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Herb-Marinated Olives

Herb-Marinated Olives

Dec 29, 2010 5 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | entertaining | gluten-free | leite's lite™ | testers choice | vegan | vegetarian

Those requisite olives that you plonk on the coffee table before company comes just got more respectable–but no more troublesome. Of course, no one else needs to know that last part…

Arlington Chicken Liver Pâté

Arlington Chicken Liver Pâté

Dec 29, 2010 3 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | chicken | turkey | poultry | gluten-free | hors d'oeuvre | testers choice

This chicken liver pâté, which hails from Ireland, is coarsely textured and freckled with parsley and cilantro and studded with bacon. A great party nibble, lass.

Seared Foie Gras with a Chardonnay-Grapefruit Reduction

Seared Foie Gras with a Chardonnay-Grapefruit Reduction

Dec 27, 2010 Leave a Comment by  
Filed under appetizers | entertaining | hors d'oeuvre | in season

A little late-harvest Chardonnay lends balance and elegance to this already luxe foie gras number. Best reserved for when you truly, madly, deeply love your guests.

Pistachio-Orange Cocktail Cookies

Pistachio-Orange Cocktail Cookies

Nov 16, 2010 5 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | baking | entertaining | readers raves | testers choice | vegetarian

These savory-sweet cocktail cookies are simple to make yet pack a wallop of flavor. Set them out as a pre-dinner nibble when you want something fetching.

Romesco Sauce

Romesco Sauce

Nov 10, 2010 14 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | in season | readers raves | testers choice | vegan | vegetarian | weeknight winners™

Behold the romesco sauce. Not only is it vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, but it comes together in a snap. It’s the great Spanish acquisition.

Torn Figs and Burrata Cheese

Torn Figs and Burrata Cheese

Oct 15, 2010 5 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | gluten-free | in season | lunch | salads | vegetarian

This figs and burrata salad takes all of minutes to put together. Just tear the figs, rip the cheese, and drizzle with rosemary oil. Badda bing.

Svelte Green Goddess Dip

Svelte Green Goddess Dip

Sep 20, 2010 15 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | entertaining | gluten-free | hors d'oeuvre | leite's lite™ | testers choice | the arsenal™

This luminously green goddess dip recipe has the advantage of being low cal and having a creamy texture and luscious flavor.

Salami and Cheese Tapa | Tapa de Salami y Queso

Salami and Cheese Tapa | Tapa de Salami y Queso

Jul 11, 2010 8 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | entertaining | hors d'oeuvre | weeknight winners™

Simple, simple, simple. Salami and Manchego, one of Spain’s finest cheeses, sit on top of chewy, crusty country bread. It takes just minutes to make.

Mexican Mojito

Mexican Mojito

May 05, 2010 3 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | drinks | entertaining | testers choice

This Mexican mojito, inspired by its Cuban cousin, is sexy and light thanks to smooth white tequila and wisps of mint and sweetness. Now go celebrate.

Scrummy Warm Arugula Salad

Scrummy Warm Arugula Salad

Apr 29, 2010 5 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | gluten-free | in season | readers raves | salads | testers choice | weeknight winners™

For this warm arugula salad, caramelized red onions, pancetta, and pine nuts are drizzled with balsamic vinegar and tossed with cool arugula. Marvelous.

Parmesan and Gruyere Cheese Souffle

Parmesan and Gruyere Cheese Souffle

Apr 06, 2010 1 Comment by  
Filed under appetizers | baking | entertaining | testers choice | vegetarian

Lofty, airy, and oh so rich, these simple souffles take stiffly beaten eggs, Parmesan, and Gruyère to new heights.

Pecorino and Bean Salad

Pecorino and Bean Salad

Apr 05, 2010 1 Comment by  
Filed under appetizers | salads | sides | veggies | vegetarian

This Pecorino and bean salad is a classic dish you’ll find in Italy. It’s so easy to throw together and more impressive than the usual mixed green salad.

Arugula Salad with Country Ham, Pears, and Honey Vinaigrette

Arugula Salad with Country Ham, Pears, and Honey Vinaigrette

Apr 05, 2010 10 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | entrees | pork and ham | salads | testers choice

This arugula and ham salad balances the saltiness of the ham, the juiciness of pears, and the tartness of the dressing. Serve it as an entree or appetizer.

Ham and Potatoes Sarladaise

Ham and Potatoes Sarladaise

Apr 05, 2010 1 Comment by  
Filed under appetizers | gluten-free | pork and ham

Potatoes sarladaise, usually made with duck of goose confit, gets an American twist here by being cooked with ham. The porcine meat gives the dish a silky finish.

Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto

Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto

Apr 01, 2010 2 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | entertaining

These goat-cheese-filled dates offer a perfect sweet-salty mouthful in every bite. Serve them with a crisp white wine as an ideal before-dinner nibble.

Butternut Squash and Parmesan Tart

Butternut Squash and Parmesan Tart

Mar 30, 2010 10 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | baking | entertaining | entrees | lunch | testers choice | vegetarian

Butternut squash, red onion, and Parmesan cheese make this tart sing–okay, not literally, but it may make you hum a happy little ditty. Ideal for entertaining.

Oysters with Sweet Pepper Relish

Oysters with Sweet Pepper Relish

Feb 12, 2010 Leave a Comment by  
Filed under appetizers | entertaining | fish | seafood

The combination of peppers, both sweet and hot, lemon zest, cilantro, cinnamon, and cumin make these plump oysters something special.

Cheddar-Chive Gougères

Cheddar-Chive Gougères

Feb 12, 2010 6 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | baking | breads | entertaining | hors d'oeuvre | testers choice | vegetarian

These mini airy puffs are made with sharp Cheddar cheese and chives. For a little bit of spice and heat, dry mustard and cayenne pepper are mixed in.

Macaroni Gratin

Macaroni Gratin

Jan 09, 2010 2 Comments by  
Filed under appetizers | pasta and grains | testers choice

This gratin is flavored with sharp Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses and smoky bits of bacon. Use other pasta besides elbow macaroni for a different look.

Olives Stuffed with Ground Beef in Piquant Tomato Ragout

Olives Stuffed with Ground Beef in Piquant Tomato Ragout

Dec 30, 2009 1 Comment by  
Filed under appetizers | entertaining | gluten-free | hors d'oeuvre

Olives are stuffed with a spicy beef mixture and then simmered in a piquant harissa-spiked tomato sauce. The stuffed olives make a lovely party nibble.