15 Minute Appetizer Frenzy
- From www.longaberger.com
Between work, family, and friends, it’s hard to find the time to cook extravagant meals, but here at the Basket we found some delicious solutions to your time problem. Using some international inspiration, we found some spectacular appetizers that you can make in just 15 minutes or less! Whether you’re throwing a party for friends or making a dish for your family dinner, these dishes will have everyone thinking you should have your own cooking show!
Inspired by Italy:
Here’s a twist on the classic Italian bruschetta; one bite and you’ll be daydreaming of gelato and gondolas!Directions: Combine the strawberries and sugar in a small bowl and toss to combine. Let the berries sit while you work on the rest of your dish so that they start to release their juices. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on top of each baguette slice. Top each slice with spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top each slice with the basil leaves and cracked pepper, to taste. Makes 4-6 servings.
Inspired by the U.S.A.:
What could be better than taking a great sandwich and making it into a bite-sized appetizer? These snacks look sophisticated and taste even better than the traditional BLT sandwich you love.Directions: Slice about 1/4 of the tomato from the stem end and discard the top. Then remove the pulp from inside the tomato. Thinly slice the bottom of each tomato so that they will stand upright. Next place the cut side down on a paper towel to dry and set aside. Cook the bacon until crispy, and then crumble it up. Combine the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, parsley, green onion and bacon in a medium bowl. Spoon the mixture into each of the tomatoes. Chill until ready to serve. Makes about 25-30 servings.
Inspired by Thailand:If you’re looking for peanuts, pineapples, and a dish with a kick, then this Thai-style recipe is just the thing!Directions: whisk the lime juice, sugar, chile paste, and fish sauce in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Then add the peanuts and cilantro and stir until evenly dressed with the sauce. When you are ready to serve, arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter. Put about ¼ cup of pineapple in each leaf and season with salt to taste. Next, top the pineapple with the nut mixture and serve. Let your guests wrap each lettuce leaf to enclose the filling.
*Note: the nuts should be hand chopped. Machine-chopped nuts will turn out pasty and the nuts will lost their distinct texture.
Inspired by Mexico:
Chips and guacamole are always a crowd pleaser, so try out this variation and watch your friends and family say olè!
Directions: Place the tomatoes, yellow pepper, black beans, red onion, jalapeño peppers, and lime zest in a large bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, and cayenne pepper and pour over the vegetables. Toss well. Just before you’re ready to serve, fold the avocados into the salad and serve at room temperature. Yields 6 servings.
Inspired by Italy:
Here’s a twist on the classic Italian bruschetta; one bite and you’ll be daydreaming of gelato and gondolas!Directions: Combine the strawberries and sugar in a small bowl and toss to combine. Let the berries sit while you work on the rest of your dish so that they start to release their juices. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on top of each baguette slice. Top each slice with spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top each slice with the basil leaves and cracked pepper, to taste. Makes 4-6 servings.
Inspired by the U.S.A.:
What could be better than taking a great sandwich and making it into a bite-sized appetizer? These snacks look sophisticated and taste even better than the traditional BLT sandwich you love.Directions: Slice about 1/4 of the tomato from the stem end and discard the top. Then remove the pulp from inside the tomato. Thinly slice the bottom of each tomato so that they will stand upright. Next place the cut side down on a paper towel to dry and set aside. Cook the bacon until crispy, and then crumble it up. Combine the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, parsley, green onion and bacon in a medium bowl. Spoon the mixture into each of the tomatoes. Chill until ready to serve. Makes about 25-30 servings.
Inspired by Thailand:If you’re looking for peanuts, pineapples, and a dish with a kick, then this Thai-style recipe is just the thing!Directions: whisk the lime juice, sugar, chile paste, and fish sauce in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Then add the peanuts and cilantro and stir until evenly dressed with the sauce. When you are ready to serve, arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter. Put about ¼ cup of pineapple in each leaf and season with salt to taste. Next, top the pineapple with the nut mixture and serve. Let your guests wrap each lettuce leaf to enclose the filling.
*Note: the nuts should be hand chopped. Machine-chopped nuts will turn out pasty and the nuts will lost their distinct texture.
Inspired by Mexico:
Chips and guacamole are always a crowd pleaser, so try out this variation and watch your friends and family say olè!
Directions: Place the tomatoes, yellow pepper, black beans, red onion, jalapeño peppers, and lime zest in a large bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, and cayenne pepper and pour over the vegetables. Toss well. Just before you’re ready to serve, fold the avocados into the salad and serve at room temperature. Yields 6 servings.
When you’re faced with a time crunch or just want something new and delectable, these appetizing appetizers are sure to please! Be sure to comment below and let us know what you love to make in 15 minutes or less!
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