Category Archives: Appetizers

Wonton Butternut Squash Ravioli

Appetizers, Dinner Ideas, Vegetables, Wonton Wrappers April 16, 2026 Leave a comment
Ravioli pasta served with fried sage leaves, walnuts, and grated cheese in a rustic bowl

Embark on a delightful culinary adventure by transforming simple wonton wrappers into irresistibly tasty butternut squash dumplings! This fun and easy recipe combines the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash with the delicate, chewy texture of wonton wrappers, creating a perfect bite-sized treat. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at your next gathering, this recipe proves that even simple ingredients can turn into a delightful culinary creation!

Ingredients

  • 1 butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeded (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 36 wonton wrappers
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Pesto sauce recipe below

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
  2. Place squash halves, cut sides down, on a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
  3. Bake for 30 minutes or until tender. Cool. Scoop out pulp, discard peel. Mash pulp.
  4. Combine oregano, squash pulp, and butter in a large bowl.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  6. Working with 1 wonton wrapper at a time, spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the squash mixture into the center of each wrapper.
  7. Moisten edges of wrapper with beaten egg; bring 2 opposite corners together. Pinch edges together to seal, forming a triangle. Repeat procedure with remaining wrappers, squash mixture, and egg. Cover wonton ravioli loosely with a towel to prevent drying.
  8. Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large Dutch oven. Add half of the wonton ravioli; cook 3 minutes or until the ravioli begins to float to the top of the water.
  9. Remove wonton ravioli with a slotted spoon. Repeat the procedure with the remaining ravioli.
  10. Add ravioli to pesto; toss gently to coat.

Spinach Basil Pesto Ingredients

  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 1/2 cups of fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted, chopped, and divided
  • 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons organic vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Process

  1. Place garlic in a food processor, and pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Add cheese, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, spinach, basil, and 2 tablespoons toasted walnuts to the food processor.
  3. With the processor on, slowly pour oil, broth, and juice through the food chute. Process until well blended.
  4. Plate with Wonton Ravioli. Arrange 6 ravioli on each of 6 plates: sprinkle each serving with 1 teaspoon walnuts, sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Vegetable Wonton Dumplings

Appetizers, Dinner Ideas, Vegetables, Wonton Wrappers April 14, 2026 Leave a comment
Plate of steamed dumplings garnished with green onions and sesame seeds next to a bowl of dipping sauce
A plate of steamed dumplings served with soy-based dipping sauce

Making vegetable dumplings from wonton wrappers is a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade, customizable, and satisfying treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. This fun and easy recipe invites you to get creative with fresh vegetables, turning them into bite-sized pockets of flavor. Start by chopping a colorful mix of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and green onions. Sauté or steam the vegetables until tender, then season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of ginger for an extra zing. Next, spoon the flavorful filling onto each wonton wrapper, fold and seal to create perfect little parcels. Whether you prefer steaming, pan-frying, or boiling, each method offers a unique taste experience. These vegetable dumplings are not only a healthy snack but also a fun activity for cooks of all ages.

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 2 teaspoons of Sesame oil (or olive oil)
  • 1-1/2 cups of green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1/2 cup(s) carrot(s), shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
  • 1 scallion, minced
  • 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
  • 24 wonton wrappers

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cabbage, carrots, garlic, and minced scallion: sauté until cabbage wilts, about 2 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of soy sauce.
  4. Place wonton wrappers on a flat surface. Drop vegetable mixture by teaspoonfuls onto the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with wet fingers, fold over one corner to form a triangle, and press the sides together to seal.
  5. Transfer filled wrappers to the prepared baking sheet and coat the surface with cooking spray.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the wontons are golden brown.

Sauce

  • ¼ cup of soy sauce
  • 1 minced scallion
  • 1 teaspoon of seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of Sesame oil
  1. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, minced scallion, and sesame oil.
  2. Mix well and serve with vegetable wontons.

Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans

Appetizers, Dinner Ideas, Fun Stuff, Lite and Weight Watcher Recipes, Salads, Side, Weight Watcher Friendly March 22, 2026 Leave a comment

Cooking with fresh ingredients is a delightful adventure that sparks joy and creativity. Making a spinach salad with candied pecans turns mealtime into a fun, vibrant experience, filling my kitchen with warmth and happiness. It’s a simple way to add excitement and flavor to everyday meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of balsamic or white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 6-ounce package of baby spinach, long stems removed
  • 1 Pomegranate, seeded
  • ¼ cup feta or Gorgonzola cheese

Directions

  1. Melt butter in a small frying pan over low heat.
  2. Add pecans and 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar.
  3. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until nuts are caramelized.
  4. Spread out on wax or parchment paper to cool.
  5. In a jar with a lid, combine the remaining brown sugar, olive oil and vinegar, shake until sugar is melted.
  6. Place spinach in a large salad bowl and coat with the dressing, mix.
  7. Stir in pecans and pomegranate seeds, sprinkle with feta cheese or Gorgonzola cheese

Optional stir ins:

  • Thinly sliced tart apple
  • Golden raisins
  • Sliced Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries

Toasted Ramen Noodle Salad

Appetizers, Dinner Ideas, Fun Stuff, Salads, Side March 18, 2026 Leave a comment

This salad is light, refreshing, and delicious, perfect for summer barbecues or dinners. It features a satisfying crunch from toasted ramen noodles, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds. Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 16-ounce package of coleslaw mix
  • 4 scallions, sliced or 1/8 cup chopped red onion
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds (hauled)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 packages of Ramen Noodles, broken (chicken or pork flavor, keep flavor packet)

Dressing Mix

  • ½ cup olive or vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Seasoning from the ramen packets
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Process

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. (175°C).
  2. Spread broken ramen noodles, sunflower seeds, and almonds onto a baking sheet.
  3. Bake noodle mixture in the preheated oven until fragrant and toasted, 10 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  4. In a large serving bowl, combine shredded cabbage, onion, cooled almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and Ramen Noodles.
  5. To make the dressing: In a jar with a lid combine oil, reserved ramen seasoning packets, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper together in a jar and shake until the sugar is melted.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
  • Finely chop and add in other veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or thinly sliced bell peppers.
  • Make your ramen noodle salad at least two hours ahead so the noodles can soften in the refrigerator.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir them before reserving to refresh the flavors again.

Cooking Endive

Appetizers, Dinner Ideas, Fun Stuff, Lite and Weight Watcher Recipes, Salads, Side, Vegetables March 4, 2026 Leave a comment

How to cook endive. Endive belongs to the chicory genus, which includes several similar bitter leafed vegetables. I am talking about the little bullet shaped endives, not the curly leaf or chicory. Endives are rich in many vitamins and minerals, especially in foliate and vitamins A and K, and are high in fiber. Endive has a bitter-sweet taste, but I thought it was very savory, almost nutty. I served it up with my baby potatoes and flounder; it made a very filling side dish. Let your kids eat these little “boats” with their fingers. Make it fun.

Here are a few suggestions on how to enjoy your endive:

Baked endive:

  1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
  2. Slice endive lengthwise, remove core. Keep the root end intact as it will hold the leaves together after slicing.
  3. Brush both halves with olive oil.
  4. Slice a fresh garlic clove into very thin slices and place the slices in between the endive leaves.
  5. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper, and a little garlic powder.
  6. Bake at 375°F. for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove them from the oven and sprinkle balsamic vinegar over them.

Pan braised endive:

  1. Slice your endives in half.
  2. Sprinkle cut side with kosher salt and pepper, and any other seasoning you might like.
  3. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a heavy pan along with 1 tablespoon coconut oil.
  4. Place the endive halves cut side down in the pan, cook on medium-high heat until they are brown.
  5. Add ½ cup chicken broth and simmer until almost all liquid is gone. Remove from pan sprinkle with Kosher salt, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar

Maple glazed endive:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Halve 6 small endives, remove as much of the core as possible.
  3. Arrange endive into one layer on a baking sheet with raised edges.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter then stir in 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of thyme and ¼ teaspoon salt. When hot, pour over the endive and bake until tender and the edges begin to brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Oven Baked Citrus Salmon

Appetizers, Dinner Ideas February 23, 2026 Leave a comment

Citrus-Glazed Salmon is a tender, flavorful dish featuring salmon fillets coated with a sweet and tangy citrus glaze, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or sophisticated meals, combining elegance with simplicity. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon promotes health, while citrus enhances the taste with a fresh, tangy note. It is straightforward to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a healthy, gourmet option at home.

.Ingredients

  • Zest and ¼ cup of juice from 2 oranges
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar (can substitute with orange marmalade, or honey)
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
  • 2 tablespoons pressed garlic
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon Korean Red Pepper Powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 (6-ounce) boneless salmon steaks, or one full Salmon Filet

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Spray a roasting pan or baking dish (9 x 13 inches) with cooking spray and arrange salmon in the prepared pan.
  3. In a bowl, combine orange zest, brown sugar, chopped parsley, garlic, pepper flakes, lime juice and salt and pepper.
  1. Liberally brush each fillet with olive oil. Then brush on citrus-brown sugar mixture.
  2. Let stand for 10 minutes.
  3. Pour ¼ cup orange juice over the top of fish and bake for 10 – 15 minutes or until internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F. (63°C).

Salmon should be tender and flaky when finished

Toasted Almond & Swiss Party Spread

Appetizers February 6, 2026 Leave a comment

This appetizer from the 1980s is made with toasted almonds to enhance the Swiss cheese flavor. It is usually served with crackers, toasted bread cut-outs, or fresh vegetables. Retro appetizers often use traditional ingredients in recipes that are still enjoyed today. They are perfect for themed parties or gatherings that want a nostalgic feeling. These appetizers combine history, good taste, and social fun, making them popular for celebrations that appreciate the past but are also modern.

Ingredients

  • 1 8oz package cream cheese
  • 1-1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/3 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing, or mayonnaise
  • 3 thinly sliced scallions
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (fresh if possible)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted (see how to toast below)

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, onions, pepper and nutmeg. Stir in the Swiss cheese. Transfer to small ovenproof glass bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 of the almonds on top.
  3. Bake for 7 minutes. Stir, and bake for an additional 8 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining almonds on top and serve.
  4. Serve warm with crackers, toasted rye bread slices or vegetables to scoop the dip.

To Toast Almonds

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the almonds in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  3. Bake the almonds for 11 to 12 minutes for whole almonds, or about 8 minutes for sliced or slivered almonds. 
  4. Stir the almonds halfway through to ensure even toasting. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
  5. Once they are brown and fragrant, remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

Layered Salsa Dip

Appetizers February 4, 2026 Leave a comment

Some recipes are timeless, especially when it comes to party snacks. One popular choice is the Easy Layered Salsa Dip, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This dip was very popular in the 1980s and combines cream cheese, Picante Chunky Sauce, and toppings like cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, chili peppers, and black olives. It has been a staple at family gatherings since the ’80s and is the kind of dip that makes people hover around the kitchen island until it’s gone. Get ready to watch it disappear!

Ingredients

  • 1 jar of Picante Chunky Sauce
  • 1 (8-oz) cream cheese
  • 1 (4-oz) can chopped mild chunky Chile peppers (no seeds)
  • 1 8-oz bag shredded Iceberg lettuce
  • 1-1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes or sliced cherry tomatoes
  • 1 can of sliced black olives
  • 2 cups of fancy shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Process

  1. Mix Picante sauce, cream cheese, and can of mild Chile peppers until pink. Don’t overmix, it’s okay to have some white streaks of cream cheese.
  2. Spread in a shallow pie dish or quiche dish.
  3. Top the cream cheese mixture with a layer of shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, black olives and top with finely shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese.

The serving options are many. Tortilla chips are traditional, but I also like to offer bell pepper strips and cucumber slices for a lighter snack. No matter how you prepare it, after over 40 years in my family, it is always the first to go at family gatherings

Onion Jam

Appetizers, Dinner Ideas, Fun Stuff January 17, 2026 Leave a comment

Onion jam is a versatile condiment crafted by slow-cooking onions with honey, vinegar, and spices until they reach a thick, sweet, and tangy consistency. This culinary creation offers a unique blend of flavors that can enhance a variety of dishes. Its rich, caramelized taste makes it an excellent accompaniment to meats, cheeses, and bread, adding depth and sweetness to savory dishes. Onion jam can be used as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, and grilled meats, providing a burst of flavor that elevates the overall dish. It also pairs well with cheese platters, serving as a sweet contrast to sharp cheese like cheddar or blue cheese. Whether spread on toast, dolloped on roasted vegetables, or used as a marinade component, onion jam is a flavorful addition that enhances a wide range of culinary creations.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • About 2 pounds of sweet onion (about 3 large)
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt and ground pepper
  • 1 cup of red wine
  • ¼ cup of honey
  • ¼ cup of red wine vinegar

Directions:

  1. Slice onions thin, a mandoline is a great tool for this task.
  2. Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-low heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  3. Add onions, thyme, salt and pepper, cover and cook until onions have wilted, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. You do NOT want to brown the onions, just sweat them
  4. Remove lid. You will not need the lid for the next steps.
  5. Add red wine, cook over medium-high heat until the wine is absorbed into the onions.
  6. Remove pan from high heat. Turn heat down to medium-low. Return the pan to medium-low heat.
  7. Add the honey and red wine vinegar and simmer gently until onions have a jam like consistency, about 15 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat, cool and use immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator.

Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Appetizers, Chicken, Dinner Ideas, Fish, Fun Stuff, Salads, Side, Vegetables, Weight Watcher Friendly January 8, 2026 Leave a comment

This recipe involves wrapping a tasty filling in lettuce leaves, creating a satisfying vegetable and shrimp wrap. A store-bought rotisserie chicken, shredded, can substitute for the shrimp. For variety, consider experimenting with other vegetables such as snow peas, mushrooms, or canned bamboo shoots. These additions can enhance the dish’s flavor and texture, making it more exotic and satisfying. The preparation is simple, and the result is a healthy, flavorful wrap that can be enjoyed as a snack or light meal. Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and create new flavor combinations.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to coat pan
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dry sherry or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced peeled ginger
  • 1 (14 oz) bag of coleslaw
  • 1/2 cup sliced scallions
  • 1 small, peeled zucchini, sliced very thin with a vegetable peeler
  • About 12 Bibb lettuce leaves rinsed, and dried, or Boston lettuce.
  • 1 lb. of deveined and peeled medium shrimp
  • 1/4 cup chopped cashews or peanuts

Process

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, dry sherry, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl combine minced garlic and minced ginger. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, combine coleslaw, scallions and zucchini, set aside

Directions:

  1. Heat a large wok or frying pan on medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and swirl oil to coat pan or use a pastry brush.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, cook for about 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
  3. Add soy sauce mixture, coleslaw, and vegetables. Cook for 1 minute stirring.
  4. Add shrimp and stir fry until shrimp is pink and cooked through. Coleslaw and veggies should be crisp tender at this point.
  5. Divide mixture among lettuce leaves, sprinkle with cashews and enjoy.