Appetizers and More (adding more all the time)

 I LOVE goat cheese.  I love its' tangy, cool flavor and also that it marries beautifully with both sweet and savory components. I put it in everything from salads to shepherd's pie and it is always perfect.  This appetizer takes almost no time to throw together, other than roasting the garlic, and warming the baguettes, and it's a hit every single time.  You can use any kind of olives that you'd like and although I usually buy my olives from the fresh olive bar at our local supermarket, I was in a time crunch on Friday and bought jarred, sliced olives which is a great time saver.  So here goes.  Get ready to be an appetizer champion!! 

This recipe, in my opinion, is better than most restaurant or store bought salsas and can be eaten on anything from crispy tortilla chips, to smokey pulled pork, or your favorite omelet. The best salsa recipes have the perfect blend of acid and spice, and fresh cilantro is the forward flavor. This one has it all and can be made in about ten minutes!  It's the best! Enjoy!

 Yesterday I needed a quick appetizer that is a crowd-pleaser, so I turned to a recipe that we have had in our family for at least 20 years.  Mexican seven-layer dip is full of flavor and everyone gobbles it up in minutes.  I have been asked for this recipe more times than I can count, hence the sharing today.  I have no idea where it originated from and maybe it's somewhere out in cyber space, but I got this one from my mom.  It is worth the effort to make the guacamole, and I have seen the bean layer substituted for refried beans, or black beans but it is not nearly as good. Follow this recipe exactly and you will be glad that you did. 

This incredible recipe is courtesy of The barefoot contessa, Ina Garten.  These nuts are absolutely the best thing ever.  They are great for filling dishes when hosting a party, or for sharing with friends at any event.  The have the perfect combination of sweet and spice.  For less heat decrease the chipolte powder. The only problem you'll have is not eating them all before you have to take them somewhere.  AMAZING!!

Who doesn't love a fabulous caprese salad?  Summer tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, drizzled with syrupy aged balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper.  I love to make these as appetizer kabobs.  But a fun twist is that you can change it up.  Instead of tomatoes, I like to use strawberries.  It's only four ingredients; strawberries, fresh basil leaves, fresh mozzarella pearls, and sweet aged balsamic vinegar. Layer the ingredients on a toothpick, drizzle and enjoy!   No link here, this is the recipe!