Posts tagged as appetizers
Even More In Progress…
Ooh, here’s another quick crowd-pleaser from the lovely blog Jenn Cuisine: Pan-Roasted Almonds with Thyme & Truffle Oil. They take mere minutes to make and whoamygoodness, they are insanely delicious. I’m putting these away now so there are at least a few left for my guests. Yikes. The skaters arrived! And both sauces are now…
In Progress…
I asked my son what he would like for Christmas Eve dinner, something out of our ordinary, something that would feel special. He requested…escargot! How fabulous, right? I immediately jumped online, ordered the snails, and decided I’d rather not deal with the shells. The dish that inspired Nathan’s request is Cave Vin’s shelless version anyhow,…
Chile Con Queso
OK, con queso addicts, it’s time for treatment. This here’s a real-deal, spicy-melty, creamy-dreamy chili con queso made without 1) gluten, or 2) processed cheese. And oh, it’s easy and foolproof too. Get out your tortilla chips, it’s a helluva dip. This recipe hails from one of the most delicious blogs on the planet, aka…
Fresh Cranberry Salsa
I posted this recipe a few weeks ago at Dara & Co./Minnesota Monthly Magazine. I thought it was worth another look in this week before Christmas. As delicious as cranberries are for Thanksgiving, I think they’re even more perfect – red! – on the Christmas table. Delicious with turkey, of course, but also pork or…
Grainless Sunflower Sesame Crackers
These homemade crackers couldn’t be easier or faster to make. Who knew that nothing but seeds, water, and salt could make such a lovely, crisp cracker? These have an intense and rich sesame taste, which I love, and which is particularly delicious with savory and cheese spreads. I’m particularly enjoying them with cottage cheese for…
Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic & Crispy Fried Sage (Paleo, AIP)

I posted this recipe a few weeks ago at Dara & Co./Minnesota Monthly Magazine. It’s hard to say much more about Sweet Potato Fries than: They are easy. They are delicious. I spotted sweet potatoes at the farmers market the other day and immediately imagined sweet potato “fries,” roasted in the oven until tender and…
San Francisco Part II: The Food, and Crispy Fried Tofu
Gorgeous, hip, fun, smart, and famously delicious – San Francisco is my dream town. I regret that I was so busy with the BlogHer Food blogging conference I attended that I didn’t get to do much sightseeing. But I did enjoy several fantastic, not-Minnesota meals, and of course incredible California wine. Here’s the overview in…
Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Spicy Slaw
I posted this recipe a few weeks ago at Dara & Co./Minnesota Monthly Magazine. It may be mid-October, but it’s still warm enough to grill & chill outside. Strange, but we’ll take it, so go for the grill – yes! Warm sun, cool breezes, my favorite time of year has arrived! Open windows, evening walks,…
Roasted Cauliflower with Pancetta & Garlic (Paleo, AIP)

It is so dark today (in Minnesota), I’m lucky I was able to take a recognizable photo. Flash flood warnings abound, as apparently we’re about to be deluged with days of cold, fall rain. Good times. To cheer myself up, I just add pork, to just about anything, and really, I feel better. I made…
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Butter
I include this recipe here today in honor of the Great Minnesota Get Together, aka the Minnesota State Fair, which begins tomorrow. The grilled corn at the State Fair is sick it’s so good. Don’t watch while they drench – drench! – it in melted butter and you’ll enjoy it completely. When I was a…