Cheese is a staple at any party, but this holiday season 'kick up' your party appetizers with a delicious baked brie appetizer!
In an earlier article, we published a recipe for our favorite baked brie appetizer, and in subsequent articles suggested many different topping ideas to personalize your own baked brie appetizer, but now we have found another winning baked brie appetizer recipe from Living Well and the Canadian Living Test Kitchen!!
Caramelized Pear on Warm Brie
1 green onion
2 tsp (10 mL) butter
1 pear, diced
pinch each salt and cinnamon
1/4 cup (50 mL) pear juice or apple juice
3 tbsp (50 mL) chopped pecans
2 tbsp (30 mL) brown sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp (5 mL) cider vinegar
1 round (200 g) Brie cheese
Directions
Thinly slice green onion, keeping white and green parts separate.
In nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat; fry pear, white part of onion, salt and cinnamon for 5 minutes or until pear is softened.
Add pear juice, pecans, brown sugar, thyme and vinegar; boil, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until no liquid remains.
Place Brie in brie baker or on ovenproof serving dish; top with pear mixture. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is softened. Let stand for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with green part of onion.
Enjoy!
For more great appetizer ideas visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit www.amateur-chef.net
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Make Ahead Appetizers - Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe
From the Knorr Kitchens comes the ever-popular Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe, a delicious spinach dip ingeniously served up in an edible pumpernickel bread bowl.
This Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe rates as our favorite spinach dip not only because it tastes so darn good, it also looks incredible in it's own pumpernickel bread bowl, and as an added bonus with our hectic schedule, these great make ahead appetizers are also incredibly easy to make appetizers.
What more could you ask?
For great time-saving make ahead appetizers for your next party, make this delicous Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe your top pick!!
Ingredients
1 pkg (300 g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup (250 ml) mayonnaise
500 ml (2 cups) sour cream
1 pkg Knorr vegetable soup mix
1 can (8 oz/227 g) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 green onions, chopped
1 large round pumpernickel bread loaf (optional)
Directions
Squeeze excess moisture from spinach. In bowl, combine spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, soup mix, water chestnuts and green onions. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours to blend flavours. Cut bread from centre of pumpernickel loaf. Fill with spinach dip. Serve with fresh vegetables, pumpernickel bread or chips.
This Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe rates as our favorite spinach dip not only because it tastes so darn good, it also looks incredible in it's own pumpernickel bread bowl, and as an added bonus with our hectic schedule, these great make ahead appetizers are also incredibly easy to make appetizers.
What more could you ask?
For great time-saving make ahead appetizers for your next party, make this delicous Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe your top pick!!
Ingredients
1 pkg (300 g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup (250 ml) mayonnaise
500 ml (2 cups) sour cream
1 pkg Knorr vegetable soup mix
1 can (8 oz/227 g) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 green onions, chopped
1 large round pumpernickel bread loaf (optional)
Directions
Squeeze excess moisture from spinach. In bowl, combine spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, soup mix, water chestnuts and green onions. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours to blend flavours. Cut bread from centre of pumpernickel loaf. Fill with spinach dip. Serve with fresh vegetables, pumpernickel bread or chips.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Gourmet Appetizers - Crabapple Recipes
Fruits stuffed with fabulous fillings make elegant gourmet appetizers when you need a show-stopping appetizer recipe, and these Stuffed Crabapples with Cheddar are guaranteed to be a hit!!
These flavor-filled, vitamin-rich, gourmet appetizers morsels from our Crabapple recipes collection are a feast for the palate as well as for the eyes. If you cannot locate crabapples, you can also substitute Chinese apples (found in the specialty produce section of grocery stores or in Chinese grocery stories).
Oh, and did we mention that these tasty bites are also incredibly easy to make appetizers?
Stuffed Crabapples with Cheddar
Ingredients
12 Crabapples or 1 basket Chinese apples
1/2 cup (125 ml) cream cheese, softened
1 tblsp (15 ml) chopped chives
Italian pepper to taste
1/4 lb (125 g) cheddar cheese
Directions:
Delicately sice off the top part of the apples.
Scoop out the flesh, taking care not to damage the inside walls. Set aside.
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, chives and pepper. Fill a pastry bag equipped with a fluted tip with the seasoned cream cheese and carefully fill the apples.
Add a piece of cheddar cheese and put the apple tops back in place.
Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy I Can Cook.
For more great gourmet appetizers visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit www.amateur.chef.net
These flavor-filled, vitamin-rich, gourmet appetizers morsels from our Crabapple recipes collection are a feast for the palate as well as for the eyes. If you cannot locate crabapples, you can also substitute Chinese apples (found in the specialty produce section of grocery stores or in Chinese grocery stories).
Oh, and did we mention that these tasty bites are also incredibly easy to make appetizers?
Stuffed Crabapples with Cheddar
Ingredients
12 Crabapples or 1 basket Chinese apples
1/2 cup (125 ml) cream cheese, softened
1 tblsp (15 ml) chopped chives
Italian pepper to taste
1/4 lb (125 g) cheddar cheese
Directions:
Delicately sice off the top part of the apples.
Scoop out the flesh, taking care not to damage the inside walls. Set aside.
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, chives and pepper. Fill a pastry bag equipped with a fluted tip with the seasoned cream cheese and carefully fill the apples.
Add a piece of cheddar cheese and put the apple tops back in place.
Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy I Can Cook.
For more great gourmet appetizers visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit www.amateur.chef.net
Friday, November 6, 2009
Mexican Food Appetizers - Easy Guacamole Recipe
Whether you are hosting a casual or a formal affair, your party appetizers are meant to get your evening off to a lively start, and there is no better way to achieve that than by serving some traditional Mexican food appetizers.
Our easy guacamole recipe will have your party sizzling before you can even say 'ole'!! Serve your spicy Mexican food appetizers with some cool Mexican-themed cocktails. A great Guacamole dip is perfectly paired with a chilled Margarita.
Our easy guacamole recipe takes only a few minutes to prepare, leaving you plenty of time to prepare a variety of other Mexican food appetizers for your soiree!
Easy Guacamole Recipe
3 ripe avocados
Juice of 2 limes
2 tblsp (30 ml) chopped cilantro
1/2 sweet red pepper, finely diced
2 tblsp (30 ml) olive oil
Salt and Tabasco sauce to taste
Peel the avocados, remove the pits and chop into chunks.
In a food processor, blend the avocado, lime juice, cilantro, chopped sweet pepper, olive oil and seasoning.
Serve Guacamole dip with nachos or tortillas.
Enjoy!
For more great Mexican food appetizers, visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit www.amateur-chef.net
Our easy guacamole recipe will have your party sizzling before you can even say 'ole'!! Serve your spicy Mexican food appetizers with some cool Mexican-themed cocktails. A great Guacamole dip is perfectly paired with a chilled Margarita.
Our easy guacamole recipe takes only a few minutes to prepare, leaving you plenty of time to prepare a variety of other Mexican food appetizers for your soiree!
Easy Guacamole Recipe
3 ripe avocados
Juice of 2 limes
2 tblsp (30 ml) chopped cilantro
1/2 sweet red pepper, finely diced
2 tblsp (30 ml) olive oil
Salt and Tabasco sauce to taste
Peel the avocados, remove the pits and chop into chunks.
In a food processor, blend the avocado, lime juice, cilantro, chopped sweet pepper, olive oil and seasoning.
Serve Guacamole dip with nachos or tortillas.
Enjoy!
For more great Mexican food appetizers, visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit www.amateur-chef.net
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Gourmet Appetizers - Sesame-Crusted, Pan Seared Scallop Recipe with Asian Vinaigrette
We first saw Bob Blumer on TV creating some unusual type of gourmet appetizers, and since then have been hooked on watching the antics of the Surreal Gourmet - he infuses a passion into his food preparation, yet has fun doing it, and instills the belief that food must look as good as it tastes, so naturally when were were looking at scallop recipes for unique gourmet appetizers for our upcoming annual Thanksgiving bash, we turned to the Surreal Gourmet for inspiration.
This choice for our gourmet appetizers, Seasame-Crusted Pan Seared Scallops Recipe with Asian Vinaigrette courtesy of the Surreal Gourmet and the Food Network, is one of the best scallop recipes we have ever tried! The scallops are tender and juicy, and the visual presentation is truly elegant in it's simplicity!!
These gourmet appetizers are perfect for any occasion, from the dinner party meant to impress the boss, to an intimate dinner for two.
Sesame-Crusted, Pan-Seared Scallops With Asian Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green onion, minced
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp canola oil, divided
1 sake, (only if an open bottle is nearby)
12 bite-sized sea scallops
salt and pepper
1/2 cup sesame seeds
12 Chinese soup spoons
Directions:
1) In a small bowl add ginger, garlic, green onion, cilantro, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy, 1 tablespoon of canola oil, and sake. Whisk ingredients together.
2) Place one teaspoon of vinaigrette in each soup spoon.
3) Season scallops with salt and pepper.
4) Place sesame seeds on a plate. Pat down top and bottom side of each scallop in sesame seeds.
5) In a sauté pan, over medium-high heat add remaining tablespoon oil. When oil is hot, add scallops, placing them sesame-crusted side down. Sear for approximately 1 minute, or until sesame seeds brown. Turn and sear on other sesame-crusted side for one more minute. Place one scallop in each soup spoon. Serve immediately.
6) * The same serving format can be achieved with only 4 spoons by replenishing each guests spoon for subsequent servings.
Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy the Surreal Gourmet and the Food Network.
For more great gourmet appetizers ideas visit http://www.appetizersunlimited.com/
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit http://www.amateur-chef.net/
This choice for our gourmet appetizers, Seasame-Crusted Pan Seared Scallops Recipe with Asian Vinaigrette courtesy of the Surreal Gourmet and the Food Network, is one of the best scallop recipes we have ever tried! The scallops are tender and juicy, and the visual presentation is truly elegant in it's simplicity!!
These gourmet appetizers are perfect for any occasion, from the dinner party meant to impress the boss, to an intimate dinner for two.
Sesame-Crusted, Pan-Seared Scallops With Asian Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green onion, minced
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp canola oil, divided
1 sake, (only if an open bottle is nearby)
12 bite-sized sea scallops
salt and pepper
1/2 cup sesame seeds
12 Chinese soup spoons
Directions:
1) In a small bowl add ginger, garlic, green onion, cilantro, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy, 1 tablespoon of canola oil, and sake. Whisk ingredients together.
2) Place one teaspoon of vinaigrette in each soup spoon.
3) Season scallops with salt and pepper.
4) Place sesame seeds on a plate. Pat down top and bottom side of each scallop in sesame seeds.
5) In a sauté pan, over medium-high heat add remaining tablespoon oil. When oil is hot, add scallops, placing them sesame-crusted side down. Sear for approximately 1 minute, or until sesame seeds brown. Turn and sear on other sesame-crusted side for one more minute. Place one scallop in each soup spoon. Serve immediately.
6) * The same serving format can be achieved with only 4 spoons by replenishing each guests spoon for subsequent servings.
Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy the Surreal Gourmet and the Food Network.
For more great gourmet appetizers ideas visit http://www.appetizersunlimited.com/
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit http://www.amateur-chef.net/
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thanksgiving Appetizers - Gougeres (Gruyere Cheese Puffs)
While searching for recipes for Thanksgiving appetizers, we came across this delicious make ahead appetizers recipe from the Food Network for Gougeres (or Gruyere Cheese Puffs), which we tried and absolutely loved, so we just had to share it with you.
Now we truly weren't sure whether to classify these delightful little bites as gourmet appetizers, Thanksgiving appetizers or make ahead appetizers as they fit into any of these categories, but since Thanksgiving is quickly approaching we decided to include them as one of our Thanksgiving appetizers choices. One thing we are certain of is that these delicous Gruyere Cheese Puffs will suit any party occasion, and since they can be frozen up to 1 week ahead, they are the perfect make ahead appetizers to keep on hand for all your entertaining needs this holiday season.
Make lots as they are certain to be the appetizer hit of the season!!
Gougeres (Gruyere Cheese Puffs)
Ingredients:
1 cup cold water (250 mL)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (125 mL)
1/2 tsp salt (2 mL)
1 cup all-purpose flour (250 mL)
4 x to 5 large eggs
1/2 cup coarsely grated Gruyere cheese (375 mL)
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2) In a heavy saucepan bring water to a boil with butter and salt over high heat and reduce heat to moderate. Add flour all at once and beat with a wooden spoon until mixture pulls away from side of pan. Cook mixture over medium heat to dry out the paste. As it cooks, push the paste from side to side with the wooden spoon. You will know when the paste is dry when it begins to leave a thin film on the bottom of the saucepan. Transfer mixture to a bowl and with an electric mixer on medium speed mix to release some of the steam. Continue to mix and slowly add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Batter should be stiff enough to just hold soft peaks and fall softly from a spoon. If batter is too stiff, in a small bowl beat remaining egg lightly and add to batter, a little at a time, beating on high speed, until batter is desired consistency.
3) Stir Gruyère into the mixture.
4) Lightly grease 2 baking sheets or line with parchment paper.
5) Drop level tablespoons of batter onto prepared sheets about 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
6) Bake in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching positions of sheets halfway through baking, 30 minutes, or until puffed, golden and crisp.
7) Gougères make great make ahead appetizers since they keep, chilled in zip-top plastic bags, 2 days or frozen 1 week. Reheat gougères, uncovered, in a preheated 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) oven 10 minutes if chilled or 15 minutes if frozen.
8) Serve warm.
Recipe courtesy of the Food Network.
For more great Thanksgiving appetizers visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit www.amateur-chef.net
Now we truly weren't sure whether to classify these delightful little bites as gourmet appetizers, Thanksgiving appetizers or make ahead appetizers as they fit into any of these categories, but since Thanksgiving is quickly approaching we decided to include them as one of our Thanksgiving appetizers choices. One thing we are certain of is that these delicous Gruyere Cheese Puffs will suit any party occasion, and since they can be frozen up to 1 week ahead, they are the perfect make ahead appetizers to keep on hand for all your entertaining needs this holiday season.
Make lots as they are certain to be the appetizer hit of the season!!
Gougeres (Gruyere Cheese Puffs)
Ingredients:
1 cup cold water (250 mL)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (125 mL)
1/2 tsp salt (2 mL)
1 cup all-purpose flour (250 mL)
4 x to 5 large eggs
1/2 cup coarsely grated Gruyere cheese (375 mL)
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2) In a heavy saucepan bring water to a boil with butter and salt over high heat and reduce heat to moderate. Add flour all at once and beat with a wooden spoon until mixture pulls away from side of pan. Cook mixture over medium heat to dry out the paste. As it cooks, push the paste from side to side with the wooden spoon. You will know when the paste is dry when it begins to leave a thin film on the bottom of the saucepan. Transfer mixture to a bowl and with an electric mixer on medium speed mix to release some of the steam. Continue to mix and slowly add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Batter should be stiff enough to just hold soft peaks and fall softly from a spoon. If batter is too stiff, in a small bowl beat remaining egg lightly and add to batter, a little at a time, beating on high speed, until batter is desired consistency.
3) Stir Gruyère into the mixture.
4) Lightly grease 2 baking sheets or line with parchment paper.
5) Drop level tablespoons of batter onto prepared sheets about 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
6) Bake in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching positions of sheets halfway through baking, 30 minutes, or until puffed, golden and crisp.
7) Gougères make great make ahead appetizers since they keep, chilled in zip-top plastic bags, 2 days or frozen 1 week. Reheat gougères, uncovered, in a preheated 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) oven 10 minutes if chilled or 15 minutes if frozen.
8) Serve warm.
Recipe courtesy of the Food Network.
For more great Thanksgiving appetizers visit www.appetizersunlimited.com
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit www.amateur-chef.net
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Make Ahead Appetizers - Mexican Dip
With Halloween behind us and the holiday entertaining season fast approaching, the staff at Appetizers Unlimited are busy searching for some new great make ahead appetizers to help you save precious time on your hectic party day. Make ahead appetizers are absolutely essential to keep you relaxed and organized during the busy entertaining season.
Our collection of Kraft Appetizer recipes once again provides the ideas for our upcoming series of holiday make ahead appetizers, this time with a twist on some popular and easy Mexican food appetizers.
The first of our make ahead appetizers in our Mexican Food Appetizers series is this sinfully easy Mexican Dip. This appetizer recipe can be put together in the morning, covered and refrigerated until ready to microwave.
Mexican Dip
Ingredients:
1 pkg. (250 g) brick cream cheese
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 cup Tex Mex shredded cheese
2 Tbsp. sliced pitted black olives (optional)
1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
Directions:
PLACE unwrapped block of cream cheese on microwaveable plate; top with salsa, shredded cheese and olives.
MICROWAVE on high 45 sec. to 1 min. or until Cheddar cheese is melted; sprinkle with cilantro.
SERVE with a selection of crackers.
Jazz It Up
Spoon 1/2 cup refried beans over the cream cheese before topping with the salsa, shredded cheese and olives. Microwave on high 1 min. or until Cheddar cheese is melted. Continue as directed.
Enjoy!
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
Our collection of Kraft Appetizer recipes once again provides the ideas for our upcoming series of holiday make ahead appetizers, this time with a twist on some popular and easy Mexican food appetizers.
The first of our make ahead appetizers in our Mexican Food Appetizers series is this sinfully easy Mexican Dip. This appetizer recipe can be put together in the morning, covered and refrigerated until ready to microwave.
Mexican Dip
Ingredients:
1 pkg. (250 g) brick cream cheese
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 cup Tex Mex shredded cheese
2 Tbsp. sliced pitted black olives (optional)
1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
Directions:
PLACE unwrapped block of cream cheese on microwaveable plate; top with salsa, shredded cheese and olives.
MICROWAVE on high 45 sec. to 1 min. or until Cheddar cheese is melted; sprinkle with cilantro.
SERVE with a selection of crackers.
Jazz It Up
Spoon 1/2 cup refried beans over the cream cheese before topping with the salsa, shredded cheese and olives. Microwave on high 1 min. or until Cheddar cheese is melted. Continue as directed.
Enjoy!
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
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