Whipped Hummus
I’ve tried all kinds of tricks to get super smooth hummus, from removing the skins from the chickpeas to starting with dried chickpeas and cooking them in the pressure cooker. This method uses canned chickpeas and is super easy, as long as you don’t mind listening to your blender run for a while. It’s delicious and has a satisfying, velvety texture.
Roasted Red Pepper & Cauliflower Dip
I’ve been looking for healthier, plant-based snacks to have around the house while working from home, as well as to share with friends now that we can socialize again. Cauliflower in particular seems like a good option, since it’s chock full of vitamins and nutrients, has tons of fiber, and is low in calories. This delicious dip is as easy as chopping and roasting veggies, and then blitzing them in the food processor, and lets you snack and still feel good about yourself.
Muffin Tin Pizza Bombs
These tasty hand-held pizza bombs are fun to make with kids and can be stuffed with whatever “toppings” each person likes.
Roasted Fennel & White Bean Dip
I was drawn to this bean-based dip thinking it would be healthy, but realized how decadent it was after liberally brushing the crostini in butter and blending the copious amounts of olive oil and grated cheese into the dip. I’ll try to lighted it the next time I make it, but for now just consider it a luxury.
Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled corn with juicy tomatoes, salty feta cheese, basil, and lemon is the perfect side for a backyard barbecue or pool party. We usually bring some spare grilled whole corn to satisfy kids who’d rather eat straight off the cob.
Pigs ‘n Blankets
After spending a summer afternoon playing in the pool, kids devour these cocktail sausages baked in crescent rolls.
Apple Rye Punch
Batch cocktails can be a nice way to serve something a little special to a group, whether it’s at a party or late in the afternoon on a winter Friday at work. This apple-rye punch was a cheery way to end the workweek before the holidays.
Cranberry & Brie Puffs
These easy, festive puff pastry bundles of brie and cranberry sauce (or raspberry jam, or fig preserves) are delightful party appetizers.
Pineapple Salsa
This is the perfect summer salsa thanks to diced fresh pineapple, which is much easier to slice into than I used to think. Red bell pepper and red onion add color, and cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice add mouth-watering flavor.
Mom’s Cranberry-Avocado Salsa
Salsa is standard party fare, but this fresh, holiday-themed version with chopped jalapeño, red onion, avocado, cranberries, and cilantro is a delightful surprise. It went quickly when mom took it to a recent holiday get-together.