Looking for fun Halloween treats to make this year? Here are a few favorites:
Autumn Spiced Fall Leaf Cookies
Twix Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
Category Archives: Appetizers
Japanese Gyoza
Every Asian culture has their own version of pan-fried dumplings. This Japanese version, gyoza, is filled with seasoned ground pork and cabbage, seared to create a browned crust on one side, and then steamed until cooked through. Served with a slightly sweet soy dipping sauce. Add chili oil or paste to your liking.
To form dumplings, place a round dumpling wrapper on a small plate or piece of parchment paper. Place about 1 Tablespoon of filling in the center of the wrapper. Use your finger to very lightly moisten the edge of the gyoza wrapper with water. Fold wrapper in half, using your thumb and index finger to fold pleats into one edge of the wrapper. Pinch the edges together to close and seal.
Place wrapped dumplings on a parchment lined baking sheet. Let raw dumplings rest for a few minutes before cooking to keep them from unfolding when cooking.
Sear in oil without moving dumplings until bottoms are browned and crisped. Then add water and cover to steam until cooked through.
For a low-carb version, use the same filling and wrap in softened cabbage leaves. Steam until cooked through, and then brown, if desired.
RECIPE:
Filed under Appetizers, Low Carb/Keto, Main Dishes
Smoked Queso Dip
A delicious appetizer perfect for dipping chips or vegetables. Mix ingredients together in a disposable pan and cook on a smoker for a deep, rich flavor.
RECIPE:
Filed under Appetizers
Peach Caprese Salad
A delicious alternative to a traditional Caprese Salad, using peaches instead of tomatoes. Perfect for juicy, ripe, freshly picked summer peaches!
RECIPE:
Filed under Appetizers, Salads, Side Dishes
Smoked Pulled Pork Jalapeño Poppers
We had some leftover smoked pulled pork in the freezer, and I decided to use it to top some jalapeño popper appetizers. Now I will always set aside pulled pork so I never have to make them any other way!
I didn’t have any barbecue sauce prepared when I decided to make these, so I mixed the pork with just a bit of some homemade enchilada sauce that I had on hand, and we really liked it that way. Whichever you choose, use just enough to barely moisten the pork.
RECIPE:
Filed under Appetizers, Low Carb/Keto
Satay Chicken
While this is usually served as an appetizer in Thai restaurants, we like to give it center stage and serve it as a main course. It is easily one of Julia’s top 2 favorite meals.
Thin strips of chicken are marinated in a pungent blend of spices, and then glazed with a peanut sauce during the final minutes of cooking.
Traditionally, the chicken is threaded onto bamboo skewers before cooking. However, in the interest of time and ease, I usually skip the skewers.
These are great grilled outside, but can also be cooked quickly under a broiler.
Serve with cooked rice and additional peanut sauce for dipping.
RECIPE:
Filed under Appetizers, Main Dishes
