Starters Archives - Page 8 of 12

Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Blistered Concord Grapes

September 18, 2021 No Comments

Summer is back for what is likely a final blast. And as a summer-lover, I am honestly happy about it. But I have to admit, I’m starting to feel like I’ve had my fill. I’m tired of feeling vaguely overheated all the time and I cannot wait to welcome blankets, sweaters, and piping hot tea back into my life. I don’t want to sound ungrateful. But there is a part of me that needs the excuse to curl up on the couch with a pot of piping hot cheese and only a cold, blustery day can give me that. I sweated my way through shooting today’s Baked Goat Cheese Dip and it didn’t feel right. I’m looking forward to making it when it’s not 30°C outside. But I know those days are coming, so I was happy to put this together for you. Let’s get into it.

Fish & Seafood, Snacks, Starters

Ginger Scallop Aguachile with Wasabi Glazed Wonton Chips

July 31, 2021 No Comments

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The heat has backed off in my part of the world. But I know the weather is just lulling us into a false sense of security before pummeling us with more oppressive temperatures. So, I’m keeping my beers cold and meals chilled because August is just getting started. And if I’m honest, this is my favorite way to eat. Dishes like today’s Ginger Scallop Aguachile are my idea of heaven. It may sound disconcerting but I really do love raw food. It could be a latent carnivorous instinct or it could simply be a preference for a particular texture. Whatever it is, I find crudo and carpaccio to be endlessly compelling. They’re bursting with flavor, satisfying, yet refreshing. In other words, they’re the only dishes I want to eat in August.

Salads, Snacks, Starters

Whipped Feta and Watermelon Salad

July 21, 2021 No Comments

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The best part of summer? Chips, dips, and the like become dinner food. In the summer, snacking is king. It makes perfect sense. When we aren’t held to a schedule, I believe humans are natural-born grazers. When there is sun to soak up, who wants to spend time in front of a stove? Almost every crop and piece of produce is at its peak and the less is more approach is the most successful. And when heatwaves roll in, a plate of spaghetti and meatballs isn’t top of mind for anyone. What is far more likely to capture the imagination? Beer, fridge cold hummus, torn pita bread, and this Whipped Feta with Watermelon Salad.

Pork, Sandwiches & Wraps, Sides, Snacks, Starters

Avocado BLT Fresh Rolls with Warm Bacon Nuoc Cham

July 16, 2021 No Comments

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It seems I can’t let a summer pass without making fresh rolls – a couple of rounds at least. And because I am a weirdo, I am incapable of making any of the traditional versions. Don’t get me wrong, I love the rice paper rolls from my local Vietnamese place and I have enjoyed a shrimp roll or two in my day. But as far as I’m concerned, these classic rolls are best when they’re made by seasoned hands. My lemongrass chicken rolls will never approach the perfection I get from Pho Challenge up the street from me. So, I mess with the fillings and what I have learned from my experiments is anything you can put in a sandwich you can put in a rice paper roll. And these Avocado BLT Fresh Rolls are further evidence of my findings.