Video: Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Dates are super sweet.  If you have never tried one before this recipe is where you should start.  It's the perfect bite of salty, sweet, and savory. This is appetizer super simple to prepare and is a definite crowd pleaser. 

Ingredients:
Medjool Dates
1lb of bacon cut in half
goat cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees
Slit open dates and remove pits.
Stuff with 1/2 tablespoon -  1 tablespoon of goat cheese.
Wrap tightly in bacon.
Arange on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Bake for 15 -20 minutes turning once in between to ensure all sides evenly brown.

Lime-Cotija Dip

This super simple dip is perfect for when you have unexpected guests.  It is ridiculously easy to make and has some of the same flavors notes of my favorite summer must have food.  You can be super fancy and make the plantain chips from scratch, but the store bought once are just as good. 

Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens
Ingredients and Directions

1/2 cup mayo

1/2 cup grated Cotija cheese

Juice of 1/2 small lime (about 1 Tbsp)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp minced parsley

3 dashes of hot sauce (I prefer Tapatio)

Mix all ingredients let rest for 30 minutes serve with plantain chips

 

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is almost always present at our get togethers. It makes for a classic, simple appetizer full of big flavors. This is my easy recipe:

2 cups of chopped roma tomatoes

about 20 leaves of basil, thinly sliced

2 minced cloves of garlic

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar

bocconcini (bite size fresh mozzarella)

sourdough Italian Bread, sliced

kosher salt and pepper to taste

Mix together the first five ingredients, season with plenty of salt and pepper. Let sit while you toast your bread. Once bread is toasted top with bruschetta and half a bocconcini. Sprinkle with cracked pepper and drizzle with a little extra olive oil.

Herbed Cheese Straws

These herbed cheese straws are a guaranteed hit at parties. They will leave your guest super impressed and craving more. Little will they know that they only take mere minutes to make. Here is the recipe for these cheesy and delicious treats.

Gorgonzola and Walnut Crackers

I prepared these homemade crackers for our cocktail party.  How fancy does that sound?  Well, it's was way easier than I thought.  They can be described as the best Cheez-it you  have ever had in your life.  Kind of addictive.  I served them along side some fig butter from Trader Joe's for the perfect combination of salty and sweet.

Zucchini Fries

 These zucchini fries make for the perfect guilt free snack because they are baked, not fried.  The addition of red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese to the panko breadcrumbs adds a little kick.  I chose to make a little mayo ketchup (lowfat mayo, ketchup, and a little garlic powder) as a dipper.  Being a little more health conscience has never tasted so good.

Video: Grilled Brie with Thyme Honey & Fresh Figs

I was so inspired when I saw this eye-catching recipe that I knew I had to try it ASAP.  This makes for the perfect pre dinner appetizer or post dinner dessert when paired with a little bubbly.  The marriage of creamy brie, savory yet sweet honey, and exotic figs are perfection atop water crackers or even multi grain toasts. Your guest will be so impressed by the fancy presentation of this dish, little do they know it only takes minutes to prepare. 

Food Porn of The Week: Swiss Bacon Dip

This here dip my friends is a hit at every party I make it for/bring to.  I have been making it for years now.  It kind of tastes like a crust-less quiche.  You can serve it with veggies for a healthier alternative, but I always serve it with some toasted multigrain bread.  It's super yummy!

For the recipe click here.