Category Archives: Appetizers

Wing Night

Posted in Appetizers, Lunch/Dinner by

IMG-20170903-WA0009

This post follows the theme of our last one; easy chicken recipes. You can probably tell that we’re a fan of easy to make, yet flavorful and delicious dishes! Why complicate, when you can simplify and get the same results? You’ll ask yourself the very same question after trying these bbq wings. They are just as good, if not better, than wings you’d get from the big box, popular chain restaurants.They make an excellent dish for entertaining (and impressing) guests, or just for yourself (because there’s nothing better than treating yourself to good home cooking).  Continue reading →

Stuffed Jalapenos

Posted in Appetizers by
Stuffed Jalapenos

Stuffed Jalapenos

A few years ago, I went to a networking event in Washington, DC. It was held in Madam’s Organ, by Adams Morgan. I remember little about the occasion (like who was the organizer, who I met, or what season it was for that matter), but I do remember one thing clearly: what I ate. Hors d’oeuvres were served, and on this one particular tray, there were these breaded items. They did not look exactly like breaded chicken and appeared too thick to be mozzarella sticks, but I knew they were fried and looked good. I placed two on a napkin and took a bite out of one. The coating was crispy and the inside was gooey. Wow, I thought to myself- what is this? It tasted great!  I looked at the half-bitten appetizer and saw some green. What could this be?  A menu was by a table and I scanned through the appetizer section. They were Jalapeno Poppers! I couldn’t believe that I just ate a jalapeno! How does it taste this good? Why isn’t my mouth burning? I thought about those questions for a few seconds, then I placed a couple more on my napkin and ate, as I continued to ponder. Continue reading →

Pork Spring Rolls

Posted in Appetizers by
Fried Spring Rolls

Fried Spring Rolls

Every time my family goes to our favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Brooklyn, we always order spring rolls. It’s become a tradition-the fried spring rolls filled with pork that comes on a bed of lettuce and dipping sauce on the side. I never knew the name of the sauce, but it tastes like a lighter version of duck sauce. It’s sweet and almost clear. When the waiter brings the dish to the table, immediately all conversation stops and hands begin to move towards the hot plate. It’s a perfect amount for sharing-8 rolls for our four person family, 2 per person. We each take one and grab a lettuce leaf, wrap it quickly around the crispy roll and then dip the product into the sweet sauce. It’s a great combination. Continue reading →

Primavera Pasta Salad

Posted in Appetizers, Lunch/Dinner by

DSCN2395

Have you ever had to decide on what to bring to a potluck? We were in this situation a few weeks ago. Even though we’re both avid cooks, we still went through what I’ll call a ‘Potluck Decision-Making Checklist‘: easy to make (because we were short on time), easy to carry (the NYC Subway system is not conducive for carrying delicate dishes, especially when dodging aggressive straphangers), easy to serve, does not have to be heated, won’t break the bank, and still tastes good?

In that decision-making moment, we had a ‘ah-ha’ moment: A Primavera Pasta Salad! How could you go wrong with pasta, flavorful pepperoni, fresh cheese, juicy tomatoes, and crisp veggies, all tossed in a herb infused oil based dressing? And it could not be easier to make, did not take long to prepare, could be carried through a crowded, rough, or jerky 45 minute subway ride, tastes best at room temperature, is wallet-friendly, and tastes delicious. We had a winner!

So, for your next potluck, don’t despair. We have a go-to recipe for you.

Continue reading →