Nothing gets a party started like platters piled high with plentiful treats. Well-chosen appetizers can really set the tone of a get-together. From casual dips to fancy pastries, Blue Ribbon recipes make every event the pinnacle of good taste!
So many of our friends have fallen in love with Anne Nunez’s Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball that we’re considering reserving it a seat at all of our parties! This recipe has such simple ingredients that it’s hard to believe the addictive flavor of the finished product. One bite and you’ll be hooked. “This sweet indulgence has become a New Year’s Eve tradition for our family,” says Anne, a native of Kansas City, MO. “I’ve also brought it to parties and meetings and gotten rave reviews.” Well, rave on! Sugar, vanilla and cream cheese bind together with pecans and dainty miniature chocolate chips for one truly sweet palate-pleaser.
Katie Nichols of Thousand Oaks, CA likes to add Latin flair to her party eats. Helping her set the mood are delicious – and versatile – Argentine Empanadas! Consisting of stuffing wrapped in pastry or bread, empanadas make for a terrific appetizer choice. They’re easy to eat with your hands and can be filled with any number of fillings… from fruits to meats! Katie’s empanadas are stuffed with a yummy mixture of ground beef and red pepper that is seasoned with Argentine flavors like cumin, cilantro and garlic. “[They’re a] very tasty finger food and appetizer,” says Katie. And fear not, while liberally seasoned, these empanadas aren’t overly spicy. Perfect for a wide range of palates.
That brings us to Mrs. Shawn Brown of Chambersburg, PA. Despite being married to a decidedly meat-and-potatoes fella, Shawn has deftly managed to create a meatless munchie that has become a real family favorite… Yes, THAT’s how good her Kalamata Olive Hummus tastes! Made the traditional way with garbanzo beans and olive oil, Shawn plays up the dip’s Mediterranean charm by also adding yummy Kalamata olives. “I used to buy this already prepared at a store in Vermont when I lived up there,” Shawn explains. “I tried to find it here in PA where I live now but to my dismay I couldn’t find it anywhere.” So what’s a hungry girl to do? Invent your own amazing recipe, of course! We just love this creamy starter… made all the more addictive by those salty olives. Serve with veggies or pita chips for a light and delicious way to satisfy your crowd.
Growing up, I simply loved nibbling from those trays of mini meatballs at our family parties. You know the ones I mean… Spear ’em with a pretzel rod, dip them into warm ketchup and all was right with the world. As I’ve gotten older I still love munching on those kinds of savory bites, and thanks to Candace Vaughan of New Bedford, MA my nibbler repertoire has happily expanded. Her Chinese Meatballs with Sesame Rice give all the meaty satisfaction of those party trays past but with a modern international flair! Her secret ingredients include minced water chestnuts for crunch and sesame oil for a unique, nutty richness. “This recipe is extremely easy,” says Candace who encourages folks to get the party started early by getting the kiddos involved with the prep work.
As you can tell, I just love sharing your creative recipes with my own family and friends, both in the Test Kitchen and here on the page. Sometimes, amidst the hustle and bustle, it can be hard to remember that food really does taste best when made with love. Seeing the care that these ladies take in their dishes reminds me to take a minute to enjoy the bounty of these family-filled winter days. After all, with a few good friends and few good recipes, a party is sure to follow… whether your soufflé rises or not.
A New Year’s Wish…
2011 has been an amazing year for us here at Just A Pinch. We have been blessed with so many new friends, and with your help have reached some astounding milestones as a Club. We continue to be overwhelmed by your unfailing support and want each of you to know how you have warmed our hearts. May your 2012 be filled with love, happiness and all things sweet! – Janet & the Kitchen Crew