, and garlic. Oven-baked until golden and crusty, with a fry option for reheating. A lighter take on falafel.