Category Archives: appetizer

Baked Brie Appetizer with Cranberries and Walnuts

Posted on by
20

I can’t think of this Warm Brie Appetizer with Cranberries and Walnuts without thinking of France. Our daughter was married there and lives in Paris so we visit often…which means cheese eating has become part of our lives!
(This post contains affiliate links. I may make a commission off sales while your price remains the same.)

Baked Brie Appetizer with Cranberries and Walnuts #warmbrie #bakedbrie #bakedbreewithcranberries

 

About Brie:

Brie is a soft French cheese made from cow’s milk. It’s fantastically creamy and dreamy with a fairly mild flavor. Brie is surrounded by a rind that is usually eaten, but doesn’t have to be. There are many varieties of Brie with subtle flavor differences. For this recipe I use a double or triple cream Brie.

Baked Brie Appetizer with Cranberries and Walnuts #warmbrie #bakedbrie #bakedbreewithcranberries

Simple How To:

The best part about this little appetizer, besides the way it looks, tastes and how happy it will make anyone that eats it, is that it’s also very easy to make. Simply use a knife to slice the rind off the top of the cheese, top with orange juice soaked dried cranberries and walnuts and pop in the oven for 15 minutes. Et Voila! A sweet and savory appetizer that everyone will be gathering around!

Baked Brie Appetizer with Cranberries and Walnuts #warmbrie #bakedbrie #bakedbreewithcranberries

Need More Holiday Recipes?

Check out all of my Holiday Recipes here!

Holiday recipes

 

 

The Recipe: Baked Brie Appetizer with Cranberries and Walnuts

You will need: an oven safe baking dish

5 from 16 votes
Print
Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

Warm baked brie topped with orange soaked cranberries and walnuts!

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: French
Keyword: appeitzer, baked brie
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 8 oz round of Brie cheese (I use double or triple cream brie)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 Tablespoons toasted walnuts (or pecans), chopped
  • Your favorite crackers
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 and place rack in center position

  2. Use a knife to cut the rind off the top of cheese, discard. Place brie in oven safe baking dish, set aside.

  3. Chop cranberries, place them in a small microwave safe bowl, add orange juice and stir well. Place in the microwave for 50 seconds, this softens them up. Pour berries over Brie and top with chopped walnuts

  4. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is soft and warm. Remove from oven, place on a pretty dish and serve with crackers.

MAY I PLEASE ASK A FAVOR?

We small bloggers need all the help we can get. Subscribing and sharing on social media is very appreciated! 

STANDARD FTC DISCLOSURE and Privacy Policy: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note that I only endorse products that are in alignment withThe Organic Kitchen’’s ideals and that I believe would be of value to my readers.The Organic Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. View The Organic Kitchen’s Privacy Policy

Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner!

Posted on by
16

Whenever my husband and I order a charcuterie platter I always think “this could be a complete meal if it only had a salad”. So, here you go. I am making my dreams come true and you benefit as well. You’re welcome. Seriously though, when you need a simple, delicious and romantic meal there is no better low stress option than this Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner. Besides toasting the bread this platter is assembly only and it has everything you need for a lovely, no cooking required (because toasting is hardly cooking), complete meal!
(This post contains affiliate links off which I may make a commission, your price remains the same.)

Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner #charcuterie #dinnerboard #glutenfreecharcuterie

The Beauty of The Board!

No cooking. That’s the beauty of the board in a nutshell. Another plus, you can use whatever meats, cheese and nuts you have on hand. Of course I will be offering suggestions but you can mix and match as much as your hearts desire. And there’s very little clean up because you eat right off the board! Grab two forks and dig in.

Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner #charcuterie #dinnerboard #glutenfreecharcuterie

 

The Salad:

A lovely, light and slightly sweet salad comprised of greens, caramelized nuts, apples and feta dressed with a light, lemony dressing. Charcuterie, otherwise known as cured meats, are very strongly flavored so we keep the salad simple, so it works well with all the savory, salty goodness on the board!

Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner #charcuterie #dinnerboard #glutenfreecharcuterie

The Meats:

I used pepperoni, prosciutto, and salami but you may use whatever you prefer! I like to ‘scrunch’ up the prosciutto and arrange the pepperoni and salami in rows.

Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner #charcuterie #dinnerboard #glutenfreecharcuterie

The Cheeses:

I used Tapas sampler wedges comprised of Manchego, Cabra Al Vino, and Iberico, slices of aged gouda, and the piece de resistance…soft goat cheese topped with Adriatic fig spread. Seriously, if you haven’t tried this, you are missing out, and when spread on sliced warm grilled baguette it is heavenly.

Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner #charcuterie #dinnerboard #glutenfreecharcuterie

The Bread and Nuts:

I love to use a par-baked baguette, slice, brush with olive oil and grill in a grill pan. That said you could also place in the toaster or oven. If you are living gluten free, I recommend Against The Grain Baguettes found in the frozen section of some super markets. The nuts on this board are Marcona almonds, I love the olive oil and rosemary flavor. Of course you could use any nut you like including plain old roasted salted or spicy!

Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner #charcuterie #dinnerboard #glutenfreecharcuterie

The Recipe: Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner for Two!

What you will need: not much! A serving board (I love this farmhouse style board or this round board) and these pretty cheese knives! I use a grill pan to grill the baguette and love Marcona almonds, and use Adriatic fig spread on the goat cheese! It’s amazing!

5 from 11 votes
Print
Salad and Charcuterie Board Dinner
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
 

A complete meal served Charcuterie board style! This borad is for two people but can easily be made into a meal for 4 or even 6!

Course: dinner
Keyword: board dinner, cahrcuterie dinner, charcuterie, main course
Servings: 2 servings
Author: Linda Spiker
Ingredients
Bread:
  • 6 slices  your choice of baguette, grilled or toasted
  • 1 Tablespoon butter or olive oil
Salad:
  • 2 cups baby greens
  • 6-8 apple slices
  • small handful caramelized pecans
  • 2 Tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons   extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon  fresh lemon juice
  • 1  teaspoon  honey
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
Charcuterie board:
  • Your choices of cured meats, I used salami, pepperoni and prosciutto
  • Your choices of cheeses, I used a Spanish Tapas mix of  Manchega, Cabra al Vino and Iberico wedges and slices of aged gouda
  • 4 ounces soft goat cheese
  • 3 tablespoon fig spread
  • marcona almonds
Instructions

  1. Set out tray, board or platter

  2. Place pan on medium heat, while grill pan is heating slice bread and spread with butter or brush with olive oil

  3. Grill bread until golden and crispy, set aside

  4. Place greens, pecans, apples and feta in a bowl

  5. Whisk together salad dressing ingredients, set aside

  6. Place meats and cheeses on board, spoon fig spread on top of soft goat cheese, add almonds and bread slices

  7. Dress salad, toss and add to board, snuggle in the bread

  8. Share right off the platter!

MAY I PLEASE ASK A FAVOR?

We small bloggers need all the help we can get. Subscribing and sharing on social media is very appreciated! 

STANDARD FTC DISCLOSURE and Privacy Policy: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note that I only endorse products that are in alignment with The Organic Kitchen’s ideals and that I believe would be of value to my readers.The Organic Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. View The Organic Kitchen’s Privacy Policy

Blackberry Aged Cheese Skewers

Posted on by
13

‘Tis the season for backyard BBQs, tailgate parties and picnics! We love summer and the social gatherings that come with it. These Blackberry Cheese Skewers are a no fuss appetizer or incredibly easy low carb dessert that everyone loves…trust me, they will be the first thing to go at your next shindig.
(This post contains affiliate links off which I may make a commission, your price remains the same)

Blackberry and Aged Cheese Skewers #ketoappetizer #ketodessert #simpelappetizer #cheeseandfruit

Let’s Talk Cheese Please:

This beautiful board is simple, elegant, and delicious. We choose juicy blackberries sandwiched between aged gouda and either a raw aged cheddar or Spanish Manchego cheese for our skewers. Aged gouda tastes like a blend of cheese and caramel. Seriously, my favorite cheese on the planet! Aged cheddar is nice and sharp which is wonderful when combined with sweet blackberries. Manchego is a semi hard cheese made from sheep’s milk and can be found in almost any grocery store that carries speciality cheeses. NOTE: many aged cheeses taste amazing with berries. If you can’t find the three I suggest, feel free to try others. Fruits and cheese is always a winner!

Blackberry and Aged Cheese Skewers #ketoappetizer #ketodessert #simpelappetizer #cheeseandfruit

Low Carb too!

This beautiful combination of fruit and cheese can be served as a simple appetizer or low carb/keto dessert. When we were in France recently we ate cheese and fruit for dessert every night. It’s a thing! And a really good thing. Give it a try after dinner instead of a traditional American sweet dessert, you may just be surprised at how much you love it!

Need more appetizer board ideas? Take a look at my No Fuss Appetizer Platter and my Mediterranean Appetizer Platter.

Blackberry and Aged Cheese Skewers #ketoappetizer #ketodessert #simpelappetizer #cheeseandfruit

The Recipe: Blackberry and Aged Cheese Skewers

What you need: skewers. We like these bamboo skewers with the knotted end. Gouda cheese can crumble so using a really thin skewer makes crumbling less likely. As always, you need a good knife!

4.82 from 11 votes
Print
Blackberry Aged Cheese Skewers
Prep Time
10 mins
 

A simple, delicious, low carb appetizer or dessert! NOTE: many aged cheeses taste amazing with berries. If you can't find the two I suggest, feel free to try others. Fruits and cheese is always a winner!

Course: Appetizer, Dessert
Keyword: cheese and fruit, easy appetizer recipe, easy dessert recipe
Servings: 20 skewers
Ingredients
  • 1 pint blackberries (about 20 blackberries)
  • 10 ounces aged gouda, cut into triangles (I use gouda aged three to five years)
  • 10 ounces aged cheddar or Manchego cheese, cut into cubes
Optional: Serve with crackers and style with flowers and herbs
Instructions

  1. Cut cheeses, slide onto skewers with blackberries placed in between. Voila!

MAY I PLEASE ASK A FAVOR?

We small bloggers need all the help we can get. Subscribing and sharing on social media is very appreciated! 

STANDARD FTC DISCLOSURE and Privacy Policy: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note that I only endorse products that are in alignment with The Organic Kitchen’s ideals and that I believe would be of value to my readers.The Organic Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. View The Organic Kitchen’s Privacy Policy

 

Sun Dried Tomato Hummus!

Posted on by
Reply

When it comes to choices in appetizers, hummus is a favorite at our house. We especially love this Sun Dried Tomato Hummus. It’s fabulous and only takes five minutes to make!
(This post contains affiliate links. I may make a commission off sales but your price remains the same.)

Sun Dried Tomato Hummus! #hummus #appetizer #vegan

THE STORY OF HUMMUS:

Hummus is a staple food from the Mediterranean and  middle east. And like all staple foods it has a history. Back in the day when people had to travel long distances on foot or animal they had to carry their food with them. It needed to be lightweight, nutrient dense and easy to make….dried chick peas, otherwise known as garbanzo beans fit the bill. When travelers arrived to their destination they could soak the dried chick peas in water, mash with olive oil, add a little lemon juice and sea salt and they had a protein packed meal loaded with energy producing healthy fats!

Sun Dried Tomato Hummus! #hummus #appetizer #vegan

Adding  Flavor To Hummus:

We are big fans of plain hummus. It’s totally a fan favorite. But sometimes we love to toss in some additions to take the flavor profile up a notch. Check out my gorgeous brilliant pink Roasted Beet Hummus as well as  the black bean and roasted red bell pepper variations on my Trio Platter! 

Sun Dried Tomato Hummus! #hummus #appetizer #vegan

Sun Dried Tomato Hummus: Perfect Alone or as Part of a Platter!

This hummus can certainly stand on it’s own served with a simple assortment of veggies or pita. But I also love it as one component of my Ultimate Mediterranean Appetizer Platter. Trust me, this platter is a hit at any party.

The Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Hummus!

Tips and what you will need: you need a food processor to make hummus, and as always you need a good knife! If you want to turn this into a complete meal salad, click here.

Print
Recipes for Sun Dried Tomato Hummus
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 

Homemade Sun Dried Tomato Hummus is perfect for dipping with pita and a variety veggies!

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Medeterranean, Middle eastern
Keyword: easy appetizer recipe, party recipe
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
For Sun Dried Tomato Hummus
  • 1 16 oz can garbanzo beans, no liquid
  • 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil and herbs (and more for garnish)
  • 1/3-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (start with 1/3 and add more if needed, I usually add)
  • juice of 1/2 a small lemon
  • sea salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoons roasted pine nuts (for garnish)
  • Serve with sliced Persian cucumbers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, red peppers, flatbreads, pita chips, tortilla chips etc.
Instructions
For hummus:

  1. Place drained garbanzo beans and sun dried tomatoes in the food processor. Give it a whirl. 

  2. Add lemon juice through the drizzle feature on top of the machine and process. Add olive oil. Process, add a pinch of sea salt. Check the consistency and add more olive oil a little at a time if needed. When hummus is the right consistency, taste. Add more salt of necessary.

  3. Place in a bowl and garnish with chopped sun dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes and/or pine nuts. Serve with sliced Persian cucumbers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, red peppers, flatbreads, pita chips, tortilla chips etc.

 

MAY I PLEASE ASK A LITTLE FAVOR?

We small bloggers need all the help we can get. Subscribing and sharing on social media is very appreciated! 

View The Organic Kitchen’s Privacy Policy. 

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Posted on by
1

Sweet, savory, and salty these Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates are the appetizer dreams are made of!
(This post contains affiliate links off which I may make a commission. Your price remains the same)

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates #baconwrappeddates #goatcheese #paleo #stuffeddates #glutenfree

How To:

Making these little flavor bombs is actually very easy. We start with Medjool dates, make a little slice to remove the pit and then spoon a little goat cheese where the pit used to be. Then wrap with bacon and pop in the oven until crispy!

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates #baconwrappeddates #goatcheese #paleo #stuffeddates #glutenfree

Flavor Options!

Want to spice things up? Add a little jalapeño to that goat cheese. If you want to sweeten the deal roll in maple syrup before baking. No matter which you choose the result will be nothing short of mouth watering!

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates #baconwrappeddates #goatcheese #paleo #stuffeddates #glutenfree

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates #baconwrappeddates #goatcheese #paleo #stuffeddates #glutenfree

Add Them To A Platter!

Served alone these are exquisite but I also love to add them to my Ultimate Mediterranean Appetizer Platter!

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates #baconwrappeddates #goatcheese #paleo #stuffeddates #glutenfree

The Recipe: Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

What you need: a rimmed baking sheet (like this) unbleached parchment paper (like this)

Print
Recipe for Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates are a huge hit at every party and much easier to make than you'd think. 

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword: easy appetizer recipe, party recipe
Servings: 20 servings
Author: Linda Spiker
Ingredients
  • Toothpicks
  • 20 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 4 oz soft goat cheese
  • 10 strips of thin sliced bacon, cut in half
Optional:
  • jalepeno
  • maple syrup or brown sugar
  • sea salt
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place parchment paper on cookie sheet.

  2. Slice dates almost end to end. Pull out pit. Use a small spoon to put a little goat cheese into date. Wrap with half a slice of bacon and run a toothpick through (side to side) to hold bacon on place. Place on parchment covered cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Remove toothpicks, serve.

Variations:

  1. Before baking roll in brown sugar or sprinkle with sea salt. If you want a spicy bacon wrapped date, mince jalepeno and add a teaspoon or two to the goat cheese before filling dates.

MAY I PLEASE ASK A LITTLE FAVOR?

We small bloggers need all the help we can get. Subscribing and sharing on social media is very appreciated! 

View The Organic Kitchen’s Privacy Policy. 

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.