Shrimp Appetizers - Coconut Shrimp with Basil Pineapple Salsa

Shrimp Appetizers are always the most popular party appetizers at any party, and this trendy version of coconut shrimp appetizers are guaranteed to be the hit at your next get together.

The combination coconut and pineapple give these Shrimp appetizers an island flavor, with the Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese adding a unique twist to create Shrimp Appetizers suitable for any occasion!

Shrimp appetizers recipe courtesy Tre Stella Melt Magazine.

Coconut Shrimp Appetizers with Basil Pineapple Salsa

Salsa
1 cup (250 mL) fresh or canned pineapple, finely diced
3 green onions, sliced
8 basil leaves, julienned
1 jalapeño pepper,seeded and finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 lime, juiced
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Shrimp
1 lb (454 g) medium raw shrimp, peeled,de-veined and dried well on paper towels
1/3 cup (80 mL) cornstarch
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cayenne pepper
3 egg whites
1 cup (250 mL) flaked unsweetened coconut
3/4 cup (175 mL) Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, grated

In a medium bowl combine all salsa ingredients, stir, cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Best made a day ahead of serving to allow flavours to blend.

Preheat oven to 400F (200C).
In a medium shallow dish, combine cornstarch, salt and cayenne pepper; set aside.
In another medium shallow dish, combine coconut and grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.
In a medium bowl add egg whites and beat with electric mixer until frothy; approximately 2 minutes.
Coat a large cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
Working with one shrimp at a time: dredge in cornstarch mixture, dip in egg white, then in coconut/cheese mixture, pressing gently with fingers.
Place shrimp on prepared sheet.
Repeat with remaining shrimp.
Bake 20 minutes or until shrimp are done, turning after 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and serve with Basil Pineapple Salsa.
Makes approximately 24 medium shrimp

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Make Ahead Appetizers - Egg Rolls

Make ahead appetizers are the ultimate life-savers during the hectic holiday season, and these delicous egg roll appetizers are the perfect make ahead appetizers for any large gathering.

These make ahead appetizers freeze well, just pull out of the freezer and pan fry once thawed. As an added bonus, homemade egg rolls are a much healthier and less expensive choice than store-bought party appetizers.

Switch up your make ahead appetizers - substitute shrimp for the pork for delicious shrimp appetizers, or tofu for the pork for wonderful vegetarian party food appetizers.

Make Ahead Appetizers - Egg Rolls

Ingredients:
Filling:
2 c. shredded cabbage
4 oz. chopped mushrooms (preferably fresh, but canned will work)
1/4 c. shredded carrots
1/2 c. chopped onions
1/4 c. celery, finely chopped
1 lb. pork, cut into very small pieces
1 tsp. peanut oil
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP soy sauce
1 TBSP cooking sherry
1 beaten egg
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 lb. tiny shrimp
1 pkg. Lumpia or Egg Roll Wrappers

Sweet and Sour Sauce:
2/3 c. sugar
3/4 c. water
1 TBSP white vinegar
1 TBSP catsup
1 dash soy sauce
Peanut oil for frying

Directions:
1) In a large wok or fry pan, cook pork in oil and garlic and drain. Add all vegetables and shrimp and cook for 5 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients and mix well.
2) Put mixture in a strainer and drain all juices and put mixture into a large bowl. Using a soup spoon, take a spoonful of mixture and fill each egg roll wrapper. Roll into a small egg roll.
3) Cook in electric skillet with peanut oil until golden brown and crisp .They freeze wonderfully! Pull out of freezer and pan fry after they thaw.

Sauce:
Put all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to boil and remove from heat. Place in small dipping bowl.

Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy Viva Diva Cafe.

For more great make ahead appetizers visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
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Party Food Appetizers - Shrimp Appetizers Kebobs

Great parties are remembered not only for the great company but also for the delicous party food appetizers that were served, and these delicous shrimp appetizers kebobs are certain to have your guests raving for months to come.

As far as party food appetizers go, shrimp appetizers are always in constant demand, and delicious, creative party appetizers help set the stage for a hightly successful get together.

This recipe for shrimp appetizers kebobs is not only delicous but also visually appealing, and is just as suitable for party food appetizers as it is for gourmet appetizers for a small and intimate dinner party.

Shrimp Appetizers Kebobs

Ingredients:
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh peeled and grated gingerroot
1 tablespoon lite soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
12 fresh large shrimp, peeled and deveined, leaving tails intact
1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares (or stars with small star shaped cookie cutter)
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares (or stars with small star shaped cookie cutter)
12 fresh small mushrooms
6 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
Garnish: lime wedges and green onion curls, if desired

Directions:
1) Combine first 6 ingredients in a food-safe plastic bag. Place shrimp in bag with marinade; turn shrimp to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour.
2) Set oven to broil. Lightly coat rack in broiler pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
3) Remove shrimp from marinade; reserving marinade. Alternate yellow and red bell pepper, mushrooms, shrimp and green onion pieces on each of twelve 6-inch skewers. Brush kabobs with reserved marinade, and discard remaining marinade.
Arrange the kabobs on the prepared rack in broiler pan.
4) Broil, 4 inches from heat, about 6 minutes, turning once, until shrimp are pink and veggies crisp tender. Arrange on a large serving platter or individual appetizer plates. Garnish with lime wedges and green onion curls, if desired.

Makes 12 appetizer servings. Increase quantities for larger crowds.

Recipe courtesy Viva Diva Cafe.

For more great party food appetizers and shrimp appetizers recipes visit http://www.appetizersunlimited.com/.
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Make Ahead Appetizers - Crispy Coconut Shrimp Appetizers

Make Ahead Appetizers help save the day when trying to juggle a full work and busy family schedule during the hectic entertaining season, and these delicious crispy coconut shrimp appetizers do double duty as valuable time saving make ahead appetizers, and exceptionally easy to make appetizers.

Shrimp appetizers are always the highlight of any party appetizers tray, and these delicious offerings from the Kraft Appetizer recipes collection are certain not to disappoint!

Crispy Coconut Shrimp Appetizers

Ingredients:
1 cup flaked coconut, toasted
1 pouch Extra Crispy Chicken Coating Mix
1/4 tsp. each curry powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
24 uncooked large shrimp (1 lb./450 g), peeled, deveined
1 egg, beaten

Directions:
HEAT oven to 400°F. Combine coconut, coating mix and seasonings in shallow bowl.
DIP shrimp in egg, then roll in coconut mixture until evenly coated. Place on baking sheet.
BAKE 10 to 12 min. or until shrimp are tender.

Make Ahead
These appetizers can be assembled ahead of time. Refrigerate up to 3 hours before baking as directed.

Curry Dip
Mix 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing, 1/4 cup Pure Orange Marmalade, 1 tsp. curry powder and 2 to 3 drops hot pepper sauce until well blended. Refrigerate until ready to serve as a dip with the shrimp.

Enjoy!

Crispy Coconut Shrimp Recipe courtesy Kraft Kitchens.

For more great make ahead appetizers visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit www.amateur-chef.net

Gourmet Appetizers - Spiced Shrimp Appetizers with Cool Citrus-Yogurt Dip

Impressive looking shrimp appetizers are always a party favorite and are the perfect gourmet appetizers for any occasion whether casual or formal.

This fabulous recipe for Spiced Shrimp Appetizers with Cool Citrus-Yogurt Dip is a a low-effort gourmet appetizers dish that is spicy-hot yet sweetly cool. Use peeled and deveined shrimp to same time, and choose tail-on for elegant gripping and dipping of these gourmet appetizers.

Spiced Shrimp with Cool Citrus-Yogurt Dip

3 tblsp (45 ml) 2% yogurt
1 tsp (5 ml) sweet paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander seeds
1 tsp (5 ml) coarsely ground black pepper
1/8 tsp (0.5 ml) ground green cardamom seeds
1/8 tsp (0.5 ml) cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp (2 ml) lemon zest
1/2 tsp (2 ml) finely chopper ginger
1/4 tsp (1 ml) finely chopped garlic
1 lb (500 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail-on, approx 20-25 pieces
Kosher salt

1. Preheat oven to 450F (230C).
2. Combine yogurt, paprika, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, cayenne, lemon zest, ginger and garlic in a large mixing bowl, and stir until well combined.
3. Add shrimp to yogurt mixture, and marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Remove shrimp from refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking. Lay the shrimp out in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet, and season with salt. Bake in preheated oven for 6 to 7 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Serve shrimp warm with Cool Citrus Yogurt (recipe follows) for dipping.

Cool Citrus Yogurt Dip

1/2 cup (125 ml) full-fat, Balkan or Mediterranian-style thick yogurt
2 tblsp (25 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tblsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) orange zest
1/4 tsp (1 ml) ground fennel seeds
1/8 tsp (0.5 ml) chili flakes
Kosher salt

1. Combine yogurt, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, ground fennel and chili flakes in a bowl and stir well with a whisk. Season with salt to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and keep chilled until ready to serve.

Enjoy!!

Recipe courtesy Food and Drink Magazine.

For more great gourmet appetizers visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit www.amateur-chef.net

Thanksgiving Appetizers - Mini Shrimp Tacos

These attractive shrimp appetizers are not only easy to make appetizers, they are also a great way to 'dress up' that bag of frozen shrimp in your freezer to create some show-stopping Thanksgiving appetizers for the upcoming holiday season.

When buying the shrimp for your Thanksgiving appetizers, pay attention to the 'count'. A count refers to the number of shrimp per pound, therefore the lower the number on the package, the larger the shrimp, and the higher the count (51 to 60), the smaller the shrimp. For these shrimp appetizers, you will need small shrimp, therefore the higher count number.

Mini Shrimp Tacos

18 frozen, cooked, peeled small shrimp
1 cup (250 ml) packed coleslaw mix (in bag)
2 tblsp (25 ml) mayonnaise
2 tblsp (25 ml) chopped coriander
1/2 to 3/4 tsp (2 to 4 ml) or to taste hot sauce, preferably chipotle
Pinch of salt
1/2 small firm but ripe avocado
1/2 lime
18 mini tortilla scoop chips

1. Thaw shrimp, peel and pat dry. In a medium bowl, stir coleslaw with mayonnaise, coriander, hot pepper sauce to taste, and salt.
2. Just before serving, cut a 1 1/2-inch (4-cm) wedge from avocado then peel. Slice lengthwise, then thinly slice each wedge crosswise. Place in a bowl and gently toss with a squeeze of lime juice. Scoop a spoonful of coleslaw mixture into tortilla scoop chip. Stand an avocado sedge and shrimp inside.

Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Food & Drink Magazine.

For more great Thanksgiving appetizers visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
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Wonton Appetizers - Dim Sims Shrimp Appetizers

When planning the menu for your party food appetizers, always choose the easiest finger appetizers recipes to avoid making your guests juggle utensils, appetizers and cocktails.

These delicious Dim Sims Shrimp Appetizers from our wonton appetizers collection is the perfect choice for finger food appetizers. These wonton appetizers are a departure from the usual appetizers fare, yet are surprisingly easy to make appetizers that compliment any appetizers theme.

Dim Sims Shrimp Appetizers

8 oz (225 g) uncooked medium shrimp
1 lb (450 g) uncooked boneless lean pork
1/4 head small cabbage (about 4 oz or 115 g)
6 green onions
2 eggs, slightly beaten
3 tblsp (45 ml) cornstarch
4 tsp (20 ml) soy sauce
1 tblsp (15 ml) sesame oil
2 tsp (10 ml) oyster sauce
48 wonton wrappers (about 1 lb or 45o g)
3 cups (750 ml) vegetable oil

Directions:
1) Remove shells and back veins from shrimp. Finely chop shrimp, pork, cabbage and onions with sharp knife or food processor. Transfer chopped foods to large bowl. Add eggs, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil and oyster sauce. Mix well.
2) Place rounded teaspoon of mixture onto center of each wonton wrapper.
3) Gently press wrappers around filling, tucking edges together, but leaving tops flared open, flower style. To avoid excessive drying, work with about 12 wrappers at a time.
4) Heat vegetable oil in wok over high heat until it reaches 375F (190C). Fry 8 to 10 dim sims at a time in hot oil until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on absorbent paper towel.
Makes 4 dozen.

Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy Chinese Cooking Class Cookbook.

For more great party food appetizers visit http://www.appetizersunlimited.com/
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit http://www.amateur-chef.net/

Shrimp Appetizers - Thai Shrimp Skewers

As far as party appetizers go, it doesn't get much easier than these simple Thai Shrimp Skewers. We found these easy to make appetizers on the Coastal Living website and were immediately impressed by the elegant simplicity of these 5-ingredient shrimp appetizers. After trying them out, we are converts!!

Rather than waste your time extolling the virtues of these easy to make appetizers, we give you:

Thai Shrimp Skewers

Serve these skewered bites at your next party and your guests will rave for weeks. Creamy white coconut milk, hot curry, and a splash of aromatic fish sauce highlight the simple flavors of juicy shrimp.

½ cup light coconut milk
¼ cup flaked sweetened coconut
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 to 2 teaspoons red curry paste
24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1. Whisk together coconut milk, coconut, fish sauce, and curry paste in a medium bowl. Add shrimp; toss well. Chill 1 hour.
2. Grill shrimp over medium-high heat 2 minutes on each side or until done. Place on individual bamboo picks to serve. Makes 2 dozen.

Hosting Help: Skewer food ahead of time with decorative toothpicks to add a fun flair and easy pickup for guests.

For more great shrimp appetizer ideas, visit http://www.appetizersunlimited.com/

Mardi Gras Appetizer Recipes - Spicy Cajun Shrimp

Although the origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to Medieval Europe, the lively and colorful Mardi Gras Carnival that we celebrate today is synonymous with New Orleans and the rich history, vibrant music, food and culture of the Creole people of Louisana.

New Orleans is famous for it's Cajun and Creole food and once you try a few of our Mardi Gras appetzer recipes, you will understand why. Although Cajun and Creole are often interchanged to describe the food of the region, Cajun has actually been described as country cooking whereas Creole is the more refined 'city cooking'.

So without further ado, we bring one of our all time favorite Mardi Gras Appetizer recipes to you courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens, a quick easy appetizer to make for your own Mardi Gras themed party:

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Mardi Gras Appetizers

Ingredients:
1 lb fresh or frozen large shrimp in shells
1/2 cup (250 ml) mayonniase or salad dressing
2 tblsp tomato paste
1 tblsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp bottled minced garlic (1 clove)
1/2 tblsp butter or margarine, melted
4 tsp Cajun seasoning (found in most grocery or speciality stores)

Directions:
1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact. Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl stir together mayonnaise, tomato paste, lemon juice, and garlic. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
2. Brush both sides of each shrimp with melted butter. Sprinkle both sides of each shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Place on the unheated rack of a broiler pan.
3. Broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat for 2 minutes. Turn shrimp; broil for 1 to 2 minutes more or until shrimp are opaque. Serve shrimp with mayonnaise mixture.

Makes 8 appetizer servings.

Enjoy!

For more great appetizer ideas, visiit www.appetizersunlimited.com