Nothing goes better with spirits than tantalizing tidbits and appetizers to transform small bites into big nights. Here are a number of my personal favorites that are sure to please the most discriminating of palates.
Meatballs With a return to homey, affordable, comforting entertaining this year, meatballs made it big in restaurant menus and kitchen tables everywhere. With ease and versatility, here are 4 of my favorite small-bites turn big-nights internationally-inspired meatball recipes.
Tapas
This medley of three simple yet fully-flavored tapas was inspired by a trip to Spain where flavor and fun naturally unite for perfect nibbles with red wine or cocktails. Because these tapas can be made in advance, they are the perfect party arsenal for an impromptu gathering.
Italian Shrimp Skewers With these simple and delicious mouthfuls from Italy's Amalfi Coast you'll taste the sea and citrus sunshine with each bite.
ZUCCHINI STICKS Ideal for a vegetarian party snack, these crisp morsels disappear as quickly as they are served. Plan on making several batches.
SWEET POTATO PURÉE Inspired by many visits to a popular New York City restaurant, here's my version of the best sweet potato dip that's simply perfect for everyone's party palate.
BAKED RAVIOLIS WITH PEAS AND PANCETTA This divinely rustic and palate pleasing pasta appetizer is ideal for intimate Spring gathering with friends and family. Passed around in small ramekins with a ruby red bottle of Chianti, Pinot Noir or Malbec, this pasta dish is sure to be an effortless party sensation.
BLACK TRUFFLE CROSTINI ALLA UMBRIA This is a traditional Italian appetizer that is black truffle butter served on toasted rustic crostini bread (little toasts). This is delicioso for autumn cocktail parties and wine tastings. Black truffles have a very special and musty aroma whose flavor is best maximized by grating it over a piece of parchment paper so you're sure not to lose any shavings. Whole black truffles can be expensive. They are best stored inside a plastic container with a slightly dampened paper towel both atop and below cleaned truffles.
SPICY VIETNAMESE BURGER BAGUETTE Let your tastebuds take a tantalizing trip with the flavors in this dish. This appetizer if finger-licking good and is ideal to share with friends.
FIRE ROASTED PEPPER, TOMATO AND EGGPLANT RAGU QUINOA CAKES Inspired by my cousin who adheres to a gluten-free diet, this dish will knock the socks off your gluten-free friends! Layered with flavor, these tasty cakes make an ideal appetizer or first-course meal.
FIRE ROASTED TOMATO, EGGPLANT AND SQUASH PRIMAVERA WITH RED QUINOA This vegetable loaded sauce swims in a sweet and slightly spicy tomato reduction. It bursts with flavor, nutrients and will surprise even the most discerning of palates. Who knew quinoa (keen-wah) and its nutty flavor, roasted vegetables and ricotta could be such a winning combination and outrageously good for you! It's truly worth the preparation. With a robust glass of chianti in hand, "three cheers for quinoa!"
