Quick Easy Appetizers

Baguette Melts

1/2 lb cheese, shredded (cheddar, jack, etc)
3/4 cup chopped pitted olives
1 can (2oz) diced pimientos
4 green onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup mayo
1 1/2 tbsp prepared horseradish (optional)
1 large or 2 small baguettes, sliced diagonally
Mix together all ingredients except bread. Spoon about 1 tbsp mixture onto each baguette slice. Broil until cheese starts to melt.

Olive Tostada Appetizers

6 corn tortillas
salad oil
1 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 (1lb) can refried beans
3-4 tsp chile powder
1 cup bottled salsa
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
3/4 cup sliced pitted olives
Cut each tortilla into 6 wedge-shaped pieces. In frying pan, cook about 8 wedges at a time in about 1/4″ oil
over medium-high heat, about 30 secs. Turn [...]

Single Serving Quiche

Four 4″ unbaked tart shells (home-made or bought)
1/2 lb bacon (8 thick or 10 thin slices)
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/2 tsp salt
dash of pepper
dash of dry mustard
1/2 cups shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese, lightly packed
Place a baking sheet large enough to take the four tart shells in the oven, and preheat the oven [...]

Olive and Pesto Pita Wedges

1/2 cup pesto
6, 7″ diameter pita breads
1 1/4 cups sliced olives
3 tbsp slivered sundried tomatoes OR 1 4oz jar sliced pimiento
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 450F. Spread pesto evenly on pita breads, right to the edges. Scatter the olives and tomato slivers or pimiento slices on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Cut each [...]

Quick Liver Paté Appetizer

1 lb fine liver sausage
1/2 cup butter at room temp
4oz soft cream cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 tbsp chopped green onion
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp salt
Cream together all ingredients. Place in a decorative serving dish, cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Remove from the fridge 15 mins before serving with assorted breads and crackers. Makes [...]

Cheese Straws

4 oz cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp cold water
Place flour in a bowl. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Mix in grated cheese. Add water and mix to form a ball of dough. (This step can also be done in a food processor).
Preheat oven to 400F. Roll [...]

Curry Vegetable Dip

Another curry-flavored dip, this time based on cream cheese instead of mayonnaise. This one has a sweet flavor from the raisins and always gets raves from guests. Freezes well, too, but is made easier by using a food processor.
8oz cream cheese, chilled, cut in 6 pieces
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 tsp curry powder (more [...]

Curried Mayonnaise Dip

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp grated onion if desired
Combine all ingredients and place in teh fridge for 1 hour to blend. Serve with dippers such as fresh vegetables, chips, pita wedges etc.

Broiled Cheese Puffs

2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp grated parmesan or 2 tbsp cheddar cheese
1/8 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp minced onion, green onion or shallots
1 or 2 french rolls, or loaf of french bread
Combine cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise and onion and blend well. Cut the bread into ten 1/3″ slices. Toast slices on one side, the spread the mayo [...]

Blue Cheese Crisps

One of the easiest finger appetizers to make – and the tastiest!
1/2 cup butter (1 stick) at room temp
4oz blue cheese at room temp
1/2 cup minced pecans or walnuts
1 loaf french bread
Combine the butter and blue cheese in a small bowl, and stir in the pecans or walnuts. Cut the bread into 1/3″ slices. Toast [...]