Don’t count on these tots staying on your appetizer table for very long. Sweet and spicy is the perfect combination. You can even add a small slice of jalapeno before wrapping with bacon for some added spice. (pictured) Ingredients 48 frozen tater tots 12 slices of bacon 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Method Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper and rub over both sides of the bacon. Cut each slice of bacon into 4 pieces. Wrap bacon around tater tot and secure with a toothpick. You may add a slice of jalap ..read more

A nice smooth, salty, and tangy Mediterranean type dip that is great with veggies, crackers, or toasted pita triangles. Ingredients 8oz feta cheese 1/2 cup miracle whip or mayo 1/2 cup sour cream 1 clove of garlic, chopped 1 tsp lemon zest 1/4 tsp dill weed 1/4 tsp oregano 1/8 tsp salt 1/4 tsp thyme 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Method Process all ingredients in a blender of food processor until nice and smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and swirl the top with a spoon. Drizzle with olive oil. Add more crushed red pepper flakes if desired. The post Creamy Whipped ..read more

Creamy stuffed jalapenos that are always a crowd pleaser with the your guests that like spicy treats. Ingredients 8 oz cream cheese 1 lb jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeded 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese 6 strips of cooked, chopped bacon 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp chili powder 1/2 cup bread crumbs or panko Method Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl combine the cheeses, herbs, and bacon. Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling into each jalapeno and then roll in bread crumbs or panko. Place in greased baking pan and bake 15-20 m ..read more

A healthy, spicy snack that is nice to munch on during that game you’re watching. Ingredients 15 oz can of chickpeas, drained 2 tbsp sriracha sauce 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp honey 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp olive oil Method In a large pot spread chickpeas into single layer. Combine the ingredients to make the honey sriracha sauce and pour over the chickpeas. Bring to a boil, cook for one minute, then let set, covered, with the heat off for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour chickpeas with sauce onto pan and spread into a sin ..read more

Fresh mozzarella marinated in olive oil and herbs. This is a nice appetizer served with fresh bread. You may also add sliced tomatoes if you wish. Ingredients 2 balls fresh mozzarella 1 cup olive oil 4 tbsp chopped parsley 4 tbsp oregano 4 tbsp sliced basil 4 tbsp thyme crushed red pepper or ground pepperoncini 1 sliced baguette Method Slice mozzarella into 1/4 inch slices. Arrange in a large shallow dish and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle herbs over top of mozzarella. Season to taste with crushed red pepper flakes of ground pepperoncini Serve with the baguette Note: Herbs are just ..read more

This cheese ball will become a quick favorite of your guests and will disappear quick. Ingredients 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs 1/2 cup almonds, finely chopped 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 jalepeno, seeded and finely chopped 1/2 cup cooked, finely chopped bacon Method In a large skillet, toast the panko bread crumbs and almonds over medium high heat until golden. Make sure to stir constantly so they don’t burn. In a large bowl combine the rest of the ingredients. Form the mixture into a ball a ..read more

Fresh plum tomatoes with onion, jalepenos, and lime juice creates a quick and easy dip for chips or any Mexican dinner. Ingredients 2 cups chopped plum tomatoes 1/2 jalepenos, seeded and finely chopped 1/2 onion, chopped 1/2 cup chopped cilantro juice of 1 lime 1/2 tsp salt Method Simply combine all ingredients in a serving bowl and serve with chips or use as a topping The post Pico De Gallo appeared first on Explore Italy and Beyond ..read more

A crowd pleasing crescent appetizer filled with bacon. cheddar, green onions, and diced pepperoncini. Ingredients 1 can Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or sheet 2 tbsp ranch dressing 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini Method Preheat oven to 350 degrees. If using rolls, press into 2 rectangles and press seams to seal. If using sheet, simply unroll onto work surface. Spread ranch dressing onto your rectangle(s). Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, bacon, onions, and pepperoncini. Roll up tight ..read more

This dough takes about half of the time that Italian dough takes. You can make this at noon or 1:00 and be ready to bake by 4:00-5:00. It still is nice and thin and because of the hydration stretches very nicely. I like to make this dough on Fridays when we want pizza as I can start it when I get home at 12:30. Ingredients 153 grams 00 flour 153 grams all purpose flour 8 grams fine sea salt 200 grams warm water 3/4 tsp active dry yeast 4 grams extra virgin olive oil Method Combine the flours and salt in a large bowl. In your dough tub, combine the water, yeast, and olive oil. Let sit unt ..read more

A Sicilian pasta dish that was named after the Bellini Opera. In this dish we fry the eggplant in olive oil, but you mat grill it then cut it up if you wish. Ingredients Medium eggplant cut into 1 inch cubes 1 lb of pasta 1 large red onion, chopped 1 28 oz can San Marzano Peeled tomatoes 5 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 1/2 tsp oregano 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper 1/2 cup & 2 tbsp olive oil Method In a large skillet heat the 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium high heat. Saute the eggplant until browned, about 8 minutes. You can do this in 2 batches with 1/4 cup of ..read more