Category Archives: Appetizers

Fresh Tomato and Black Bean Salsa

Ingredients:
  • 4 cups chopped vine-ripened tomatoes
  • 2 cups cooked and cooled black beans
  • 1 cup red onions, diced small
  • 1 large fresh jalapeño, seeded and diced small
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 T chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 T chopped garlic
  • Celtic sea Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 T fresh lime juice
  • 1 T EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
  • Beanitos brand chips (Health Food Store)
Directions:

Combine first seven ingredients in mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add the lime juice and EVOO.  Mix well. Place in serving bowl and serve with Beanitos chips.

Hot Cheesy Mushroom Dip

Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion (sliced)
  • 1 pound mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)
  • 1 clove garlic (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (chopped)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup white wine (or broth)
  • 1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella (grated)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmigiano reggiano (grated)
Directions:
Heat the oil and melt the butter in a pan.  Add the onion and cook until it starts to caramelize, about 20 minutes.
Add the mushrooms and saute until they start to caramelize, about 20 minutes.
Add the garlic and thyme and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add the wine, deglazed the pan and cook until it has evaporated.
Puree 1/2 of the mushrooms in a food processor.
Mix the mushrooms, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella and parmigiano reggiano and place in a baking dish.
Bake in a preheated 350F oven until bubbling and golden brown on top, about 20-40 minutes.
Serve with chips or raw veggies.

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

Ingredients:
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound total,  sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (3/4-ounce)
  • 1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, toss the zucchini with the oil.  In a small bowl, combine the parmesan, bread crumbs, salt, and a few turns of pepper.  Dip each round into the parmesan mixture, coating it evenly on both sides, pressing the coating on to stick, and place in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the zucchini rounds until browned and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove with spatula. Serve immediately.  Great with Ranch dressing.  (for Anna)