These Bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp are excellent as an appetizer or a meal.
You can change the stuffing  to  my crab cake recipe mixture or add jalapeno to the cream cheese recipe below.

Ingredients;

1LB very large shrimp, 12 to a pound size or larger is best
8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
1 TBLS chives, minced
1 small garlic clove minced
4-5 slices of bacon
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions;

Buy raw shrimp, frozen or defrosted. The shell is removed leaving just the tail shell on. Devein them and butterfly cut them by cutting just enough to open them up flat on a baking sheet.
Mix all the other ingredients, except the bacon.
Stuff the butterflied side of the shrimp with about 1 TBLS of the cream cheese mixture. Cut the bacon into pieces just large enough to wrap around the shrimp twice. Place a toothpick through the shrimp to hold the bacon in place.
Bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes and then turn over to broil for a few minutes on high until browned.

This Spinach Artichoke Dip is easy and so tasty.  Just be sure the spinach is well drained.
A great take along to a gathering.
If you like spicy, add a few drops of Tabasco.

Ingredients;
cooking spray
8oz cream cheese at room temp
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayo
1 shallot, minced
10oz box of frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and well drained
14oz can plain artichokes or frozen thawed, not marinated, rough chopped
1 cup grated good quality Parmesan cheese
a little salt and pepper

Directions;
Heat oven to 350
spray or butter a 1 QT baking dish
Be sure the spinach has no water left in it.
Blend all ingredients except the artichokes and half the Parmesan.
Once mixed add the artichokes and mix gently.
Put the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining Parmesan.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes and if you want the top to be browned turn on broil for 5 minutes or so.
Serve with Italian bread slices, chips or crackers.

This recipe for Cucumber slices with salads instead of bread or crackers is very low carb and just delicious. Pictured is egg salad but you can use crab or shrimp or tuna.
Add or change the herbs you add to your own taste.
All will be excellent and tasty.

Ingredients;
4 hard boiled eggs, cooled and peeled
OR
1 can of tuna in water, drained
OR
8oz of cooked crab meat or small shrimp, drained of any liquid
2-3 TBLS mayo
1 TSP dry mustard
1 TSP dried chives
1 TSP minced celery, if using crab/shrimp
assorted tomatoes and olives

Directions;
Mash the eggs (mix in gently tuna or crab/shrimp) into the other ingredients, except the cucumber, tomatoes and olives. Peel and slice the cucumbers thick and on the diagonal, leaving some green.
Top the cucumber slices with your salad and garnish with the sliced tomatoes, olives or anything you like.

A fresh artichoke is intimidating to some, not only how to eat them but also how to cook them. Hopefully I will explain and picture the basics so you will try Grilled Artichokes. There are a few ways to cook artichokes. This one is steamed then grilled.
A stuffed version is also in the blog recipe list.

Ingredients;
3 whole fresh artichokes
3 TBLS unsalted butter
2 TBLS olive oil
1 TBLS Kosher salt
1/2 fresh lemon

Directions;
Wash and trim the artichoke except leave the stem on and cut them in half. Otherwise follow the balance of directions for trimming as stated under the blog recipe “stuffed artichokes”.
Place the trimmed artichokes in a pot with 1″ of water. Cover and steam for 30 minutes or until a leaf pulls out easily. While they are steaming melt the butter and oil together. Remove them from the pot and baste them with the butter mix.
Place them on the grill about a medium high flame. Grill for 5-10 minutes turning them. Serve in a platter with fresh lemon juice squeezed over them and a sprinkle of kosher salt.

This white bean bruschetta appetizer is quick to make and can be refrigerated for 5-7 days. Serve at room temperature over toasted slices of Italian bread. This holds up well even at summer outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients;
14oz-16oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3 TBLS extra virgin olive oil
1 TBLS White wine or Champagne vinegar
1 TBLS of each minced; fresh parsley, basil and red onion
½ TSP dried oregano
1-2 TBLS red bell pepper, minced
1 clove of fresh garlic, peeled
Salt & Pepper to taste
Baguette bread sliced into 1” slices and lightly toasted on a sheet pan
Assorted olives for garnish

Directions;
Mix everything except the garlic and bread in a bowl.  Let marinate for 2 hours to overnight in the refrigerator.
Cut the end of the garlic clove and rub it up and down the toasted baguette slices.
Spoon the bean mixture on each slice just before serving.
Best if served at room temperature.

Rice balls or Arancini in Italian are a classic home style dish. Easy to make and there are many variations. Some put meat and peas in the middle, some like my recipe use a filling of just cheese.
Either way they are delicious !!

Ingredients;
1 cup Arborio rice, med grain Italian rice
3 large eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese + some for sprinkling
10 cubed pieces of mozzarella cheese
1/4 -1/2 cup ricotta cheese
3 TBLS finely minced fresh parsley
2 cups fresh bread crumbs, toasted is best but if time doesn’t allow use store bought plain bread crumbs.
1 cup homemade tomato sauce, see my marinara sauce recipe or if you have to buy a jarred sauce
Olive oil for pan frying

Directions;
In a saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add the rice and cook for 15-20 minutes. The rice should be a little firm. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
Lightly beat one of the eggs and add to the rice, along with the grated cheese, parsley, 2 TBLS of the tomato sauce, and salt and pepper. Mix well. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. In another bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese with 2 TBLS tomato sauce.

With floured hands, divide the rice mixture into 8 or 10 portions and roll each portion into a ball the size of a small orange. Poke a hole into the center of each ball with your finger and insert 1 cube of the mozzarella -sauce mixture. Reshape and smooth the balls to enclose the filling.
In a shallow dish, beat the remaining 2 eggs. Spread the bread crumbs on a plate. Dip the balls into the eggs, turning to coat them well. Roll the balls in the bread crumbs to coat them evenly. Then let them dry on a plate for about 45 minutes.
In heavy pan, heat the oil to about 375 or med high. Fry the balls until they are golden brown on all sides. Drain them on paper towels and serve immediately with a dollop of ricotta on the bottom and a spoonful of tomato sauce on the top, sprinkle with the grated cheese.

This whipped Feta cheese dip is simple to make and a tasty appetizer to serve as your guests arrive. Make it earlier in the day and refrigerate.

Use cows milk Feta rather than sheep’s milk which is softer.

Ingredients;
1 1/2 TSP lemon juice
1/4 TSP minced garlic
8oz cow’s milk Feta cheese
3 TBLS whole milk or half and half
2 TBLS + 2 TSP extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 TSP fresh oregano, minced OR chives OR thyme OR dill
Pita slices or unsalted crackers and/OR veggies for dipping

Directions;
I mention an unsalted cracker and that is because the cheese is plenty salty.
Drain the Feta of any water. Blend together in a processor or blender the Feta, juice, garlic, 2 TBLS oil. Then add the milk. Add the herbs you choose to use whether it be one or several,
The taste is yours to choose.
Serve in a bowl, bell pepper or a carved out round bread or with pita slices, crackers, veggies or bread cubes.
Drizzle the top with the remaining 2 TSP of oil and a sprinkle of herbs.

This spicy peanut sauce is delicious and can be served over cooked won ton’s or any cooked Asian style noodle. It’s origin dates back to Indonesia. But many Asian countries have their own adaptation.
Makes a great appetizer. Adjust the spice to your liking.
Pictured is over won ton dumplings.

Ingredients;
1 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Asian sesame oil
3 TBLS rice vinegar (not seasoned)
2 TBLS finely chopped garlic
2 TBLS grated peeled fresh ginger root
1 1/2 TSP Asian chili paste* or hot oil or to taste
1 TSP hoisin sauce*, or to taste
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3/4 cup water
2 scallions, sliced
*available at Asian markets, some specialty foods shops, and supermarkets

Directions;
In a mini chopper or processor combine all ingredients except the scallions and chili paste/hot oil.  Process until smooth.
Pour over warm won ton dumplings or cooked Asian noddles.
Sprinkle with the scallion and chili paste/hot oil to taste.

This hot bacon cheese dip is great for a crowd.
It gets put together in no time at all.
Place it in a sauce pan or if you have a small crock pot for cooking and to keep warm while serving.
Surely you will be asked for the recipe!

Ingredients;
2x 8oz packages cream cheese, cut into cubes
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, any kind you like
1 cup half & half
2 TSP Worcestershire sauce
1 TSP dried minced onion
1 TSP dry mustard
12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
Crackers or French bread slices or tortillas.

Directions;
On low heat in a medium sauce pot or a small crock pot mix all except the bacon until creamy.
Just before serving add the bacon and serve warm.
Serve it In a crock pot or a serving dish with a warming plate under it.

Sweet Plantains transcend just about all Latino based cuisine.
Sweet Maduros as they are known are easy to make and
accompany just about any entree.

Ingredients;
1 or 2 plantains, ripened until they are yellow and black
Vegetable oil

Directions;
Trim ends of the plantains, peel, and cut diagonally into 1″ pieces.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Place 1 plantain piece in the oil. If it bubbles vigorously, the oil is ready. If it doesn’t, wait another minute, and try again. Working in batches, cook plantains, turning once, until beginning to brown, 1–2 minutes per side. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, turning occasionally, until soft and deep golden brown, 6–8 minutes.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray.
Season with salt and/or sugar, if desired. Serve warm.

Cauliflower patties are nutritious and easy to make. You can freeze them too for another work night dinner. Use fresh or frozen cauliflower. Be creative and change the bread crumb and cheese flavors to whatever you desire.
I served them pictured with a side of natural applesauce.

Ingredients;
1 large head fresh Cauliflower or 1LB bag/box frozen
2/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 xlrg egg, beaten
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 TSP garlic powder (not salt)
Pepper to taste
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Directions;
Wash and cut up the cauliflower into small pieces.
Steam, do not boil in water, until very soft.
In a large bowl mix together the cauliflower, bread crumbs and cheese until the mixture is mashed.  Then add all the other ingredients, except the oil.
Mix thoroughly and form into 4 inch or so patties.
I use an ice cream scoop to measure so they are even in size.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan and saute the patties on each side until lightly brown. Serve warm.

This smoky lime shrimp recipe is so summer.
A great cook out item to compliment your menu.
You can marinate the night before and have more time
to prepare other foods.
Great when served with fresh grilled pineapple rings.

Ingredients;
1LB shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 TBLS olive oil
3 TBLS lime juice
1 TSP lime peel or zest
2 TSP smoky rub, any kind without salt
Pepper to taste

Mix all together and marinate for 1 hour to overnight in the refrigerator.
Skewer shrimp onto metal skewers or wood ones that you have soaked in
water to keep them from burning up.
Brush once with the marinade just before cooking.
Grill or broil a few minutes on each side until firm and no longer translucent.
Serve warm.

This roasted garlic recipe is so easy.
A great spread on toast rounds or any bread, alone or with other toppings.

Ingredients;
1 large head of fresh garlic, I like the white and purple skin type
Drizzle of olive oil

Directions;
Preheat the oven to 350.
Cut the garlic head in half on the side as pictured, leaving the skin on it.

Place on a piece of heavy duty foil. Drizzle the oil on the cut sides and place it back together. Seal the foil so the oil and juices won’t drip out while baking.
Bake for 35 mins.
Let cool and pop the garlic out of its pods and spread it on anything that appeals to you.

This Mojito Chicken Wings recipe is so tasty and a great item to prepare for an appetizer and a take along to a party.
The sauce gives a different take on wings that all will enjoy !!

Ingredients;
4 LBS chicken wings, cut into drum stick and flap, removing the tip
1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 cup orange juice
4 TBLS olive oil
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
2 TBLS honey
2 TBLS mole verde spice, found in spice shop and the better markets
1 TSP grated lime peel
1 TSP ground cumin
1/2 TSP salt

Directions;
Mix all ingredients except the chicken in a bowl.
Reserve half the marinade and set it aside.
Place the chicken with half of the marinade into a 1 gallon zip lock storage bag. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Remove the chicken and shake off the marinade.
Grill the wings turning often until they are cooked through and browned, about 20-30 minutes.
Pour all of the reserved marinade into a pot and simmer until thickened.
Place the cooked wings on a platter.
Brush the simmered marinade onto the cooked wings and serve.

This salmon salad recipe is a great summer time dish.
Easy to prepare and high in protein.
Serve it with crackers, cucumber slices or whatever you like.
The salmon can be poached, grilled or roasted,

Ingredients;
8oz salmon filet
2 scallions, sliced thin
1 TBLS fresh dill, chopped
3 – 4 TBLS mayonnaise
1 TBLS fresh parsley, chopped
2 TBLS minced celery
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions;
Steam, roast on 375 or poach the salmon until just cooked through.
If you grill or roast, rub the salmon with a little olive oil before cooking.
Cool and then flake apart. Set aside.
In a bowl mix all other ingredients, reserving a little dill for the garnish.
Add the salmon and mix.
The salad is to have just enough mayonnaise to hold it together, but not overwhelm.

These tasty Chinese Style Spareribs are a classic Canton region dish. Marinating them the day before gives the best flavor. I like to use baby back ribs for the tenderness. The old style recipe calls for red food dye.  I don’t feel its necessary.
They oven bake in about 1-1/14 hours.

Ingredients;
4 TBLS light soy sauce
2 TBLS honey
3 TBLS Hoisin sauce (found in the Asian foods aisle)
1 TBLS dry Sherry
1 TBLS catsup
1 clove garlic, minced
2 LBS baby back ribs cut into 3 sections

Directions;
Combine all ingredients except the meat in a bowl and mix well.
Set the meat into a pan lined with foil. Pour the marinade over the meat and marinate over night turning the meat a few times.
Preheat the oven to 350 and roast the meat uncovered for about 45 minutes,  Turn the oven down to 325 and cook another 15-20 minutes until the ribs shrink. Cut them into individual ribs and serve.

These prawns (monster size shrimp) are sweet and succulent. Roasted prawns taste and cook just like shrimp. The only difference is the number of claws they have next to their legs. They are however somewhat hard to find. Upscale supermarkets or a good seafood shop should have them.

Ingredients;
2 or 4 Prawns, shell on or off is your choice
1 TBLS butter
2 TBLS extra virgin olive oil
1 clove of garlic, mashed and minced
Dash of red pepper flakes
Parsley, minced

Directions;
Preheat oven to 400.
I like to peel, head and devein the prawns, leaving just the tail shell on. Melt the butter and combine with the oil and garlic. Place the prawns in a foil wrap and pour the butter mixture over the prawns. Top with the red pepper flakes and close the foil wrap.
Wrap them close together so the juices don’t evaporate.
Bake for 10 mins. Open the wrap and serve sprinkled with parsley.

Braciola is a classic Italian dish known as involtini or little bundles.
It is most commonly made with beef but depending on the region it can be veal, chicken or fish. You can grill, saute or simmer it.
The stuffing has many many variations.
I’ll list some at the end of the recipe.

Ingredients;
Two long thin slices of beef top round London broil.
Your butcher can cut and pound them for you
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Peccorino Romano cheese
1 clove garlic, mashed
1 TBLS fresh minced Italian parsley
drizzle of olive oil

Directions;
Lay the beef slices out and drizzle with olive oil. Spread the garlic on them and then the balance of ingredients. Roll them half way and cut the meat in two. Secure the roll with a few toothpicks on each side and the center if needed. Continue to roll the other half of the beef and repeat securing them.

Cooking variations;
**Saute in olive oil and butter in a frying pan and then add a little red wine to simmer them maybe 10-15 minutes.
**Grill them for a few minutes on each side
**Add them to the tomato sauce you are preparing from my blog library

Stuffing variations;
**sprinkle pine nuts
**sprinkle currants
**add minced Pancetta or Proscuitto
**add a filet of anchovy
**add chopped hard boiled egg

Potato pancakes (Latkes) are a simple and tasty side dish.  Easy to make and can be frozen to cook later. I like them with a little onion or chives.

Serve them with a good applesauce and sour cream or creme fraiche.
Ingredients;
2 large baking potatoes
2TBLS finely grated onion or snipped chives
1 extra-large egg, beaten
2 TBLS all-purpose flour1 TBLS ground Matzo meal
1 1/4 TSP kosher salt1/4 TSP freshly ground black pepper3 TBLS clarified butter*** you can use canola oil if butter isn’t part of your diet

Directions;
Peel the potatoes and grate them on a box grater or in  food processor with the grating attachment. Wrap the grated potatoes in a paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Combine the potatoes in a bowl with the egg, flour, salt and pepper. Mix well. Melt the clarified butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Place a TBLS or two of the potato mixture into the sizzling butter and cook for 2 minutes. Turn the pancakes over and cook for another 2 minutes, or until crisp on the outside and golden brown. Serve the pancakes hot from the skillet.
***To make the clarified butter, slowly melt 4 TBLS butter in a small saucepan. Set it aside until the milk solids settle. Spoon off any solids that rise, then carefully pour off the golden liquid, discarding the milky part in the bottom of the pan.

This Caponata eggplant appetizer originates from Sicily and is very popular.  Serve it with bread or crackers as your guests arrive.

Easy to make and if you follow my jam recipes for canning you can enjoy Caponata Sicilian Eggplant Appetizer all year long.  Just keep the jars in the pantry, once opened refrigerate them.

Ingredients;
4 cups cubed fresh eggplant, with the skin on
4 TBLS extra virgin olive oil
2 med onions, chopped
3-4 ribs of celery, cubed
1/4 cup capers, drained
2/3 cup pitted olives, green Sicilian are preferred
1 TBLS red wine vinegar
3-4 leaves sliced fresh basil
1/2 cup plum tomatoes, canned and rough chopped
2-3 TBLS tomato paste

Directions;
Heat the oil in a pan large enough to accommodate all the ingredients. Saute the celery and onion until nearly soft but not brown. Add the eggplant a saute a few minutes more. Add all the other ingredients and simmer on low uncovered for about 45 minutes until the excess juices are nearly gone. Serve at room temperature. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 4 days.
You can also “jar” the mixture at this point with the mixture hot and going into hot boiled mason jars. Follow my canning instructions on my jam recipes  page.
Serve with a crusty Italian or French bread.

This Italian sandwich was typical growing up in an Italian household.
So many different ways to make it, but I’m giving you this Italian sandwich on ciabatta bread as my favorite.

Ingredients;
One 10″ – 12″ fresh Ciabatta bread (found in the better markets)
2 TBLS Pesto (jarred or grind garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, 1 TBLS grated Parmesan and a few pine nuts to make your own)
One medium jar red/yellow roasted peppers, rinsed
8oz fresh Mozzarella, sliced
1/4-1/2 LB Sicilian salami, sliced very thin

Directions;
Cut the bread in half long ways. Brush both pieces with the pesto. Layer the balance of the ingredients to your desired thickness. Cover with the other half of bread and slice into 4 pieces.
Enjoy with a good glass of wine or an Italian soda.

I made this Vegetable Appetizer Platter to pick on before a family meal or its great to serve while guests arrive for a holiday get together.

It contains; Stuffed Zucchini, Stuffed Mushrooms and fried Yellow Squash. The zucchini and mushroom recipes are listed in the pantry. Below is the fried squash recipe.

Ingredients;
1/2 cup or so combination vegetable oil and olive oil
2 yellow squash, sliced 1/4″ slices
1 egg, beaten
1 cup Italian bread crumbs
2 TBLS grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
dash of garlic powder, not salt

Directions;
In a large non stick frying pan heat the oil to med/hot.
Combine the bread crumbs, garlic powder and cheese in a 1 gallon bag. Egg wash the squash and place it in the bag. Shake the bag until the squash is coated. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on a paper towel and serve warm. Serve as is or dip in your fav dressing.

This Mushrooms Sauteed with Marsala recipe is a great side dish.
I love it with steak, but it goes well with poultry too.

16oz pkg of fresh mushrooms, button or any type you like
1/2 cup Marsala wine
2 TBLS butter **
Dash of pepper

Clean the mushrooms. I say that because I like to rinse them and brush with a soft mushroom brush. I just can’t get over the grown in substance and not wash them. Some people like to just dust them off.

Slice them or leave them whole. Place the butter in a saute pan large enough to loosely fit the mushrooms. Saute the mushrooms on a fairly high heat until the juices come out and then absorb again. Add the Marsala wine and saute for a minute or two as the wine sizzles and deglazes the pan. Add pepper to taste and serve warm.

** replace the butter with olive oil to make this more heath friendly.

This Classic Chicken Salad recipe has minimal ingredients allowing the chicken flavor to be the focus. Serve it over salad greens, on bread or stuffed in an avocado or a hollowed tomato!
If you like you can add sliced almonds, walnuts, grapes or anything else.

Ingredients;
2 cups cooked chicken, skin removed, cubed or shredded, any mix of white or dark meat (for quick and easy  buy a roasted chicken)
1/2 cup celery, rough or finely chopped
1 TBLS minced parsley
1 TBLS onion or scallion, finely chopped
1/2 to 1 cup mayo, amount depends on your preference
1 heaping TBLS sour cream
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions;
Mix the chicken with all other ingredients.
Chill and serve.

This stuffed zucchini recipe can be made with many different ingredients.

I used mushrooms, onion, tomato and bread crumbs. Just about anything can be used; peppers of any kind, sausage, ham, beef, olives, capers etc…..

Ingredients;

4 long thin zucchini
2 TBLS butter or extra virgin olive oil
1/2 a small onion, chopped
4 oz fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 plum tomato, chopped
dash of garlic powder, not salt
Salt & pepper to taste
1 TBLS grated Romano cheese
2 TBLS bread crumbs, any kind you like

Directions;
Preheat oven to 350.
Wash the zucchini thoroughly. Leaving the stem in tact make a “V” shaped  cut in them and remove the cut zucchini.  Use a small melon baller to make a canal in the zucchini.

Chop the removed zucchini and add it to the stuffing. In a frying pan add the butter/oil and the onion.  Saute for a few minutes and then add all the other ingredients, except the bread crumbs.  Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes or so. If you use salty ingredients you might not want to add salt. Add the bread crumbs, this will tighten up the stuffing from being too watery. Stuff the cooked mixture into the zucchini canal as pictured.  Place in a covered baking dish and bake for about  30 minutes or until the zucchini are soft but not falling over and mushy.

If you have extra mushrooms and stuffing make stuffed mushrooms with it…

An assortment of tomatoes are in abundance in the summer months.
This Heirloom tomato recipe mixes all types of tomatoes.
I bought these from the local farmers market picked at their peak of flavor.

Fresh mozzarella is key also. It’s from my local market but the store brand BelGioioso is good too.

ingredients for Heirloom Tomato Mozzarella Salad

1 LB fresh mozzarella
1 LB Heirloom tomatoes, mixed types
2 TBLS extra virgin oil oil
4-6 fresh basil leaves, sliced
A bottle of Balsamic glaze, check the label to be sure it doesn’t have corn syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

Slice the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Mix and assemble in a dish. Pour the olive oil over them and add the salt and pepper. Decorate with the Balsamic glaze and the basil. Serve just slightly chilled with a good crusty slice of Italian bread.
Add a glass of wine and opera music and you could drift off into Italy!!