#summerappetizers

Garden Salsa Ingredients: 4 large ripe steak tomatoes, chopped 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, stem discarded 1 shallot 1/2 green bell pepper 1 green onion 1/2 cup fresh cilantro 2 garlic cloves 2 teaspoons cumin 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: In a food processor, add the tomatoes, jalapeño, shallot, green pepper, green onion, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and lemon juice. Pulse until all ingredients are finely diced and well combined. Be careful not to over-pulse to maintain a salsa consistency instead of a soup-like texture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate. This salsa will keep for about 5 days in the fridge. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or as a fresh topping for tacos, grilled meats, or salads. Enjoy! Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 15 per serving | Servings: 6 servings Garden Salsa is a fresh, vibrant addition to any meal, offering a burst of summer flavors. Made with ripe tomatoes, a hint of spice from jalapeño, and the aromatic touch of fresh cilantro, this salsa is as colorful as it is delicious. The fresh lemon juice and cumin bring just the right amount of zest, making it an irresistible dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or salads. Whether you’re serving this salsa at a gathering or simply enjoying it as a snack, its wholesome ingredients and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. Quick to prepare, Garden Salsa brings the best of the garden to your table, keeping it fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Slow Cooker Tomatillo Salsa Ingredients: 2 lbs. tomatillos, husks removed 3 jalapeños, stems removed 1 white onion, cut into eight pieces 5 garlic cloves, peeled but left whole 1/2 cup water 1 bunch cilantro, (remove most of the stems) 1 lime, juiced 1 tsp salt, or more to taste For Serving: Tortilla chips Directions: Place the tomatillos, jalapeños, onion, garlic, and water in a slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours. Once cooking is complete, transfer the tomatillo mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Secure the blender lid, and pulse until the salsa reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Let the salsa cool in the refrigerator for approximately 5 hours before serving. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy! Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 4 hours Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes Kcal: 35 kcal per serving Servings: 8 servings Slow Cooker Tomatillo Salsa is a vibrant and fresh dip that’s perfect for any gathering! With tender tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic, and a hint of lime, this salsa brings a delicious burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips. Letting the slow cooker work its magic on the tomatillos and spices creates a deep, rich taste that’s worth the wait. Ideal for a party or a cozy night in, this salsa is a crowd-pleaser with its bright flavors and smooth texture. Serve it with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos to add a refreshing twist to your favorite dishes!

Avocado Goat Cheese Cucumber Appetizers Ingredients: 2 ounces fresh goat cheese 1 ripe medium avocado Dash of Tabasco sauce 1 tablespoon lemon juice Pinch of salt 1 1/2 medium English cucumbers, cut into 1 1/2-inch slices (about 15 pieces) 1-2 sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers, chopped finely Parsley for garnish Directions: In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash the avocado and goat cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt (optional). Mix until well combined. Slice the cucumber into approximately 15 pieces, each about 1 1/2 inches thick. Spoon or pipe the avocado-goat cheese mixture onto each cucumber slice. Garnish with a small piece of sun-dried tomato or roasted red pepper and a sprig of parsley. Serve and enjoy these refreshing bites! Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 40 per serving | Servings: 15 appetizers These Avocado Goat Cheese Cucumber Appetizers are a delightful combination of creamy and tangy flavors with a refreshing, crisp texture. The avocado and goat cheese blend perfectly, offering a smooth and luxurious bite, while the dash of Tabasco and fresh lemon juice add a subtle zing. Each cucumber slice is topped with a bit of sun-dried tomato or roasted red pepper for a pop of color and extra depth of flavor. Ideal for gatherings or as a quick, healthy snack, these appetizers are as visually pleasing as they are delicious. The fresh cucumber base keeps things light, while the creamy topping makes each bite satisfying. Garnished with parsley, these little bites are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a refreshing and elegant appetizer.

Cold Asparagus Crostini Appetizer Ingredients: 1 cup canned chickpeas or white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt ¼ teaspoon dried tarragon 10 slices baguette, toasted 20 thin sprigs asparagus, roasted Extra virgin olive oil, for garnish Flaked sea salt, for garnish Directions: Prepare Bean Spread: In a medium bowl, add the chickpeas (or white cannellini beans), sesame oil, chives, fine sea salt, and tarragon. Use a fork to mash until the mixture is spreadable but retains a slightly chunky texture. Assemble Crostini: Spread an equal amount of the bean mixture over each toasted baguette slice. Top with Asparagus: Cut each asparagus sprig in half, then arrange two sprig halves (four pieces) over each crostini. Garnish: Drizzle each crostini with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with flaked sea salt just before serving. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for toasting bread and roasting asparagus) Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 85 kcal per crostini Servings: 10 crostini These Cold Asparagus Crostini are a delightful appetizer, combining the creaminess of mashed chickpeas with the fresh, crisp taste of roasted asparagus. The hint of sesame oil and delicate herbs elevate the flavor profile, making each bite savory and satisfying. Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, this crostini recipe brings freshness and elegance to your table. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine, while the presentation adds a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual brunch, these crostini are sure to impress.

Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta Ingredients: 1 French baguette, sliced 1/4 cup olive oil 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 1/4 cups feta cheese, crumbled (or ricotta cheese) 1 tsp dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped 1/3 cup chopped green onions, scallions, or chives Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Brush one side of each baguette slice with olive oil, setting aside a little oil for later. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until slightly golden and crunchy. Ensure they’re not too soft upon removal; the low heat helps dry them for a crisp texture. Remove from the oven and immediately rub the warm bread slices with garlic cloves for a subtle garlic infusion. Let the baguette slices cool before adding toppings. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper until mostly smooth, leaving some texture from the feta. Adjust seasonings to taste. Once the baguette slices are cooled, spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture on each slice. Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of green onions or chives. Drizzle remaining olive oil over the assembled bruschetta. Serve immediately for best flavor and crunch. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 110 kcal per serving Servings: 8 servings This Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta combines creamy cheese with rich sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic on crisp baguette slices. Each bite offers a taste of Mediterranean flavors, making it a delightful choice for gatherings or simple snacks. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this bruschetta is easy to prepare and layered with texture. The creamy feta blend, paired with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs, delivers an unforgettable appetizer experience. Serve it fresh to keep the baguette crunchy and the flavors vibrant!

Seasonal summer appetizers, Kyoto, Japan Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Kyoto, Japan, as you savor the exquisite seasonal summer appetizers. Taste the essence of Japan with every bite.