Prosciutto and Melon

Prosciutto and Melon with Balsamic Shallots

This prosciutto and melon salad is the perfect simple summer appetizer or side dish! Sweet cantaloupe topped with prosciutto, balsamic soaked shallots, toasted pine nuts, lemon, parmesan, and basil. It’s my version of the classic sweet & savory Italian dish…and it is simply the perfect combination of flavors. Continue reading “Prosciutto and Melon with Balsamic Shallots”

Marinated Tomato Toast

Marinated Tomato Toast with Creme Fraiche & Herbs

This last-minute easy appetizer is exactly what you need to start a summer meal: marinated tomato toast with creme fraiche & herbs. Thick slices of fresh bread toasted in olive oil, then topped with a swoosh of creme fraiche and a mound of herb and vinegar marinated cherry tomatoes. I’d say it’s the definition of summer in a bite! Continue reading “Marinated Tomato Toast with Creme Fraiche & Herbs”

Burrata with Balsamic Strawberries & Basil

Burrata with Balsamic Strawberries & Basil

Sharing a festive summer appetizer for your Fourth of July weekend: burrata with balsamic strawberries & basil! This dish is so simple, yet bursting with sweet and savory fresh summer flavor. Creamy burrata cheese topped with both jammy balsamic strawberries and fresh marinated strawberries…with honey, red pepper flakes, and lemon running throughout. Continue reading “Burrata with Balsamic Strawberries & Basil”

Summer Mezze Platter

Summer Mezze Platter with Yogurt Marinated Lamb Skewers

Sharing a summer mezze platter with yogurt marinated American lamb skewers today! This is the ultimate outdoor feast, with lots of flavorful recipes and ingredients making up this festive spread. And of course, the star of the show is the grilled lamb. It’s marinated in a turmeric spiced yogurt mixture and grilled over hot flames until juicy & tender. Continue reading “Summer Mezze Platter with Yogurt Marinated Lamb Skewers”

Charred Eggplant Dip

Charred Eggplant Dip with Toasted Sesame Chili Oil

A smoky charred eggplant dip (or “baba ganoush”) drizzled with toasted sesame chili oil and fresh herbs. It’s an incredibly flavorful dip that makes for the perfect easy appetizer to a Mediterranean summer meal. Serve it with warm pita bread for dipping and a very generous drizzle of that chili oil! Continue reading “Charred Eggplant Dip with Toasted Sesame Chili Oil”

Chorizo Queso

Chorizo Queso with Homemade Tortilla Chips

The most delicious dip to kick off your Cinco de Mayo feast: chorizo queso with homemade tortilla chips! It’s a little spicy, extra cheesy, and full of smoky chorizo sausage. Top it with fresh cilantro, radishes, and jalapeños for an extra kick. Such an easy appetizer that everyone will love.

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Spring Toast

Spring Toast Three Ways

Spring toast three different ways, each one involving a really delicious combination of flavors. The bread is toasted in olive oil until golden brown, then loaded with simple toppings. We’ve got a jam & prosciutto ricotta toast, avocado toast with browned butter sesame seeds, and burrata toast with radishes and arugula pesto! Continue reading “Spring Toast Three Ways”

Mushroom Mascarpone Toast

Lemony Mushroom Mascarpone Toast with Beans & Herbs

Welcoming in the spring months with a fresh new toast recipe that’s bright & herby, but still comforting for the crisp March weather: lemony mushroom mascarpone toast with beans & herbs. Toasted bread, creamy mascarpone cheese, caramelized mushrooms and shallots, butter beans, and lots of flavor from lemon, balsamic vinegar, crushed red pepper, and herbs. Continue reading “Lemony Mushroom Mascarpone Toast with Beans & Herbs”

Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches

Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches on Herby Garlic Bread

Friday comfort food in the form of fried mozzarella sandwiches, also known as “mozzarella in carrozza” – two slices of bread slathered in an herby garlic butter, with lots of mozzarella cheese inside, closed and breaded in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then pan-fried in butter until golden and gooey. Served with plenty of warm marinara sauce for dipping. This is the ultimate, simple indulgent food. Make these sandwiches for a snack, as an appetizer, or even for dinner with a big salad alongside. Continue reading “Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches on Herby Garlic Bread”

Pear & Prosciutto Ricotta Tart

Pear & Prosciutto Ricotta Tart

A Christmas appetizer worth swooning over – pear & prosciutto ricotta tart with a rosemary honey butter sauce and pecans. The Prosciutto di Parma is the absolute star, pairing so well with the buttery pastry and sweet pears. I can’t think of a better combination of flavors and textures to start off a holiday meal on the very tastiest note! Continue reading “Pear & Prosciutto Ricotta Tart”