Category Archives: Appetizer

Watermelon Blueberry Salad

This insanely good summer salad is worth the time it takes, including the time to make and then cool the balsamic glaze. You could substitute mint, but I think the basil is best, to match the feta. Choose a good quality feta!

Watermelon Blueberry Salad

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Picnic, Pyrex, Summer
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 158kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 cups watermelon seeded and cubed
  • 1 pint blueberries washed and cleaned
  • 3 oz feta crumbled from block
  • 12 leaves basil slivered
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

  • Make the balsamic glaze first, so it has maximum time to cool. In a small sauce pan, mix the ½ cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp honey well, and heat over medium until it is bubbling, about 2 minutes. Watch it carefully until it reduces by half and is thickened. Cool by pouring into a heat-safe dish and placing in the fridge.
  • Prepare the other ingredients. Slice the 6 cups watermelon and clean and prep the 1 pint blueberries. Crumble the 3 oz feta and clean and slice the 12 leaves basil.
  • If you are serving immediately, you can add it all together. If not, keep ingredients separate until ready to serve.

Notes

Makes six servings as a side.

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 1020IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Facts
Watermelon Blueberry Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 158 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 13mg4%
Sodium 169mg7%
Potassium 268mg8%
Carbohydrates 30g10%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 23g26%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 1020IU20%
Vitamin C 20mg24%
Calcium 93mg9%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Ayocote Morado and Charred Corn Salad

Ayocote Morado and Charred Corn Salad

Prep Time3 hours
Cook Time30 minutes
Soaking Time8 hours
Total Time11 hours 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: California, Mexican, Vegetarian
Keyword: Dry Beans, Fresh Corn
Servings: 6 servings (as a side)
Calories: 215kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 large green pepper Anaheim, or 2 small
  • 2 bunches green onions trimmed
  • 3 tsp olive oil divided use
  • 4 ears of corn shucked, cleaned and kernals removed, cobs can be saved for soup or discarded
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ lb Ayocote Morado beans or similar large bean
  • ¼ cup creme fraiche or sour cream
  • 3 limes
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce ideally smoky and deep
  • 1 tsp Rancho Gordo New Mexican Red Chile Powder or other chile powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 small bunch fresh cilantro roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • Halve the pepper, remove the stems, pith, and seeds, then cut into thick strips. Put the pepper strips and 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a bowl and toss to coat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; once the skillet is hot, add the peppers and char them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a cutting board or plate to cool.
  • In the bowl, toss the green onions with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add them to the skillet (in two batches if necessary) and char them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, then transfer to the cutting board. Once cool, cut into 1-inch chunks. Return the green onions and pepper to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • In another bowl, toss the corn with a teaspoon of olive oil. Add to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly charred, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter. Return the corn to its bowl and stir in the beans.
  • In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, juice of 1 lime, hot sauce, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of water; mix well. Add to the bowl with the corn and beans, and mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • In another small bowl, combine the chile powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
  • Arrange a third of the pepper-onion mixture and a third of the corn-bean mixture on a platter or in a serving bowl. Sprinkle with some of the feta, some of the chile mixture, and some cilantro. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used. Add a squeeze of lime before serving.

Notes

Serves six as a side dish

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 309mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 409IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition Facts
Ayocote Morado and Charred Corn Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 215 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 16mg5%
Sodium 309mg13%
Potassium 380mg11%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 8g16%
Vitamin A 409IU8%
Vitamin C 18mg22%
Calcium 108mg11%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

White Beans with Roasted Cauliflower

This fairly simply meal is delicious and saves well. It probably needs to have a secondary side of some kind.

White Beans with Roasted Cauliflower

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Bean Soaking6 hours
Total Time7 hours
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: California
Keyword: Dry Beans, Inspired by New York Times, Roasted Vegetables, Vegan
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 392kcal

Ingredients

Beans

  • ½ lb dry white beans (e.g., Buckeye)
  • 1 bay leaf

Salad

  • 1 lb cauliflower trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 cup celery thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp parsley chopped, optional
  • 3 tbsp green onions sliced

Dressing

  • 1 large shallot small diced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground fennel seed
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Beans

  • Soak the beans in 1.5% salinity water for 6-8 hours, ideally. (If not soaked, switch to pressure-cooker method for next step and cook for 20-40 minutes under pressure, depending on the bean.)
    ½ lb dry white beans (e.g., Buckeye)
  • Drain the soaked beans. To a large sauce pot, add the drained beans and lots of water, enough to cover by two inches. Add the bay leaf. Cover and heat over high until boiling (and turn down to keep hearty boil but not overflow the pot). Boil heartily for 10 minutes, then turn heat to just above low, so you have a steady simmer. Cook for at least 20 minutes, and up to an hour, checking at regular intervals if the beans are cooked through. When fully cooked, drain and set aside.
    1 bay leaf

Cauliflower and Other Prep

  • Once you start the beans, prepare the cauliflower by trimming and cutting. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Put cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until nicely cooked and developing some browned bits. Set aside to cool.
    1 lb cauliflower, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • Prep the other salad ingredients. Celery can go into the ultimate salad bowl. The scallions and parsley (if using) should be kept separate, ideally.
    1 cup celery, 3 tbsp parsley, 3 tbsp green onions

Dressing

  • In a medium bowl, place all dressing ingredients (minus the salt and pepper for now). Whisk well to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    1 large shallot, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp ground fennel seed, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper

Combine and Rest

  • Once the beans and cauliflower and done, and hopefully have cooled some, add to the bowl with the celery. Gently toss with the dressing. Let it rest for 30 minutes so the flavors combine. Then add the green onions and parsley (if using). Toss again. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition

Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 1273mg | Potassium: 1513mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 422IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 197mg | Iron: 7mg
Nutrition Facts
White Beans with Roasted Cauliflower
Amount Per Serving
Calories 392 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 13g
Sodium 1273mg55%
Potassium 1513mg43%
Carbohydrates 45g15%
Fiber 12g50%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 422IU8%
Vitamin C 62mg75%
Calcium 197mg20%
Iron 7mg39%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Corn and Black Bean Salad

This is great with fresh corn, especially if you’ve grilled some ears.

Corn and Black Bean Salad

Delicious as a side or for a small lunch
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Marinating30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: California
Keyword: Dry Beans
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 146kcal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups corn kernels from about 2-3 ears corn
  • 1.5 cups cooked black beans
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes from 3-4 fresh
  • 0.5 cup yellow or white onion finely diced
  • 1 cup cilantro leaves coarsely chopped
  • 1 to 2 jalapeno peppers seeded and minced
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • pepper freshly ground

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients. Allow to stand for 1/2 hour. Taste for salt and pepper.
    1.5 cups corn kernels, 1.5 cups cooked black beans, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 0.5 cup yellow or white onion, 1 cup cilantro leaves, 1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, pepper

Notes

Serves 6 (side portions)

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 471mg | Potassium: 334mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition Facts
Corn and Black Bean Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 146 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 471mg20%
Potassium 334mg10%
Carbohydrates 21g7%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 279IU6%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Calcium 33mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Roasted Spring Onions

This simple dish is a great side. If you roast them long enough, the lower half softens into a subtly flavored mush and the tops get crispy and salty. It’s a real treat. Two to three per person is enough.

I made this for Passover 2021 and it was an excellent and surprising side.

Roasted Spring Onions

Simple seasonal deliciousness
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Keyword: Spring
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 88kcal

Equipment

  • Deep-sided metal pan

Ingredients

  • 6 large spring onions
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Trim bottoms and tops of the spring onion. Coat with oil, salt and pepper. Place in the large pan.
  • Place pan in the oven and roast for at least 20 minutes, uo to 25 minutes, until the tops have darkened significantly and the bottoms look flat as if they've fully softened.

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 275mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 753IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Facts
Roasted Spring Onions
Amount Per Serving
Calories 88 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 275mg12%
Potassium 221mg6%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 753IU15%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 59mg6%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Caprese Eggplant Bites

These delicious little devils are less work than they look. It’s a lot of dishes, but it’s worth it. They even save pretty well! I made this for a informal Passover 2021 and it was a nice, semi-fresh compliment to a heavier meal.

Caprese Eggplant Bites

An appetizing bite-sized dish
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 360kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 large graffiti eggplant or 1 medium regular eggplant
  • ½ cup oil Canola or other high-heat oil
  • 3 medium heirloom tomatoes
  • 12 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
  • Fresh basil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Prep the breading work area. Measure flour and put on a plate. Then measure the breadcrumbs and put on a second plate; add salt and pepper and mix well. Beat 3 eggs in a large, shallow bowl and place between the two plates.
  • Trim the top and bottom of the eggplant. Slice about ⅜" rounds, or just larger than ¼" rounds.
  • Preheat the oil in a large frying pan over medium, medium-high heat.
  • Using one hand, move each slice of eggplant through the flour, coating well. Then dip into the egg, coating well again. Finally, gently press each side into the bread crumbs to ensure it's well-coated.
  • Using a slotted turner (or tongs), gently place battered eggplant slices into the oil in a single layer. You will have to do a few batches. Fry on each side without disturbing for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat until all slices are fried.
  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. While the slices fry, slice the tomatoes into the same number of slices as you have eggplants. Also prepare the sliced mozzarella. Once the slices are fried, place on a lightly oiled sheet pan (half-size is fine) and top with the sliced tomatoes and then the sliced mozzarella.
  • Bake the slices at 400ºF for 3-5 minutes, until the mozzarella just barely starts to melt. While that bakes, slice the basil leaves.
  • Remove and top with a pinch of red pepper flakes, a pinch of a flaky salt and the sliced basil leaves.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 667mg | Potassium: 413mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1078IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 333mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition Facts
Caprese Eggplant Bites
Amount Per Serving
Calories 360 Calories from Fat 216
% Daily Value*
Fat 24g37%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 76mg25%
Sodium 667mg29%
Potassium 413mg12%
Carbohydrates 20g7%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 17g34%
Vitamin A 1078IU22%
Vitamin C 10mg12%
Calcium 333mg33%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Guacamole

The only reason to have this is a reminder of the ingredients. Each piece is critical. Maybe the tomato is optional.

Guacamole

Simple and excellent
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: California, Mexican
Keyword: Basics
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 189kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 serrano pepper
  • ½ bunch cilantro
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 2 large avocadoes
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Clean, dice and prep the ingredients. Mash everything together. Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 594mg | Potassium: 700mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Facts
Guacamole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 189 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Sodium 594mg26%
Potassium 700mg20%
Carbohydrates 15g5%
Fiber 8g33%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 750IU15%
Vitamin C 26mg32%
Calcium 31mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Cooling Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Thanksgiving
Keyword: Eggs
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 dashes Cholula hot sauce
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp snipped fresh chives
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • Paprika for garnish
  • Whole fresh chives

Instructions

  • Add about 1 in. of water to a pot with a steamer basket in the bottom. Rinse eggs with warm water. Once the water is boiling heavily, add the eggs to the steamer basket and allow to steam for about 12 minutes. If the eggs aren’t in a single layer: first, why are you cooking so many eggs; and second, add about five minutes to account for the added eggs.
    6 large eggs
  • Once the timer has gone off, remove eggs from the steam and set aside to cool for about 30 minutes. Do not plunge in water or do anything besides letting them cool naturally for a bit, until they are not too hot to handle. Peel the eggs.
  • Halve the eggs lengthwise, and carefully scoop out yolks. Place yolks in a bowl, and mash with a fork. Add the 1 tsp Dijon mustard, a few dashes of Cholula, a ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and snipped chives. Stir in 3 tbsp mayonnaise.
    1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 dashes Cholula hot sauce, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tbsp snipped fresh chives, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, ¼ tsp salt
  • Fill each egg white with about 1½ teaspoons of the egg-yolk mixture and dust the top with paprika. Garnish with whole chives.
    Paprika, Whole fresh chives

Notes

Six servings, two pieces each

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 189mg | Sodium: 223mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Facts
Classic Deviled Eggs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 120 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 189mg63%
Sodium 223mg10%
Potassium 72mg2%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 275IU6%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.