Appetizers Posts
Cajun Catfish Bites
Hands down, this is our favorite way to prepare catfish: Cut into chunks, coated with spicy breading, then shallow fried ’til golden brown.
Prosciutto and Basil Wrapped Chicken Fingers
These chicken fingers are fast food, Mouse-House style. They’re the perfect thing to make when you Just Need To Eat, Like Now (a fairly common occurrence at our place these days, given that we just moved).
Chipotle Lime Chicken Fingers with Sour Cherry Compote
These chicken fingers are a perfect foil for one of my favorite flavor combinations: chipotle and lime. They’re hot and spicy—and a little bit tart from a few squirts of fresh lime juice. A quick dip in a side of sour cherry compote cools them off just a smidge. And adds a touch of tangy sweetness.
Maple Sugar Candied Bacon
I know. Here I am again, going on about bacon. (I can admit it. I might have a problem.) Ever since I made candied bacon with a chili and peach jam glaze a few weeks ago, I can’t get the stuff of my mind. This time, I wanted to try a different method. (All in the name of science, you understand.)
Pasta Salad with Shrimp, Goat Feta, and Basil
We’ve been pining for summer weather here in Boston. It’s been cold, dreary, and drizzly for days. This pasta salad is like a little dose of summer—it’s cool, creamy, and an absolutely fabulous thing to bring to a picnic or barbecue. Assuming, that is, that the sun ever comes out.
Spicy Guacamole
I’m totally guilty of having guacamole for dinner. Not the most well-balanced meal, I know, but I don’t do it that often. (And hey, I do usually dip veggies and rice crackers in it, as well as chips!) When we’re in a pinch and don’t feel like cooking, chances are I’ll grab a few avocados and go to town.
Garlic Scape Pesto from The Garlic Farm in West Granby
Recently, my mom and I took a little road trip around the countryside in Northern Connecticut. When we happened across The Garlic Farm in West Granby, we knew we had to pull in and investigate. Here’s a photo tour of the farm, a bunch of info on garlic scapes (including how to cook them), plus a super simple recipe for some of the most garlicky, mouthwatering pesto you’ve ever had.
Lamb Sliders with Rosemary & Mint
Yum. You know how I love miniature food. Don’t ask me why, but I do. Most of the time, I’d rather nibble on a bunch of different things than have one big meal. These sliders combine all the traditional seasonings that go so well with lamb—rosemary, mint, garlic—in one tiny burger that’s packed with flavor.
Hot & Spicy Candied Bacon
So, this is bacon…covered in jam and dotted with chili flakes…baked in the oven until caramelized and crunchy. This is swoon inducing food. Vegetarians aside, I dare you to say otherwise.
Quick Fresh Pickles
These crisp pickles are high on my list of nibbles and noshes to take on a picnic or a barbecue. They’re the perfect cool companion to spicy barbecue or lunch-counter favorites like a thick pastrami on rye. And while pickling can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. You can make these crunchy spears overnight with a handful of pickling cukes. The best part? No canning required.
