Samosas are delicious, fried, savory Indian pastries. They look like triangles filled with chicken, lamb, or vegetables. Mine are vegetarian samosas filled with potatoes, onions and spices. Traditionally they have dipping sauces such as chutney or yogurt topped with an herb such as chopped chives or cilantro(my favorite!) By the way, my easy samosa recipe...
Appetizers
I consider appetizers a food group. I know this is by no means accurate, but there are so many to choose from. Usually on Friday nights my husband and I have appetizers for dinner. This is a tradition we established since our kids were little. They both enjoyed helping to prepare "dinner", and they also chose something to add to the feast. Were they healthy appetizers? Hmm not always.
My best friend who moved away a number of years ago used to throw the BEST appetizer parties. Better yet, she would usually send us home with a big care package. BONUS. There is another couple who still lives in town who happen to also throw amazing holiday appetizer parties.
This section has a great offering of both cold and warm foods. I personally like a selection of both when I am putting together a easy appetizers for a party. I did include one of my all time faves: empanadas!
Read though this list, and let me know if you have a favorite that you would like to see added.
Black Bean Plantain Empanadas
Black bean plantain empanadas is what you might call an unusual combination of ingredients. It is a perfect vegan dish. I am not a vegan or even a vegetarian by the way, but find these empanadas absolutely irresistible. You can stuff an empanada with just about anything, creativity is your friend. I have adapted this recipe...
Papas Rellenas - Peruvian Stuffed Potatoes
Today’s menu is all about Peruvian food. More specifically, papas rellenas or Peruvian stuffed potatoes. These are a popular street food, but are also served at home and in restaurants. Now for the fun part, there is no set recipe for this dish. Every cook will have their own spin to it. Most often the...
Gravlax
Bagels and Lox anyone? Gravlax is a Scandinavian specialty. Just to clarify, it is not smoked salmon, and I will explain why. Salmon gravlax are cold-cured in sugar, salt and plenty of dill. I like to add about two shots of vodka, for good measure you know! [feast_advanced_jump_to] The name gravlax comes from two Scandinavian...
Spanish Style Grilled Marinated Pork
This Spanish-style grilled pork or prueba de cerdo recipe has a bit of kick, but not too much to intimidate those who prefer a milder taste. It is a hearty tapas dish to say the least. The smoky flavor of the paprika and the crushed red pepper combine to awaken your taste buds! The melt...
Arancini: Sicilian Rice Balls
What is arancini? Arancini a traditional Sicilian street food. It's rice, filled and then fried. The fillings vary from prosciutto, Fontina cheese, peas, mushrooms or a mix. Pair it with marinara sauce and you've got a creamy, carby appetizer to remember. [feast_advanced_jump_to] Arancini history Originating in 10th century Italy, arancini can be considered frugality at...
Creamy Curry Chicken Salad Wraps
It seems that everyone, everywhere is eating wraps these days. And, why not? They are tasty and handy; plus the possibilities are endless. Just for you today, I've made creamy curry chicken salad wraps. They are good enough for lunch and dinner. [feast_advanced_jump_to] Curry chicken wraps for the apps Actually we're getting together with...
Panelle - Sicilian Fried Chickpea Fritters
Panelle are Sicilian fritters. From such humble ingredients, you'll find its deliciousness amazing. Panelle is part of cucina povera or poor man's kitchen, alluding to the inexpensive nature of the ingredients. The main ingredient in panelle is chickpea flour. Find it in the organic or health food section of your grocery store. [feast_advanced_jump_to] Panelle hails from...
Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce
Back home in Panama City there is this little pizza shop, owned by a Greek family, called Athens Pizza. OMG, their stuff is amazing, anything you order is drool-worthy. The menu is definitely Mediterranean, and everything is fresh as fresh can be. According to my gourmet nephew, this place has "the best tzatziki sauce outside...
Caramelized Onion, Pancetta, Fig Scones
Scones are full of possibilities. Scones present us with an excellent blank canvas that allows our culinary creativity to shine through. Caramelized onion, pancetta, fig scones is my new, savory scone pastry creation. I tell you, these babies hit the spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I am speaking from personal experience when I say...
Baked Teriyaki Chicken Tenders
Try these homemade baked teriyaki chicken tenders for an easy weeknight meal or served as an appetizer. This recipe comes together quickly and uses one pan to make. The secret to a lovely golden brown baked chicken tender is to pre-bake the panko. This healthy recipe for baked teriyaki chicken tenders comes to you from...
Turkish Bread: Pide
I've never met a carbohydrate I didn't like! I am in love with Turkish bread: pide. So what exactly is pide? Well, it's a Turkish bread that can be eaten plain or stuffed. Some of the most popular stuffing choices are: seasoned lamb, feta, or spinach. [feast_advanced_jump_to] You don't have to be a baker Don't let...
Yuca Fritters - Carimañolas
Panamanian food is delicious Here's another yuca recipe that happens to be one of my favorites: yuca fritters - carimañolas. But, before I go on, the correct pronunciation for this tasty tuber is you-kah, not yuck-ah(yucca). One is a root vegetable, the other a desert plant. Two similar spellings? Yes! This is where the similarities...
Frico - Italian Potato Pie - Step by Step
Frico? So, what exactly is Frico? Simply put, sliced potatoes tossed with olive oil, onions and Parmesan cheese. So humble, yet so delicious! It reminds me a little bit of the Spanish dish Tortilla Espanola without the eggs. [feast_advanced_jump_to] A rustic treat According to one of my Italian friends Frico is Italian rustic cuisine at...
Saucy North African Lamb Meatballs - Lamb Kofta
Saucy North African lamb meatballs or kofta have a blend of exotic spices with a touch of sweetness. Apricots and saffron add a fabulous touch. Serve them as an appetizer or a main dish.