Appetizers

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

IMG_0355

Tender, succulent veggies, marinated in this special sauce and grilled to perfection. These grilled veggie kabobs are great to pair with grilled steak or meats. Super simple to prepare, healthy and of course absolutely delicious!

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

sofiyababinov
Tender, succulent veggies, marinated in this special sauce and grilled to perfection. These grilled veggie kabobs are great to pair with grilled steak or meats. Super simple to prepare, healthy and of course absolutely delicious!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 15 Kabobs

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Small Eggplant
  • 1 Bell Pepper orange, red, or yellow
  • 1 Onion
  • 2 Yellow Squash
  • 3 Zucchini
  • 1 8 oz. White Mushrooms

Marinade Sauce

  • 6 TBS Mayonnaise
  • 3 TBS Barbecue Sauce
  • 1.5 tsp Steak Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Mrs.Dash or any other salt-free seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

Instructions
 

  • Do all the prep work first. Wash and cut all the veggies into kebab sized pieces (about 1 inch) and put them into a large bowl.
  • In a separate small bowl mix together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and spices together to get a smooth marinade sauce.
  • Pour the marinade sauce over the veggies. Mix and let it stand to marinate for at least 4 hours. I usually marinate the morning of the day we grill the kabobs.
  • Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 20-30 minutes and pat them dry before putting the veggies on them. This is so the bamboo sticks don't burn easily while grilling.
  • About 30 minutes before you grill, put the veggies on wooden skewer sticks. No particular order but I like to have a variety of all veggies on each stick.
  • Grill the veggie skewers on the grill along with meat, steak or anything else you are grilling. They take about 30 minutes to grill to perfection. You can just lay them down on the grill, or get a grill basket and grill the veggie kebabs in the grill basket.
  • These are especially delicious with steak or grilled meats!
Keyword easy, grilling, side dish, vegetarian

Chicken & Turkey Cutlets

IMG_0237These chicken & turkey cutlets are so tender and delicious! They are made up of ground chicken & turkey, fresh bread rolls soaked in milk, grated onion, spices, lightly battered in flour and fried to perfection on a pan in some olive oil! They are hands down the best cutlets I have ever tried! I got the recipe from my dear friend Lidiya. After we tried these at her house, I knew I had to get this awesome recipe right away! We normally have enough left for 2 or 3 days but with this recipe, the cutlets were all gone in 1 day between my hubby, me, and our son. If you have a bigger crowd, make double, Trust me! These are great for a sandwich with some fresh bread and mayo, or make a perfect main dish paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or buckwheat. I paired these with buckwheat and a fresh salad and it was the perfect combination. This recipe was a big hit with my family and will be on our monthly rotation menu for sure! 🙂

Chicken & Turkey Cutlets {Serves 3-4}:

Ingredients:

  • 1 LB Ground Chicken
  • 1 LB Ground Turkey
  • 1 Onion (Grated)
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk
  • 2-3 Fresh Bread Rolls
  • 3/4 Cup Flour
  • 3-4 Tablespoons Olive Oil (For frying)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

IMG_0233Directions:

1) Break the fresh bread rolls into small pieces and put them into a bowl. Add about 1/2 cup whole milk. Wait a minute until the bread roll pieces become soaked through and soft. Transfer mixture into a big bowl.

2) Add the ground chicken and ground turkey into the big bowl with bread roll mixture. Add the grated onion. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix very well.

IMG_0243

3) Pour about 3/4 cup of flour onto a disposable plate (or foil). Using a Tablespoon measure out a heaping Tablespoon of meat mixture into your hand. Roll it a bit into a round meatball/cutlet shape.

IMG_0236

4) Place into the flour and then flip it, to coat both sides of the cutlet with flour. Make at least 4 Cutlets and put them in a disposable plate or on a sheet of foil (you want to make some in advance so you wouldn’t be in a rush making them when it is time to fry them). Meanwhile set a big pan with 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil on Medium heat (I did 6.0).

IMG_0244

5) When the oil heats up, place cutlets into the pan. Fry until cooked well and golden on the bottom side, then flip and fry the top side also, until well done and golden. I use 2 forks or 2 spatulas to flip and transfer cutlets.

IMG_0239

6) Set up a big glass plate lined with napkins or paper towels. Put the cooked cutlets onto the napkins/paper towels to drain any excess hot oil. Reapeat the same process with all cutlets. When you make space on the pan by taking out the done ones, add more cutlets. Add about 2 Tablespoons more Olive Oil half way through to ensure enough fresh oil to fry on.

IMG_0241

Serve with mashed potatoes, buckwheat, or rice. To reheat, stick cutlets in the oven on a sheet with foil on 350 Degrees for about 10 minutes. These taste just as great on the second day if preheated!

IMG_0238

Empanada (Fried Tortilla With Meat Filling)

unnamed-3

Some call these empanada’s, some call these chebureki, either way these fried tortillas with a meat filling inside are a great appetizer and snack. Could also be eaten for dinner. I made a batch of these for a Super Bowl party this year and they were a big hit! These are convenient to bring to a get together/party, because they can be cooked in advance and you just pop them in the oven to preheat them. I do have another recipe for tortillas with meat filling on the blog, but this is my go to, easier version recipe. These are best served hot, and reheat very well in the oven. I actually like them best preheated in the oven on 300 degrees for about 10 mins as they get extra crispy this way!

Empanada’s (Fried tortillas with meat filling) {Yields 18}

Ingredients:

  • 1 LB Ground Chicken or Turkey (I just use 2LB Ground Turkey now as we found it to be our favorite)
  • 1 LB Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion (pureed in food processor)
  • 1 pack of Raw, Uncooked, Tortilla’s (Can be bought in refrigerator section in Costco, Walmart, a few other grocery stores) Should be about 18 tortillas
  • Spices: 1 1/2 tsp Salt, 1/4 tsp Garlic Salt, 1/8 tsp Pepper, 1/2 tsp Mrs. Dash (Or any salt free seasoning of your choice)

unnamed-321123Directions:

1) Put ground chicken and ground beef in a big bowl. Puree 1 Onion in the food processor (or shred it using a shredder) and add to the bowl of ground meat. Add the spices and mix thoroughly.

unnamed-354

2) Set up an empanada making station. I set up a big sheet of foil on the counter with the tortillas, the bowl of meat filling, and a small cup with water and a brush (to stick the tortillas together).

unnamed-334133

3) Lay each tortilla out and fill with meat mixture, one by one. I add about 2 TBS of meat filling to each tortilla. Brush the outline circle of the tortilla with water using the brush. Stick both sides of the tortilla together and seal tightly by pressing on ends with a fork. This also makes a nice rigid design. Set the done emanada’s aside. Set a pan with enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan, on Medium heat (I did 5.5) and let the oil heat up.

 

4) Once oil heats up and starts fizzing a bit, add 2 empanada’s at a time to the pan. Fry on each side until golden (about 3 Minutes per side). Have a tray lined with paper towels or napkins to put the fried empanada’s on so the extra oil would drain off.

unnamed-422

Serve hot. To reheat place in the oven for 10 minutes on 300 to 350 Degrees until hot and crispy!

20170216_210344

 

Crockpot Sweet & Sour Meatballs

dscn4419

 

Tangy Sweet & Sour Meatballs will be a hit at your next party or event! Easy to make, easy to serve and oh so delicious! I got the recipe from my friend, Kendra, who made them for a church potluck event and I think I ate the whole crockpot she brought lol. All you’ll need is a good brand of frozen meatballs (I’m partial to Costco’s Kirkland Signature Italian Beef Meatballs brand, they’re just my favorite), 3 simple ingredients for the sauce, and a crockpot to do all the work for you. Don’t forget to plan ahead and set aside 4 hours for cook time in the crockpot. Alright, let me introduce you to your new favorite party appetizer!

Crockpot Sweet & Sour Meatballs

sofiyababinov
Tangy Sweet & Sour Meatballs will be a hit at your next party or event! Easy to make, easy to serve and oh so delicious! All you'll need is a good brand of frozen meatballs (I'm partial to Costco's Kirkland Signature Italian Beef Meatballs brand, they're just my favorite), 3 simple ingredients for the sauce, and a crockpot to do all the work for you. Don't forget to plan ahead and set aside 4 hours for cook time in the crockpot. Alright, let me introduce you to your new favorite party appetizer!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 5 LB Meatballs (About 125 total meatballs)

Equipment

  • Crockpot

Ingredients
  

  • 1 5 LB Bag Frozen Italian Style Meatballs Costco's Kirkland Signature is my favorite brand
  • 1 14 oz. Bottle Ketchup
  • 1 17 oz. Jar Grape Jelly
  • 1/2 12 oz. Bottle Heinz Chili Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Set your crockpot on the Low setting. Throw in the frozen (or defrosted) meatballs.
  • In a big bowl, measure out and mix together the ketchup, grape jelly, and chili sauce.
  • Mix the sauces very well, pour into the crockpot over the meatballs and mix.
  • Cover the crockpot with lid and cook on LOW setting for 4 hours. Mix a few times, if possible. Serve hot in crockpot and keep on AUTO or LOW setting to keep meatballs warm.

Notes

Serve meatballs hot in crockpot and keep on AUTO or Low setting to keep meatballs warm. Enjoy!
Keyword appetizers, crockpot, easy, main course, side dish

Mini Baked Appetizer Sandwiches

dscn4126These mini baked appetizer sandwiches are loaded with cheese, and ham. These are quick and easy to make and one of the yummiest appetizers ever! I got the recipe from my friend Irina, when we were over their house for dinner and she made these. I couldn’t get enough! Of course I had to get the recipe to share with you guys! I wanted to post this recipe right on time before the Holidays, as we all need great appetizer recipes for entertaining. Enjoy!

Mini Baked Appetizer Sandwiches (Yields enough for a big party) :

Ingredients:

  • 1 long French Baguette
  • 1 Tomato
  • 1 Block Mozzarella Cheese (Grated)
  • Green Onion
  • Ketchup
  • Mayonnaise
  • Virginia Baked Ham ( .50 LB, cut into one thick slice)

dscn4101 dscn4106Directions:

1) Do the prep work first. Cut the tomato into little dice. Cut the Ham into little cubes. Shred the block of Mozzarella cheese. Finely chop 4 green onions (mostly green part). Using a butter knife, smear a little bit of Mayonnaise onto each piece of baguette bread.

2) Put everything on the baguette slices in this order; Ham, tomatoes, green onions, then squirt 2 small drops of ketchup on the baguette slices and cover with cheese on top.

dscn4117 dscn4122

3) Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden to your desire! Best when served hot.

dscn4126

dscn4128

 

Beef Puff Pastry Pockets Appetizer

dscn4205

I posted a recipe similar to this one a few months ago. This is the easy version and the smaller, appetizer/snack size version of that same recipe. This is great as a main meal or an appetizer. This is a perfect recipe especially with the Holidays coming up in a few weeks. I will definitely be making some for Holiday parties and get together’s. These delicious little beef puff pastry pockets taste just like the frozen puff pastry Hors d’oeuvre appetizers that you would buy at grocery stores like Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club that have a variety of different fillings inside, but of course these home made ones taste so much more superior and fresh and you can stuff them with any filling of your choice. I also like these with a mashed potato and mushroom filling, or a spinach and feta cheese filling, so you can get creative with these and make any filling of your choice.

Beef Puff Pastry Pockets {Yields 24}

Ingredients:

  • 1 LB Ground Beef
  • 1 Large Onion
  • 2 packs (4 sheets) Puff Pasty sheets (Thawed out)
  • Mrs.Dash Seasoning (to taste)
  • Salt/Pepper (to taste)

dscn4184

Directions:

1) Cut the puff pastry sheets into 6 squares each sheet. Grate the onion on the grater. Mix the ground beef with spices and grated onion in a big bowl and set aside.

dscn4188    dscn4193

2) Put a heaping spoonful of meat mixture onto each puff pastry square. Fold each puff pastry square up and tightly press to seal the sides. Using a fork, press down on the sides of each puff pastry pocket to make sure it is well sealed and looks neat.

dscn4194    dscn4195

3) Bake at 350 Degrees for about 1 hour, until puff pastry pockets are golden and done.

dscn4200    dscn4204

4) Serve immediately! Best when hot. Leftovers can be put in the refrigerator and warmed up in the oven when ready to eat.

dscn4205

Shrimp Salad

DSCN4076This Shrimp Salad recipe was created by me but inspired by a salad I had at a restaurant called Canyon’s, in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It was the perfect meal for me after a long, hot, exhausting day of exploring Tweetsie Railroad (a wild west theme park) in the beautiful mountains of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I had to recreate it at home and I did. The restaurant version was great but this home made recipe is even better, so much more flavor and you can add as much shrimp as you’d like. I love shrimp! And this shrimp salad takes it to a whole notha’ level (lol I know I’m corny). So fast and easy to prepare and definitely a summer favorite in our house now. I could literally eat this salad every single day! We ate it as a meal for dinner, but you could also make it as a side dish/salad. You can omit the shrimp if you are not a fan, and add anything else you want to it and get creative. Please don’t forget to share your idea’s with me, I would love to hear them!

Shrimp Salad {Serves 2 as meal, 4 as side}

Ingredients:

  • 1 head Romaine Lettuce
  • 1 package Grape Tomatoes
  • 2 Cucumbers or 1 long English Cucumber
  • 1 to 2 LB Shrimp, Raw (I used 2 LB as we love our shrimp!)
  • Dressing of choice (I used Marzetti Brand Classic Ranch Dressing)
  • Croutons of choice (I used Texas Toast Cheese & Garlic Croutons)
  • 1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • Lawry’s Herb & Garlic marinade sauce

Directions:

1) Do the prep work first. Peel & devine the shrimp, rinse through with cold water and let dry. Wash all the veggies and chop everything up into one big bowl. I chopped the lettuce into small squares. The grape tomatoes in halves. The cucumber in fourths and then chopped into pieces.

DSCN4047

2) Set a pan on Med-High heat (I did a 6) add some olive oil. When the oil heats up, add the shrimp. Add salt/pepper to shrimp and mix. When the shrimp looks done, lower the heat to low (I did 2) and add some Lawry’s Herb & Garlic marinade sauce, I added about 2 tablespoons and 2 pressed garlic cloves. Simmer with the lid on for a few minutes until shrimp is well cooked through. Turn off heat and keep shrimp hot.

DSCN4041

3) When you are ready to eat, add the shrimp into the salad bowel. Mix gently. Each person can add dressing and croutons to salad individually to their liking. Enjoy!

DSCN4085

Puff Pastry Pockets (Samsa)

DSCN4020These Puff Pastry Pockets are a perfect appetizer or meal all in itself. Filled with meat and onion, or any filling of your choice, and baked to perfection! Growing up, my dad made these all the time. It was not until recently we were visiting our home town in Massachusetts that I got to try some again, at the Turkish store and it brought back sweet childhood memories of this yummy stuff. I decided to recreate this recipe at home so last week that is exactly what I did. My husband absolutely loved them! He gobbled 4 of them up for dinner that night and asked me to make more the next day before we were even done with dinner. Score! 😉 You can get creative with these. Make them any shape you would like, or fill them with whatever filling you would like. I have filled them with meat and onion, potatoes and onion, even squash and onion tastes great. I love that they are not greasy because they bake in the oven, no frying involved. Very simple and fast to make any time, and they also reheat very well in the oven. Enjoy!

Puff Pasty Pockets (Samsa) {Recipe Yields 16}

Ingredients: 

  • 4 Sheets (2 small boxes) Puff Pasty Dough
  • 2 Large Onions
  • 1.5 LB Beef (Boneless)
  • Pam Non-Stick Cooking Spray
  • Salt/Pepper (To Taste)

DSCN3994Directions:

1) Thaw the puff pasty sheets for about 40 minutes by laying them out on the table in room temperature. Meanwhile wash the Beef and cut it into small cubes. Set aside in a large bowl. Finely dice the onions and add to the bowl of beef. Season with Salt and Pepper (to your taste preference) and mix beef/onion mixture.

DSCN4002

2) Cut the puff pasty sheets into 4 squares. Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees.

DSCN3999

3) Add about 2 1/2 Tablespoons of the meat mixture to each square.

DSCN4000

4) Fold the ends of the square over to make triangular shaped pockets and seal the ends tightly, I do this using a fork.

DSCN4006

5) Put foil on a baking sheet, spray it with a Non-Stick cooking spray (or rub with a stick of butter if you don’t have the spray). Put the puff pastry pockets on the tray and place in the oven.

DSCN4008

6) Bake on 350 Degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the puff pasty pockets get golden brown in color. Let cool for a few minutes, and Dig in!

DSCN4013

DSCN4020

Fried Calamari (Carrabba’s Italian Grill Recipe)

DSCN3770This is the exact Carrabba’s Italian Restaurant cookbook recipe. The fried calamari turns out perfect…tender and crisp with a light and delicate coating. I have yet to find a better calamari recipe! We like to dip it in Marinara Sauce and Garlic Aioli sauce (both recipes on my blog). If you are looking for a yummy new appetizer and you love seafood, this recipe is for you! I highly recommend you make both sauces for dipping too, so you have the ultimate restaurant experience right at home!

Fried Calamari (Carrabba’s Italian Grill Recipe)

This is the exact Carrabba's Italian Restaurant recipe from their cookbook. The fried calamari turns out perfect! Tender and crisp with a light, delicate coating. I have yet to find a better fried calamari recipe. We like to serve it with the ultimate dipping sauces, Marinara and Garlic Aioli sauce (both posted on my blog, both from Carrabba's cookbook). If you are looking for a yummy new appetizer and you love seafood, this recipe is for you!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 1 LB Calamari cleaned
  • 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
  • Vegetable Oil for deep frying
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt or Sea Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • Lemon Wedges optional, for serving
  • Marinara Sauce or Garlic Aioli Sauce for dipping, optional, both recipes posted on my blog

Instructions
 

  • Wash the Calamari (Squid). Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Line 1 baking sheet with 2 layers of paper towels. Have a 2nd baking sheet lined with foil, nearby.
  • Pour enough oil to come 1 inch up the side of a large, heavy saucepan or skillet. Heat over high heat to 350 degrees (on a deep frying thermometer).
  • Cut the Calamari bodies (sacs/tubes) crosswise into 1/2 inch-wide rings. Cut each cluster of tentacles in halves or thirds. Season the Calamari with salt/pepper and mix.
  • Pour the flour into a bowl. Divide the calamari into 2 batches. Put the first batch of calamari into the bowl with flour and coat it with the flour, shaking off excess flour.
  • Add the coated calamari into the saucepan with the hot oil. Cook over high heat until the calamari are golden brown, about 2-4 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon transfer the calamari onto the baking sheet lined with paper towels to briefly drain.
  • Move the calamari to the second baking sheet lined with foil and place in the oven, to keep it warm and crisp. Repeat the same steps with the second batch of calamari. Add more flour to the bowl if there is not enough. I added a few extra spoons of flour.
  • Transfer the calamari to the serving plate. You can add lemon wedges to the plate, for decoration. Serve with Marinara Sauce and or Garlic Aioli Sauce for dipping, if desired. I served with both sauces because we like to dip our calamari into both sauces. Both Marinara and Garlic Aioli Sauce recipes are on my blog.
Keyword 30 minutes, appetizers, calamari, seafood

Bacon and Chive Cheese Ball

DSCN2670

Appetizer season is here, and this is definitely a great one! I got this recipe from my friend Boo Fields, this cheese ball is her creation and her idea the only things I did different was add real bacon bits and dry dill and adapt the exact amounts of every ingredient to come up with this awesome cheese ball dip.  Boo made this recipe for a Christmas party and I could not get enough of it, everyone loved it and it was the star of the party! I recreated this cheese ball dip last night for a movie night with our friends and brought it over their house, we really enjoyed it and it was a great snack for a movie night. I paired this cheese ball dip with flip sides pretzel crackers, let me tell you about this snack… It completes me. It is literally half side pretzel and half side cracker, baked into one and it sounds weird, even looks interesting, but it tastes AMAZING!!! This “pracker” as I call them, totally brings out the flavors of this cheese ball and goes so perfectly with it. I just recently discovered them and wanted to share them with the world, you must try them yourself, you just have to! After all crackers, pretzels, pita chips, potato chips and everything else is so yesterday. If you really want to impress your taste buds, this snack will do it! Okay, enough said, just take a look at these ingredients and you will understand. 😉

Bacon and Chive Cheese Ball {Serves 4-6}

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of Cream Cheese (8oz) *Softened about an hour*
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Dill
  • 1 heaping teaspoon McCormick Perfect Pinch (Spice) Bacon and Chive flavored *Pictured Below
  • 1 teaspoon Real Bacon Bits (+ 1 teaspoon to top/decorate the cheese ball)
  • 1-2 pressed Garlic Cloves, depending on your love of garlic (I like 1 clove)
  • Crackers or Snack or your choice. I used Town House Pretzel Crackers *Pictured Below*
  • Optional: Almonds or walnuts (I did NOT use any nuts)

DSCN2641

DSCN2652                     DSCN2654

Directions:

1) Cut the cream cheese into about 1 inch squares (I cut 4 vertical lines from top to bottom, and 1 horizontal line, to make perfect cubes) and put it into a large bowl.

2) Add the dill, McCormick bacon and chive spice, bacon bits, and pressed garlic to the bowl with the cream cheese and press down with a fork, making the cream cheese soft then mix very well with a spoon.

DSCN2661

3) Put a piece of aluminum foil on the counter top. Using a spoon put the cream cheese mixture on the foil and using your hands, form the cream cheese mixture into a ball. You just kind of roll it with your hands, molding it until it becomes a perfect round cheese ball.

4) Carefully pick it up using your hands, and neatly place it into a little bowl that you want to serve it in. Then sprinkle 1 more teaspoon of the bacon bits all around on top of the cheese ball. This makes the cheese ball look extra pretty and gives it even more flavor.

5) Cover the cheese ball with foil and refrigerate until it is ready to serve, otherwise it will get too soft. *Optional: If you wish you can also cut almonds or walnuts into little tiny pieces and top the cheese ball with nuts instead or along with the bacon bits. I did not do that because I like to keep it simple and was not sure if the friends we were visiting had any nut allergies but my friend Boo used nuts to top her cheese ball at the Christmas party and it tasted great, if you are a nut lover definitely try it.*

DSCN2670

DSCN2673