Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

This is one of our favorite ways to prepare quick, cheesy stuffed jalapeños! The filling is smooth and creamy, while the jalapeños still retain a little bit of a crunch! Not into jalapeños? Substitute baby bells! Makes 8 stuffed pepper halves.

Ingredients:
4 jalapeno peppers
4 oz cream cheese
4 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 small shallot finely chopped
1 small clove garlic clove, minced
1/2 tablespoon cilantro, minced

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the filling ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Split the jalapeño peppers in half, or if you prefer a deeper pepper boat, slice away just one side.
Remove the seeds and ribs from the pepper.
3. Place the halved peppers onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spoon the filling into each pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pepper boats become tender and the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush elevates eggplant into a smoky, creamy delight! We love how easily this dip comes together. Simply roast a few eggplants, then blend the silky pulp together with tahini and a few other flavor makers for a rich and decadent dip. Makes about 2 cups.

Ingredients:
2 large eggplants, cut in half lengthwise
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon chili powder

Optional Garnishes:
Drizzle of olive oil
sesame seeds
fresh parsley
pomegranate arils

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and place eggplants face down on the baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggplant is fork tender. For a blackened and smoky finish, switch to broil and broil until the skin is slightly charred. Tip: Turn on your oven vent, this process can get smoky!
3. Let the roasted eggplant cool, then scoop out the softened flesh with a spoon.
4. In a large food processor, blend together the eggplant pulp with the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and spices. Adjust seasonings to taste.
5. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, sesame seeds, parsley, or pomegranate arils.

Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

This muhammara dip is made of roasted red peppers, earthy toasted walnuts, and freshly toasted breadcrumbs. All of these savory items are blended together with a few additional ingredients and one specialty item -- pomegranate molasses. The pomegranate molasses gives a special sweet and tangy depth to the dip -- so delicious! Makes about 2 cups.

Ingredients:
3 red peppers, halved and roasted
1 tablespoon olive oil for roasting peppers
1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted
1/2 cup fine, freshly grated bread crumbs (use dry bread, pulse in food processor to create a fine crumb, toast in pan with one tablespoon olive oil until just crispy)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
5 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses*
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional

Garnishes:
10 walnut halves
Fresh parsley

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Halve the peppers, de-seed, brush with olive oil, and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast the peppers until softened. Achieve some char on the peppers by broiling for a few minutes.
3. Place the roasted red peppers in a bowl, and cover for 10 minutes. After the peppers have cooled, carefully peel the skins off.
4. While the peppers are roasting, toast the walnuts. In a small dry skillet, toast the walnuts until just fragrant. Set the walnuts aside.
5. In the same skillet, toss the bread crumbs with one tablespoon of olive oil. Stir and heat until golden brown. Set the toasted bread crumbs aside.
6. Mince the garlic and juice the lemon.
7. Blend the roasted and peeled peppers, the toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, Kosher salt, and cayenne pepper together until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings, as desired.
8. Garnish with a few walnuts, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.

* Ingredient Note: Pomegranate molasses is a sweet, tangy, and thick syrup that adds an interesting sweet flavor to this dip. You can find Pomegranate Molasses in specialty grocery stores. A few good substitutions would be cranberry or pomegranate juice with a bit of sugar added and reduced down into a syrup or a flavored balsamic vinegar like raspberry balsamic sweetened with a little sugar.

Fresh, Homemade Classic Hummus

This classic hummus recipe is creamy, smooth, and oh, so delicious! Making fresh, homemade hummus is easy, and in our experience, a superior taste experience to the store-bought varieties. Start with our classic recipe, and adjust according to your personal taste. Add more lemon or more tahini, or get wild with an array of toppings! Makes about 2 cups.

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chickpeas (see directions for cooking dried chickpeas below)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
10 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup tahini
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 cup cold water

Directions:
1. In a large food processor blend the cooked chickpeas until smooth.
2. Drizzle in the lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, Kosher salt, garlic, and cold water. Blend until smooth. Adjust the add-ins until your desired texture, consistency, and flavor is reached.
3. Garnish with an array of toppings.

How to Cook Dried Chickpeas:
1 lb dried chickpeas
6 cups water

Stovetop Method:
1. For soft chickpeas, soak overnight or for at least 5-6 hours with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Carefully rinse the chickpeas and discard any floating beans or shells.
2. In a large pot, cover the soaked chickpeas with cold water (plus 2 inches), and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 - 2 hours until the chickpeas are very soft. (If you pinch one it should easily squish). Make sure they are completely soft before proceeding with the hummus.
3. Makes about 6 cups of chickpeas. Freeze in 2 cup portions to use later.

Electric Pressure Cooker Method:
1. For soft chickpeas, soak overnight or for at least 5-6 hours with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Carefully rinse the chickpeas and discard any floating beans or shells.
2. Add the chickpeas to the electric pressure cooker, and cover with 6 cups of water. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Wait for 10 minutes, and then release the pressure. Make sure the chickpeas are completely softened (If you pinch one it should easily squish). If needed, cook at high pressure for an additional 3 minutes.
3. Makes about 6 cups of chickpeas. Freeze in 2 cup portions to use later

Gruyère & Caramelized Onion Puffs

Ring in the New Year! For a festive nibble and adult refresher, assemble this colorful champagne punch, and prepare these easy, savory bites. They’re a delicious combination and a very worthy way to celebrate with your favorite people! Makes 24 puffs.

Ingredients:
2 sweet onions, sliced pole to pole and caramelized
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
2 sheets 9"x9" frozen puff pastry, defrosted
2 tablespoons heavy cream for brushing

Directions:
1. Sauté the sweet onions over low heat until caramelized and golden brown. Drizzle the caramelized onions with honey and season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, and set aside.
2. Unfold the defrosted, yet chilled, puff pastry. With a knife, cut each piece of the puff pastry sheets into 9 squares, about 3” x 3” each. Place each square in the cup of a mini-muffin tin. Pat into place.
3. Place a pinch of caramelized onions into the center of each pastry square. Then add a few shreds of the grated Gruyère cheese. Brush the edges with cream. Pinch the four corners of puff pastry together. Brush the closed tops with cream.
4. Bake in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are some of our favorite small bites. They are a classic preparation that never fails to satisfy. This version features spinach, roasted red peppers, aromatics, seasoned bread crumbs, and feta cheese. You and your guests will enjoy this hearty, savory filling in these tender umami-filled cups. Makes approximately 40 mushrooms.

Ingredients:
40 medium-sized cremini mushrooms
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons butter
9 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and very well-drained
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced
1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
1/4 cup feta, crumbled
1 egg, beaten
Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Prepare the mushrooms by brushing clean. Remove and reserve the stems, trimming them as necessary, then mincing. Toss the mushroom caps with the olive oil to coat them lightly. Place them cap side down on a rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven for 10 minutes or until partially roasted.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the garlic in two tablespoons of butter. Add the minced mushroom stems to the skillet and sauté until nearly tender. Add the chopped spinach, and sauté until cooked. Add the dry white wine to the skillet and simmer until nearly all the moisture has reduced away; this will concentrate the flavors. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a medium bowl, combine and toss together the cooled spinach mixture, bread crumbs, diced roasted red pepper, the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and the feta cheese. Add the beaten egg and stir until evenly combined.
5. Mound a spoonful of the stuffing into each partially roasted mushroom cap. Place the stuffed caps back on the rimmed backing sheet.
6. Bake in a 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through and the tops become golden in color. Cool slightly and serve while still warm.

Pesto Palmiers

This small bite could not be easier! A favorite flavor for many of us, a classic pesto layer entwines with the puff pastry layers in this mini savory palmier. The taste of basil, garlic, and salty cheese graces each bite. Enjoyed fresh from the oven, these morsels will disappear quickly from the appetizer table. Makes filling for (1) sheet of puff pastry - or approximately 45 mini-palmiers.

Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry
1/2 cup, packed, basil leaves, washed, patted dry
1/2 cup, packed, parsley leaves, washed, patted dry
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
6 tablespoons olive oil

Directions for the Pesto:
Mix all ingredients, except the olive oil, in a food processor and process until finely ground. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and continue to process. Add additional oil, if needed, to make a very thick paste.

Directions for the Palmiers:
1. Using prepared frozen puff pastry, defrost in the refrigerator until pliable, yet still chilled.
2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Cut the rectangle in half to make two approximately 4-1/2"x 14" rectangles.
3. Apply the pesto all over the rectangle in a thin, even layer.
4. Beginning with the long edge, roll the puff pastry in a tight roll to the rectangle’s midpoint. Repeat on the opposite long edge.
5. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the roll, crosswise, in 1/4-inch slices and place each slice on a baking sheet. If necessary, chill the slices again on the baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or just until the edges begin to turn a golden brown.
8. Cool the palmiers on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

DO-AHEAD: Make the fillings ahead of time, roll the puff pastry logs and freeze until ready to bake and serve.

Polenta Crostini with Goat Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes & Chives

These crostini are unique! The base is made from crispy, baked polenta rounds instead of bread. The delicious polenta rounds are topped with creamy goat cheese, blistered cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh chives. It’s a festive and colorful bite nicely composed. Makes about 25-30 crostini.

Ingredients:
4 cups water
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 cup cornmeal (medium or coarse works best)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced
Freshly ground pepper
4 ounces goat cheese
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Chives, sliced
Kosher salt (or flake salt), and pepper, for garnish

Directions:
1. Prepare the polenta in a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil, and whisk in the cornmeal and salt.
2. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to low. Simmer on low for 10 minutes or until the polenta is creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, thyme, and pepper.
3. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the polenta on the baking sheet and spread in a thin 1/4" layer. Cover with another layer of parchment paper, and press down evenly with another baking sheet to form a very evenly thick layer.
4. Refrigerate for 1 hour, until the polenta sheet has thoroughly cooled.
5. Use a 2" biscuit cutter, and cut rounds from the polenta sheet. Or use a knife and cut into triangles or squares.
6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the polenta crostini rounds on a baking sheet, and bake for about 14-16 minutes, or until the rounds turn golden brown and crispy. Let the crostini cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to finish cool completely.
7. While the crostini are baking, blister the cherry tomatoes in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil until they have just burst.
8. Smear each crispy crostini with goat cheese, add a blistered cherry tomato, and garnish with chives and a sprinkle of Kosher salt and pepper. Serve immediately

Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo is a simple fresh salsa made of tomatoes, white onions, jalapeños, lime zest and juice, cilantro, and kosher salt. Prepare the ingredients with a fine even dice. Mix, and let the flavors blend together. Enjoy this easy salsa with chips and/or as a topping for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more! Serves about 8 as a taco topping.

Ingredients:
1/2 white onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
4-5 ripe roma tomatoes, finely diced (about 2 cups) 1 jalapeño, de-seeded and minced
1 lime, zested and juiced
Kosher salt, to taste

Directions:
1. Prep each vegetable by slicing, chopping, and dicing as noted. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine.
2. Cover the fresh pico de gallo well, refrigerate, and let the flavors blend together for at least 30 minutes.
3. Serve with a slotted spoon to allow any excess liquid to stay in the bowl.