 |
| Bahn Mi Bruschetta from bhg.com |
 |
| Fried Deviled-Brie from recipes.com |
 |
| Asian Tuna Tartar from 7onprospect.com |
I've come to the conclusion recently that my eyes are often bigger than my stomach. True to form, I'm unwilling to compromise on the food that I want to try. However, I've come up with a solution to this: Appetizers and Tapas! Trying multiple small-bites allows you to sample more flavors than having to choose just one main entree. Whoever invented this concept is a GENIUS.
 |
| Asparagus Fritters w/ Dill Mustard Sauce, Better Homes & Gardens |
 |
| Chili Powder Chicken w/ Cilantro Cream, from Better House & Gardens |
 |
| Carpaccio from allrecipesworld.com |
**Side note**: The Athenians invented Appetizers back in third century B.C., but back then it looked more like sea urchins, sturgeon, and garlic served on tiny plates buffet-style. Obviously, the Greeks decided that this new style of dining wasn't complete without lots of wine. Highly debated, Tapas is said to be Spanish in origin. Rumor has it that it all started when this guy (King Alfonso the 5th) got very sick back in the thirteenth century. As a result of his illness, King Alfonso was only able to eat small bites throughout the day---usually followed with small sips of wine. Hence the birth of Tapas. (Also hence the reason why wine usually accompanies both things.)
 |
| Bacon-topped Deviled Eggs from landolakes.com |
 |
| Sante Fe dip from bhg.com |
 |
| Balsamic & Honey Pork Sliders from bhg.com |
 |
| Artichoke & Feta Tortilla cups from bhg.com |
 |
| Edame & Tomato Bruschetta from rodale.com |
 |
| Grilled Zucchini and Cheese Canapes canarygirl.com |
 |
| Mini Reubens from alpinelace.com |
I love appetizers and tapas so much that it's what I chose to serve at my wedding in lieu of a traditional "plated dinner". Every time my husband and I go out to eat, our goal is to try as many things as possible; this usually results in us ordering 6-7 appetizers/tapas and sharing. There are so many great new places where we live that are condusive to the tapas & apps crowd that we seldom run out of fun dining options. But even eating out can get old after a while (not to mention budget un-friendly), so I've been trying to figure out ways to satisfy my crazy food cravings at home.
 |
| Corn Dog Muffins, from onegoodthingbyjillee.com |
 |
| Smoked Salmon Potato Skins via coastalliving.com |
 |
| Garlicky Asparagus Flatbread Better Homes & Gardens |
 |
| Edamame and Mint Garlic Dip with Ricotta Toasts courtesy of squidoo.com |
My favorite appetizers that I've tried are usually the ones that are easiest to make. I try to keep it to a 6-ingredient limit at most, because the more ingredients you add, the more complicated it gets. In my opinion, the best part of the whole Tapas & Apps thing is the fact that it's FUN! If you start getting stressed out over how to make it, then it defeats the whole purpose. Cutting down on complex cooking methods and ingredients doesn't mean that you have to compromise on flavor though. In fact, it often means the opposite. Using fewer ingredients let things like fresh produce and local meats shine through. Prime example: I got some awesome avocados, aspargus, cherry tomatoes, and spring onions at the farmers market this weekend, and I swear, they were so good that they didn't NEED seasoning.
 |
| Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomato Skewers easy-appetizers.com |
 |
| Crab and Horseradish Havarti Dip www.bhg.com |
 |
| Curried Chicken Satays with Peanut Sauce from platinumcateringandvip.com |
 |
| Cranberry Salsa with Cream Cheese whatscookingamerica.com |
I'll post more options sometime in the near future:) Happy eating!!
 |
| Burger Potato Skins www.bhg.com |