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Independence Day Menu Ideas

Posted on June 29, 2011 by amydeline

It’s almost time to celebrate America’s birthday; America’s number one holiday for backyard barbecues and launching brightly colored explosives into the sky.

Many of us will spend the day with friends and family, gathered around a hot grill, enjoying good summer food and cheering to independence. Check out these ideas for making your Independence Day menu extra delicious! (Click on the titles for a link to each recipe.)

And if you’re wondering how to make that tasty American flag cake pictured above, click here for a step-by-step guide.

Grilled Ribeye and Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Butter – Including lots of tips for grilling a delicious, juicy steak!

The Mona Lisa Burger – A juicy beef patty with gorgonzola, roasted garlic aioli, olives, prosciutto, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes

Grilled Honey-Garlic Baby Lamb Chops– A simple and elegant grilled alternative to burgers!

The Hangover Burger (aka The Heart Attack on a Bun) – Beef patty with bacon, chili, and spicy cheese sauce, topped with a slightly runny fried egg. Heavenly delicious!

Greek-style Lamb Burger with Tzatziki Sauce– My husband’s most favorite dish in the whole world, hands down.

Turkey Burger with Fresh Tomato Salsa– Slightly cheesy and perfectly delicious!

Barbecue Beef Chili – Pulled barbecue beef meets spicy chili in this super-satisfying dish. Totally worth the time it takes to put together. Make a huge batch and freeze the leftovers!

Baked Potato Salad – A flavorful potato salad alternative for those with an aversion to mayonnaise (like myself)!

Mediterranean Cous Cous – Simple and flavorful side dish which can be made ahead and served chilled.

Tomato-Cucumber Salad– Fresh summer tomatoes and crisp cucumber in a tangy vinaigrette.

Barley and Bean Salad – Bursting with nutrition and bright flavors!

Grilled Fingerling Potatoes– Throw them in a foil packet and pop them on the grill. Sprinkle with a bit of gorgonzola, if desired!

Dinosaur Barbecue Macaroni Salad – The only macaroni salad I’ve ever loved!

Orzo with Salmon and Cucumber – A fresh and satisfying side dish or main course on a hot summer day!

Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese – Classic and delicious!

Fresh Ginger Lemonade– A hint of infused ginger root with freshly squeezed lemons gives this lemonade that extra something special!

Mixed Berry Mousse– Pair it with a layer of vanilla bean panna cotta for an extra special treat!

7 Comments

Posted in Beef, Beverages, Burgers, Cakes, Desserts, Food, Lamb, Main Course, Potato, Poultry, Recipes, Sandwiches, Side Dishes, Vegetable and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Strawberrylicious Round-Up

Posted on June 17, 2011 by amydeline

Strawberry season has finally hit its stride in our neck of the woods. I foresee an afternoon of berry picking (and berry tasting) in our near future. I’m also predicting that the ice cream maker may find its way out of storage for this season’s inaugural batch of sweet, creamy goodness.

New strawberry recipes are forthcoming. In the mean time, here are a few previously posted Gourmand Mom strawberry recipes. Click on the titles for the recipes!

Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp

Strawberry Pretzel Squares

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Almonds

Quadruple Berry Muffins

Mixed Berry Mousse with Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Strawberry Stuffed French Toast

2 Comments

Posted in Baking, Breads, Cakes, Desserts, Food, Fruit, Ice Cream, Main Course, Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Barley and Bean Salad

Posted on June 16, 2011 by amydeline

The children are running laps around me, while shrieking a sound which lies somewhere near the edge of the audible frequency spectrum. The baby’s hunger is insatiable. And my dog just stepped in glossy, black oil-paint and decorated my wood and tile floors with a winding trail of paw prints. It’s very postmodern. Perhaps I’ll just leave it.

No time to write.

Just eat this. It’s yummy. And good for you too!

Barley and Bean Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 cup barley
  • 2 cups vegetable stock or water
  • 1 can garbanzo beans, drained
  • 1 can great northern beans or navy beans, drained
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

Prepare the barley according to package directions using the vegetable stock or water. (I used fast-cooking barley, which simmered in a covered pot for about 11 minutes, until the stock was absorbed. Other types of barley will require a longer cook time.) Allow to cool, then gently fluff. Combine the cooked barley with the drained beans, sun-dried tomatoes, peppers, shallot, and garlic. Prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the barley and bean mixture. Toss to combine. Refrigerate and serve cool.

3 Comments

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Cherry, Prosciutto, and Almond Salad

Posted on June 12, 2011 by amydeline

Does anyone remember that game show, Supermarket Sweep? You know, the show where contestants raced against the clock to complete certain grocery-related tasks? The contestants would fly through the empty aisles, sliding around corners, unraveling riddles, and collecting the best deals to ensure a win. The ultimate winner would be determined at the checkout register.

Well, that’s sort of how all of my grocery shopping trips feel these days, only my grocery store is full of other shoppers as I make my run and I’ve got two active toddlers on my heels and a newborn in my arms. The newborn is holding the timer. I’m not so good at this game.

The problem with this sort of grocery shopping is that it doesn’t leave much time for careful decision making or item selection. Get the items in the cart and go is the name of the game. So, when you approach the cherries, which have been prearranged in small, plastic sacks, there is no time to take the quantity you actually desire. You just pick the sack which seems closest to your desired quantity and go, go, go!

When you discover that your sack of cherries just cost you 8 bucks, you make it your mission to use every single cherry before they spoil. And that is the story behind this recipe, which is more of a idea than an actual recipe; a simple, meal-worthy salad made of mixed greens, lightly dressed in a white balsamic vinaigrette and topped with fresh cherries, smokey prosciutto, and almonds. Simple, delicious, and satisfying. Best yet, it will make you feel a lot better about the 8 dollars you just spent on cherries.

Cherry, Prosciutto, and Almond Salad

Ingredients

  • Mixed spring greens, rinsed
  • Cherries, pitted and halved
  • Prosciutto, chopped or torn into small pieces
  • Slivered almonds
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/8 cup white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Toss the spring greens in a small amount of the dressing. Top with cherries, prosciutto, and almonds.

2 Comments

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Salmon, Cucumber, and Orzo Salad in Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette

Posted on May 26, 2011 by amydeline
Well, hello again! It’s been almost three weeks now since the birth of our third son and we’ve all been enjoying our babymoon period with the new little guy. Though it’s only been a few short weeks, it feels as if he’s always been a part of our family. Life is good. And aside from the growing deficit of sleep, we’ve all adjusted nicely to our new routines as a family of five.
My meal plan for the first few weeks was simple. I had no intention of cooking anything. We’d keep things simple and easy while we focused on adjusting to life with our newborn son. I’d prepared a couple tins of baked ziti and macaroni and cheese in advance and stocked the freezer with frozen pizza and a few packages of our favorite frozen chicken tikka masala (with plenty of garlic naan, of course). Takeout from our local Panera and Five Guys would round out our no-fuss dining options for the first few weeks.
***
Well, it took my husband all of a week before he went stir-crazy with the frozen foods and takeout. I knew he’d reached his breaking point when he came downstairs with a cookbook in his hands and started asking questions about the flavor of cumin and how to poach chicken. Apparently, one week is the frozen food and takeout limit for someone who is accustomed to home-cooked meals.
Now, my husband has many talents, but ever since he tried to cook the cardboard packaging along with a frozen pizza, I have a hard time handing him the reins in the kitchen. So, one week after the birth of our son, it was back to the kitchen for me. And somehow, with a few little tweaks to our routine, I’ve managed to put food on the table each night (and my husband has put down the cookbook).
Slightly-frazzled, busy moms (such as myself) will appreciate the simplicity of this make-ahead, one-dish meal. Broiled salmon is combined with crisp cucumber slices and orzo pasta in a flavorful lemon-dijon vinaigrette for a refreshing dish, which would make a perfect addition to any summer potluck! The entire dish can be prepared ahead of time and is served cold, leaving more time and flexibility to enjoy the warm days with family and friends.
***
Salmon, Cucumber, and Orzo Salad in Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette
***
Ingredients
  • 1 pound salmon fillets
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, for salmon
  • 2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 1 cucumber, cut into fourths lengthwise and sliced
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, for vinaigrette
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons djion mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • Salt and Pepper

Directions

Preheat broiler. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon several inches below the broiler and cook for about 10 minutes, until cooked through. Cool completely, then break or chop the salmon into small pieces.

Cook the orzo according to package directions. Rinse with cool water.

To prepare the vinaigrette, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Add the salmon, cucumbers, and parsley to the pasta. Toss with the vinaigrette, adding a little at a time, until the salad is well-dressed. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve cold.

6 Comments

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Tropical Chicken Salad

Posted on May 1, 2011 by amydeline

Thankfully, the temperatures have finally started to rise around here, allowing us some much-awaited walks and outdoor playtime. After living in two urban areas, where most of our needs could be met within a few minutes walk, I can’t even begin to express the value I place on our proximity to a well-stocked, walking-distance grocery store in our current suburban neighborhood. Had I never become accustomed to walkable grocery access, it might not matter so much. But to me, our ability to walk to our grocery store is worth more than any other feature of our home.

Once walk-friendly weather arrives, daily trips to the grocery store become part of our routine. I plan our meals in the morning. Then, the kids and I walk down to the store to gather the ingredients. It’s practically like living in Provence, making daily trips to the outdoor market for freshly picked produce, meats, and fine cheese! Well…maybe not quite like Provence, but we’ll take what we can get!

So, on a recent bright, sunny, morning, the boys and I set out for our grocery walk. My four-year -old had suggested chicken salad for dinner. The addition of tropical fruit flavors was my contribution to the dish. Not only do the sweet fruits add a delicious accent to our salad, but tropical fruits, such as the pineapple, mango, and kiwi I selected, contain an enzyme which has been shown to help prepare a woman’s body for labor. And at this point, barely a week from my due date, I’ll gladly give nature a helping hand.

I hadn’t initially planned for this meal to become a family cooking activity. The boys were happily playing in the living room when I began cooking. But, as soon as my little men caught the sight and smell of the fruits, they were at my side like glue, begging bits of mango and pineapple. Moments later, they were asking to help with “the steps”. So, after a quick trip to the sink to wash their hands, my little chefs joined me in the kitchen.

This recipe is ideal for young chefs of any age. Older chefs can prepare the entire dish independently, from start to finish, especially if you start with precooked chicken. Younger chefs will need more support, but with child-safe cutting tools, there are plenty of ways for them to get involved. Chopping fruits, measuring ingredients, and mixing are ideal activities for little chefs. It’s also a great opportunity to taste new fruit flavors, which may be less familiar than the more common apples, bananas, and berries many kids are accustomed to.

Tropical Chicken Salad

Ingredients

  •  2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded*
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup salted cashews, coarse chopped
  • 1 kiwi, diced
  • 1/2 cup mango, diced (Click here for my photo guide on How to Dice a Mango)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple, diced (Click here for my photo guide on How to Chop a Pineapple)
  • Salt and cayenne pepper, to taste
*You can use pre-cooked chicken, packaged or pulled from a rotisserie chicken. Alternately, you can cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts by placing them in a pot of water, bringing to a boil, and simmering for approximately 10-15 minutes, until cooked through.

Directions

Combine the chicken, green onions, mayonnaise, mustard, and cashews in a large container. Stir until well blended. Gently fold in the fruit. Season with salt and cayenne pepper, as desired. Refrigerate until serving.

Serve on doughy bread with avocado, if desired.

4 Comments

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Shrimp Scampi Flatbread Pizza

Posted on March 25, 2011 by amydeline

As predicted, every pizza joint in my area is suddenly a fish fry too! After Easter, the Friday fish fry specials will gradually fade away, but for anyone who abstains from meat on Fridays during this time of the year, your local pizza shop is probably your one-stop-shop for Friday takeout!

If you’re feeling like something other than pizza, fried haddock or frozen fish sticks, I’ve got a few ideas for you. For starters, I’ve got a new recipe for a shrimp scampi flatbread pizza. We’ll start with a basic shrimp scampi, which will drizzle over individual flatbread crusts, and bake with a bit of asiago and mozzarella cheese. Garlic-flavored naan (Indian flatbread) makes an especially tasty crust for this pizza. Many supermarkets now carry prepared naan, either fresh in the bread or international section or frozen. If you can’t get your hands on flatbread or naan, a thin prepared pizza crust would do the trick.

For the purpose of this pizza, small salad shrimp (the kind you can typically find cooked and frozen) work perfectly. If you’d like to use this scampi recipe for serving over rice or pasta, substitute the salad shrimp for larger, fresh shrimp and allow them to cook in the buttery garlic sauce.

Shrimp Scampi Flatbread Pizza

Ingredients

  • 4 flatbreads, Indian naan, or a thin-crust pizza shell
  • 6 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 1 head of garlic, cloves peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cups cooked salad-sized shrimp, defrosted
  • Crushed red pepper
  • Salt
  • 2-3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup asiago cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the garlic just begins to turn a golden brown. Lower the heat, if necessary, to prevent burning. Add the white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and gently simmer until heated through. Season with crushed red pepper and salt, as desired. Stir in the fresh parsley. Allow the scampi mixture to cool slightly.

To assemble the pizzas, place the flatbreads or naan onto baking sheets. Sprinkle approximately 1/4 cup asiago cheese over each flatbread or naan. Spoon some of the shrimp mixture, with a small amount of the buttery sauce, over the cheese. To prevent your pizza from becoming soggy, do not use too much of the sauce. A light drizzle around the pizza will be perfect. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top of each pizza. Bake for about 12 minutes.

Makes 4 Individual Flatbread Pizzas

Looking for a few other meat-free dinner options? Check out these previously posted Gourmand Mom recipes:

Codfish Cakes


Pan-Fried Tilapia with Grapefruit and Shaved Leeks


Broiled Salmon Bruschetta


Coconut Crusted Tilapia with Tropical Fruit Salsa


Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese in a Citrus-Honey Vinaigrette


Cinnamon Apple and Brie Quesadillas


Broiled Halibut with Olives, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Capers


Tropical Fish Tacos with Spicy Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice


Salmon Burgers with Horseradish Sauce


Heirloom Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella


Chilled Avocado Soup and Crab Cakes with Chipotle Remoulade


Buttermilk Battered Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Chipotle Dipping Sauce


Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp


Shrimp and Asparagus in a Lemony Basic Alfredo Sauce


9 Comments

Posted in Burgers, Cheese, Dressings and Condiments, Food, Main Course, Recipes, Rice, Salads, Sandwiches, Seafood, Side Dishes, Vegetable and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Buttermilk Battered Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Chipotle Dipping Sauce

Posted on January 13, 2011 by amydeline

This recipe is a holdback from our New Year’s Eve celebration. Poor planning necessitated a few New Year’s recipe alterations. Namely, my lack of vegetable oil for frying the shrimp led to baking, which produced a delicious (and lower-fat) coconut shrimp, but not exactly my ideal result. I strive to present you with the ideal. So, I reserved this recipe until I had the opportunity to prepare it as planned.

The first time I ever made coconut shrimp was for a Caribbean-themed bridal shower, which I threw in honor of my sisters, who were having a double cruise-ship wedding. At the time, I used a recipe for beer-battered coconut shrimp which I’d found online. I’ve since developed my own buttermilk-based recipe, but I fully stand by the battering idea. A quick dip in a bit of batter helps the coconut to adhere to the shrimp and produces a fantastic, doughy coating around the shrimp.

To save a bit on the fat and calorie count, you can bake these little guys in a 400 degrees oven for about 15 minutes or so, until the coconut begins to turn golden and the shrimp is fully cooked. But, hands-down, my preferred method is frying. Go ahead and indulge! A sweet and spicy Pineapple Chipotle Dipping Sauce makes the perfect accompaniment to these tasty shrimp.

Buttermilk-Battered Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Chipotle Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 3/4 cup Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 3/4 cup Buttermilk
  • 2 Eggs
  • Creole Spice Blend
  • 1 pound Jumbo Shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail-on
  • 1/2 cup Flour
  • 2 cups Shredded, Sweetened Coconut
  • Vegetable Oil, for frying

For the Dipping Sauce

  • 1 (12-ounce) jar Pineapple Preserves (or Orange Marmalade)
  • 1-3 Chipotle Peppers (from a can of Chipotle in Adobo)

Directions

To prepare the batter, combine flour and baking soda. Stir in the buttermilk and eggs until well blended. Season with a dash or two of Creole spice blend.

To prepare the shrimp, arrange a plate of flour, the bowl of batter, and a plate of the coconut. Holding by the tail, press each shrimp in the flour to lightly coat. Then, dip into the batter and allow the excess to drip away. Press into the shredded coconut to cover both sides. Place the coconut-coated shrimp onto a baking sheet until you’ve prepared all of the shrimp.

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan, over medium heat, until it’s good and hot. Place several shrimp in the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the coconut is golden brown and the shrimp is fully cooked. The oil should sizzle around the shrimp as it cooks. If the coconut browns too quickly, reduce the heat.

Prepare the dipping sauce by blending the pineapple preserves and chipotle peppers in a blender, food processor, or with an immersion blender. Adjust the quantity of chipotle peppers based on your desired spiciness.

Serve the shrimp with a simple baby spinach and bacon salad, dressed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette.

Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

  • 1/8 cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Oil (Olive, Canola, Sesame)
  • 2 Tablespoons Honey
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • Salt and Pepper

Directions

Whisk together all ingredients until well combined or combine all ingredients in a container with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously, until blended.

5 Comments

Posted in Appetizers, Dressings and Condiments, Food, Main Course, Recipes, Salads, Seafood, Side Dishes, Vegetable and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Greek Salad and a Love Story

Posted on January 11, 2011 by amydeline

Is it wrong to be in love with a knife? Will people laugh at our love? Will I be labeled some sort of weirdo cutleryophile? Call me what you may…I am madly in love with a knife. It was true love at first sight. I initially spotted my new darling in the window at a Chicago Williams-Sonoma. I was drawn to that knife in the way which other women are drawn to the glittery diamonds on display in a jewelry store window. My heart went pitter-patter. The noticeable blush in my cheeks sent a surge of jealously through my husband.

The object of my affection was a knife in Shun’s newest Edo line of knives, sold exclusively at Williams-Sonoma. Gorgeous hammered steel detailing, samurai sword sharpness, perfectly balanced weight; not only a precision cutting tool, but a beautiful work of art. The 8″ Dual-Density Utility knife, with its high and low frequency serrations, whispered sweet nothings at me through the window. I was so easily wooed; so fully enamored. Were it not for its mind-numbing price tag and the knowledge that airport security would never have allowed me to gingerly carry my new love on board, I would have purchased that knife on the spot. Alas, I left empty-handed with a razor-sharp hole in my heart and the salty remnant of a single tear run down my cheek.

Then, this past weekend, we paid a visit to my parents to celebrate a belated Christmas. And Santa had left a very special gift for me at my parents’ house; the knife of my culinary dreams. Though I’ve been a loyal fan of the very excellent Henckels and Wüsthof knives for many years now, I have to admit that this knife puts my other knives to shame. My other knives quivered in the knife block when they saw this one coming. I can still hear them crying their nervous tears that they may never be used again.

Today’s recipe was selected for the pure excuse of having something to cut with my new knife; so simple, it’s barely a recipe at all. The bonus is that it also happens to make a delicious, refreshing, and flavor-packed meal; a fresh Greek salad decked with feta cheese crumbles, savory olives, and a basic red wine vinaigrette. I threw a few chopped anchovies onto my salad, but if the tiny, salty fish aren’t your cup of tea, simply omit them. A skewer of grilled shrimp or a nice piece of broiled fish would make other excellent additions.

Greek Salad

Ingredients

  • Romaine Lettuce, chopped
  • Baby Roma Tomatoes, quartered
  • Seedless Cucumber, quartered and sliced
  • Red Onion, thinly sliced
  • Olives, Kalamata and/or Oil-cured
  • Feta Cheese, crumbled
  • Anchovies, optional

For the Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/8 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • Salt and Pepper

Directions

Combine all vinaigrette ingredients and whisk to combine. Toss the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions in a bit of the dressing. Top with feta cheese, olives, and anchovies (optional). Serve with toasted pita triangles, if desired.

5 Comments

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Asian-Style Turkey Meatball Sandwiches

Posted on December 16, 2010 by amydeline

I’m pretty sure I’m done with my holiday cookie baking for the year. Well, sort of. Ok, not really. I want to be done baking. I really do. I’ve softened more sticks of butter than I can count and my baking sheets are screaming for a break. The kids’ red wagon in the garage is overflowing with containers of cookies and chocolate confections, waiting to be sorted onto platters and into tins. By all accounts, I should be done. But then I keep thinking of just one more cookie I need to make this year. The current cookie nagging at me are those little buttery thumbprint cookies with marashino cherries. It may be my somewhat irrational pregnancy brain at work here, but I’m just not sure I can get through the season without those thumbprint cookies.

At the very least, I’m done baking for the next few days. I’ve still got a few more cookie recipes to share with you; Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, Sand Tarts, and two chocolatey treats. But I’m giving the baking sheets a brief rest as I move on to thinking about holiday parties!

This Saturday, I’ll be preparing the food for a friend’s holiday party. Though I’ve cooked for plenty of my own parties and brought dishes for potlucks, I’ve never actually cooked for someone else’s party. I am very excited for the opportunity. And she’s having my favorite kind of party to cook for; one with an all-hors d’oeuvres menu. I love hors d’oeuvres so much that my hubby and I skipped the full sit-down dinner route for our wedding and went with an all hors d’oeuvres extravaganza. It was an hors d’oeuvres dream come true. To me, there’s just nothing better than a perfect bite-sized package of flavor.

As excited as I am to be cooking for this party, I’m also nervous in a way I don’t usually feel about my own parties. There’s a different level of pressure in making the food for someone else’s soiree; an added self-imposed expectation that everything is perfect. As such, I’ve been doing test runs of each item on the menu; working out the final touches and fine-tuning the reheating procedures.

Earlier this week, I decided to test the Asian-Style Turkey Meatballs with Hoisin Peanut Sauce. They’ll be served as an hors d’oeuvres during the party, with party picks and a bowl of the dipping sauce. But, for the purpose of my test-run, I turned them into a dinner sandwich, complete with a soft, doughy bun and crisp broccoli slaw.

Not only does this recipe make a perfect bite-sized appetizer for your next gathering, it makes a very satisfying meal any night of the week. All components can be made ahead of time, then reheated and assembled later, making it a perfect option for your upcoming holiday celebrations or a tasty weeknight dinner!

Asian-Style Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground Turkey
  • 2 Eggs
  • 3/4 – 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 3 Green Onions, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • Olive Oil, for baking pan

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wipe the bottom of a baking pan with a bit of olive oil. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix together until well combined. If the mixture is too moist to roll, add additional bread crumbs, a little at a time. Roll small balls, about 1″ diameter, and place in an even layer in the baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked.

If preparing ahead of time, refrigerate until serving. To reheat, bake for 15-18 minutes at 350 degrees.

Makes 25-30 cocktail-sized meatballs


Hoisin Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Hoisin Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon Red Curry Paste (or Cayenne Pepper)
  • 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce

Directions

Whisk together all ingredients until smooth. If preparing ahead of time, refrigerate until serving. The sauce will become thick when cooled. Warm for a few seconds in the microwave to loosen up the sauce before serving.


Broccoli Slaw

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 3 cups Broccoli Slaw Mix (Julienned Broccoli, Carrots, and Red Cabbage)

Directions

Combine mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt, and cayenne until well blended. Add the broccoli slaw mix. Stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, stirring occasionally to distribute the dressing.

 

10 Comments

Posted in Dressings and Condiments, Food, Main Course, Poultry, Recipes, Salads, Sandwiches, Side Dishes and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
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