For Memorial Day weekend, the family ventured out to Long Beach Island, where my mom has more friends than I do. Not realizing that my mom wanted us to host a birthday party for all her Jersey pals and all of us, I had to do some impromptu snacks and appetizers for the guests.
In a pinch, the kids were able to pull off a killer gathering with some delicious bites. We also got to watch Jason burn his pecans while trying to carmelize them (it was cute).
In a pinch, the kids were able to pull off a killer gathering with some delicious bites. We also got to watch Jason burn his pecans while trying to carmelize them (it was cute).
For this week's blog I wanted to share these quick and easy appetizers with you.
Caprese-salami skewers
This is pretty self-explanatory and also can be flexible. I would have added basil to this or maybe a balsamic glaze but they were out of basil and I didn't want to get too fancy.
Mozzarella balls
Salami, sliced
Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
Basil
Balsamic glaze
Caprese-salami skewers
This is pretty self-explanatory and also can be flexible. I would have added basil to this or maybe a balsamic glaze but they were out of basil and I didn't want to get too fancy.
Mozzarella balls
Salami, sliced
Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
Basil
Balsamic glaze
Pear slices with goat cheese and candied pecans
So these are supposed to have candied pecans on top, but we couldn't find them at the store and then Jason burned his attempted homemade ones. Use the imagination :)
Pear slices
Goat cheese
Candied pecans (we used honey since we messed this part up - they were still a hit!)
So these are supposed to have candied pecans on top, but we couldn't find them at the store and then Jason burned his attempted homemade ones. Use the imagination :)
Pear slices
Goat cheese
Candied pecans (we used honey since we messed this part up - they were still a hit!)
Natalie's Famous Taco Dip, Natalie Z.
The famous taco dip. Or should I say "infamous"? Known to be ridiculously addictive and an instant crowd pleaser, is my good friend Natalie's cream cheese-based taco dip. Headed to a party? Pregame? Dinner party? This addition to your appetizer repetoire is a must-try.
Ingredients
Pie dish or 8x8 pan
8 oz. cream cheese
Cheddar cheese (or your choice)
Taco sauce (Ortega has one or any other brand will do)
Avocado for topping (optional)
Tomatoes, chopped, for topping (optional)
Directions
Spread cream cheese out on pan using an angled spatula or anything else that will spread well. Make sure cream cheese is even and no large lumps in the middle. Cover the cream cheese with taco sauce - don't drown it. Sprinkle as much cheddar cheese as you want and then put on any toppings such as lettuce, avocado, tomatoes.
I also found it's better to leave your cream cheese out of the fridge for about 20 minutes so it softens - chips will also break if you don't thaw it a bit.
Thanks, Natalie for what we all know as "Natalie's Taco Dip"!
The famous taco dip. Or should I say "infamous"? Known to be ridiculously addictive and an instant crowd pleaser, is my good friend Natalie's cream cheese-based taco dip. Headed to a party? Pregame? Dinner party? This addition to your appetizer repetoire is a must-try.
Ingredients
Pie dish or 8x8 pan
8 oz. cream cheese
Cheddar cheese (or your choice)
Taco sauce (Ortega has one or any other brand will do)
Avocado for topping (optional)
Tomatoes, chopped, for topping (optional)
Directions
Spread cream cheese out on pan using an angled spatula or anything else that will spread well. Make sure cream cheese is even and no large lumps in the middle. Cover the cream cheese with taco sauce - don't drown it. Sprinkle as much cheddar cheese as you want and then put on any toppings such as lettuce, avocado, tomatoes.
I also found it's better to leave your cream cheese out of the fridge for about 20 minutes so it softens - chips will also break if you don't thaw it a bit.
Thanks, Natalie for what we all know as "Natalie's Taco Dip"!