Gourmet Culinaire and Cuisine

About 10 years ago, we accidentally started what turned out to be a family favorite evening. One Saturday, while menu planning for the next week, I realized that nothing was on the "menu" for that evening. I asked around and everyone answered something different, but the theme was the same - appetizers - everything from nachos to chicken tenders to mozzarella sticks. Fun food, not the healthiest, but once in awhile that is okay.That was the beginning of a new tradition. The kids called it our "appetizer dinner". We eat well-rounded meals and exceptionally healthy food in our home, so why not have some fun with them in the kitchen too?My husband and I developed a set of basic rules so things didn't get too out of control. It was meant to be a fun evening for everyone and also a sort of night off for me. Keep it simple. .. more»

This Christmas Wreath Appetizer is easy to make and looks like you spent hours making it. Your friends and guests will love it and it's soooooo pretty!The holidays mean lots of parties and this easy appetizer recipe will be perfect if you are responsible for bringing an appetizer. You can make it ahead of time and when you serve it, watch it disappear!What you'll need:- 2 8-ounce tubes of crescent rolls*- 1 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese- 1/2 cup of sour cream- 1 teaspoon of dill weed- 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder- 1 1/2 cups of broccoli florets (freshly chopped)- 1 cup of celery (finely chopped)- 1/2 cup of sweet red pepper (finely chopped)- Celery leaves* found in refrigerator section of grocery storeWhat to doFirst, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.Next, remove the crescent roll dough from its packaging (make sure you don't unroll it). Cut each tube .. more»

These delicious appetizer recipes are easy, tasty and reliable. Serve anyone of them at your next party or family gathering. You can present them daintily; presentation counts, so use a fun brightly colored bowl that contrasts the color of the dip (red for artichoke dip; blue for hummus dip) and also arrange crackers or chips in a unique pattern or purchase mini chips or crackers and serve them in a cracker tray.Hummus Dip with Pita Chips4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups chick peas (drained and dried) 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste) 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1/4 cup water salt and pepper (to taste) Pita Chips: Pita rounds; melted butter; olive oil; seasoned salt; dried thymeHummus: Combine the garlic, chick peas, lemon juice, tahini and soy sauce in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Add water and blend; season with salt and pepper to taste.Pita .. more»

Focaccia bread is an Italian flat bread enhanced with herbs, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and/or olives. It makes a nice appetizer and can be used to make sandwiches. It starts with a very basic dough that can be used for a pizza crust, but, after a slightly different preparation and added toppings, it becomes focaccia bread.You have some flexibility when making focaccia bread to suit your personal taste for toppings. You can load it up with everything or make a very spare version with only a bit of cheese and herbs.Bread dough ingredients:1-1/3 cups hot water 1 package or 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast 3-1/2 to 4 cups all purpose flour 2 Tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons salt 1 Tablespoon sugar .. more»