Appetizers recipes

Chinese shrimp balls (pai chiao hsia chiu) rolled in stale bread cubes and double-fried until shatteringly crisp. Served with Sichuan pepper-salt dip. 30 pieces.

Koloketes: traditional Cypriot pumpkin hand pies with bulgur, onion, and warm cinnamon in a crisp olive oil pastry. Authentic Greek Cypriot mezze or snack.

Microwave tomato soup made from canned condensed tomato soup, finished with grated Parmesan. Ready in 8 minutes for a tureen or 3 minutes per mug, the easiest hot lunch in the recipe box.

Tangy pico de gallo with a tropical twist, ripe Roma tomatoes, white onion, jalapeno, and cilantro brightened with sweet mango and creamy avocado. A fresh, no-cook salsa that doubles as a condiment.

Roasted eggplant and yogurt spread, garlic-studded and perfumed with thyme and oregano, blended creamy with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. A tangy, herby Mediterranean dip for pita, crackers, or toasted bread.

Smoky Thai mashed eggplant, charred whole over a grill then pounded with shallots, garlic, and chili. Fried briefly and served with hard-boiled eggs and fresh mint as a savory dip or side.

Orange fruit dip whipped from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange juice concentrate, lightened fluffy with whipped topping. A sweet, citrusy five-minute dip for apples, berries, and melon.

Picante de huevos: a Colombian appetizer of hard-boiled eggs, avocado, onion, habanero, and vinegar blended into a spicy salad and served in hollowed mango halves.

Low calorie tomato bruschetta on garlic-rubbed toast with sauteed onion, oregano, and optional Parmesan. Just 1 teaspoon of olive oil keeps this appetizer light and fresh.

Homemade seafood sausage made with whitefish, salmon, and shrimp, seasoned with parsley and cayenne. Poached then grilled for a crispy skin and tender, briny bite.

Chicken pinwheels made from pounded chicken breasts rolled around ham slices with basil and garlic, baked and chilled, then sliced into elegant rounds. A make-ahead appetizer that looks impressive with minimal effort.

Baked eggplant rounds topped with homemade sun-dried tomato tapenade and parmesan cheese. A Mediterranean appetizer with olives, capers, lemon, and basil.

Seared Scallops with Cucumber-Pepper Relish recipe

Sambal goreng telor, Indonesian hard-boiled eggs simmered in a spicy coconut milk and red pepper sauce with galangal. A quick 20-minute Southeast Asian egg dish.

Chunky black bean dip with carrot, celery, garlic, and warm spices folded into sour cream. Half-mashed beans give body while whole beans add bite. No-cook party dip ready in 15 minutes.

Duck liver mousse with port and cognac, set in a flavored aspic jelly base. A classic French masterchef pate, sliced and served on toasts as a refined first course.