Recipe: Mini Tarts with puff pastry, fresh tomatoes and arugula pesto

Tina: Puff pastry is such an amazing thing! Honestly, I’d never try making it myself because it takes a lot of time. It’s basically made of loads of dough and butter, and you have to do it at just the right temperature. But luckily, you don’t have to go through all that trouble – you… Continue reading Recipe: Mini Tarts with puff pastry, fresh tomatoes and arugula pesto

Recipe: Goat Cheese and Broccoli Rabe Crostini

Tina: It might be that I am petite in stature that I like small bite-size dishes, or perhaps they just taste better to me. I fact, I will never let hors d’oeuvres pass me without having a taste – you might actually see me chase down the waiters or force them to come to me… Continue reading Recipe: Goat Cheese and Broccoli Rabe Crostini

Recipe: Warm Goat Cheese Toasts with Olive Tapenade

Sanne: I first had these warm goat cheese toasts at a friend’s place, and I was immediately hooked. It’s such a great snack, and you only need 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to make it. A perfect nibble along with pre-dinner drinks, at the tapas table, or served together with a hearty soup. I prefer… Continue reading Recipe: Warm Goat Cheese Toasts with Olive Tapenade

Recipe: Mango Prosciutto Rolls

I have served these appetizers to friends a few times before dinner, and I can tell you they were a hit. They pair especially well with a little chilled sparkling or white wine.  This is quite an easy recipe that requires no cooking.  It looks impressive and is pretty tasty as well. I am sure… Continue reading Recipe: Mango Prosciutto Rolls

Recipe: Spring Rolls with Caramelized Pork

The great thing about spring rolls is that they are delicious, easy to make, and you can fill them with whatever you like.  The following recipe is close to a classic Vietnamese spring roll, except I made them a little tastier by adding caramelized pork. If you are not a pork eater, you can substitute… Continue reading Recipe: Spring Rolls with Caramelized Pork

Recipe: Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with feta cheese

Over the years I have tried many variations of bacon-wrapped dates, and they are usually delicious.  But once I tried the version created by my new friend Nate on a birthday celebration trip to upstate New York, I completely fell in love with this snack.  Nate’s secret was to stuff the dates with feta cheese.… Continue reading Recipe: Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with feta cheese