Category: Appetizers and Starters

Brunch Just Got Zippy: Glover Gardens Sausage and Cheese Balls

Brunch Just Got Zippy: Glover Gardens Sausage and Cheese Balls

Zippy Sausage and Cheese Balls bring big flavor in a small, savory package—spicy, cheesy, a little sassy. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or dockside picnics. Make, share, enjoy!

My Holly Wreath Platter Experiment and Learnings

My Holly Wreath Platter Experiment and Learnings

The results of an experiment with holly and yaupon holly berries as an accent for a beautiful holiday appetizer platter.

Megan’s Guacamole: A Simple but Fab Recipe

Megan’s Guacamole: A Simple but Fab Recipe

This simple, crowd-pleasing guacamole recipe from my daughter-in-law Megan is everything you want in a classic dip—creamy, fresh, and restaurant-worthy. Great with chips, tacos, or Trash Can Nachos!

Caribbean-Inspired Trout Tostadas with Mango Pico and Smoky Guacamole

Caribbean-Inspired Trout Tostadas with Mango Pico and Smoky Guacamole

A zesty and tropical take on tostadas, made with seared speckled trout, spicy-sweet mango pico de gallo, smoky charred corn guacamole, and spicy pickled onions.

Pretty in Pink: Strawberry-Tomato Gazpacho Shooters (New Recipe!)

Pretty in Pink: Strawberry-Tomato Gazpacho Shooters (New Recipe!)

This chilled Strawberry-Tomato Gazpacho is sweet, savory, and just a touch spicy. Made in minutes with fresh summer ingredients, it’s a refreshing starter or poolside snack—and a showstopper in a shooter glass.

Easy Puff Pastry Recipe: Smoked Salmon And Jalapeño Egg Cups

Easy Puff Pastry Recipe: Smoked Salmon And Jalapeño Egg Cups

There’s something innately satisfying about a savory and flavorful eggy custard nestled within pastry. This dish is going into my standard brunch rotation.

Avocado Egg Salad Recipe, with NO Extra Fat!

Avocado Egg Salad Recipe, with NO Extra Fat!

A no-mayo twist on a classic, this creamy Avocado Egg Salad comes together with just a few ingredients. Made at Little House in the Rockies with limited provisions, it’s proof that simple, fresh flavors can still feel like a feast.

Simple But Sophisticated Appetizer: Tangy, Lemony Shrimp, Onion and Olive Skewers

Simple But Sophisticated Appetizer: Tangy, Lemony Shrimp, Onion and Olive Skewers

Make this appetizer when you have leftover shrimp – or cook shrimp so you can make this appetizer. 😁 If you already have shrimp on hand, the recipe comes together in about 10 minutes. If you have to cook the shrimp and use our rapid oven recipe, it’s about 17 minutes. Not bad for a fancy-looking appetizer!

Meaty Chile Con Queso: a Fabulous Recipe

Meaty Chile Con Queso: a Fabulous Recipe

This queso is comfort food – recognizable, memory-conjuring, soul-satisfying, amazingly good. Dip a chip and revisit your childhood!

The Nachos Primer, Just in Time for the Super Bowl!

The Nachos Primer, Just in Time for the Super Bowl!

Nothing says “game day” like cheesy, hand-held deliciousness that might just steal the spotlight from the halftime show. Nachos are happy-making food! Check out our Nachos Basics and master them yourself for this year’s Super Bowl.

Party Recipe: Turkey Sausage with Fennel and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Party Recipe: Turkey Sausage with Fennel and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Another homemade sausage recipe from Glover Gardens! This one enhances turkey’s subtle flavor with whole fennel seed, white wine and sun-dried tomatoes, giving it a Mediterranean feel.

New Recipe! Confetti Pepper Jelly

New Recipe! Confetti Pepper Jelly

This is a glorious recipe for pepper jelly, both beautiful and zestily tasty. Bonus track: a kitchen disaster story!

New Recipe: Roast Beef Roll-Ups with Tangy-Creamy Horseradish Spread

New Recipe: Roast Beef Roll-Ups with Tangy-Creamy Horseradish Spread

Delicious, tangy, hearty appetizers that come together in minutes; finger food that’s great for parties or picnics

New Recipe: Tangy-Creamy Horseradish Dip (or is it a spread?)

New Recipe: Tangy-Creamy Horseradish Dip (or is it a spread?)

This versatile dip/spread recipe pairs the tanginess of Greek yogurt and lemon to perfectly complement the sharpness of horseradish.

Nacho Basics: Easy Steps for Creating Crunchy, Cheesy Goodness You Can Eat with Your Hands

Nacho Basics: Easy Steps for Creating Crunchy, Cheesy Goodness You Can Eat with Your Hands

You can go to nacho heaven with these basic steps, and put together a really fast – and really satisfying dinner. I do it all the time, and no one has EVER said, “What? Nachos AGAIN?”

Pickled Pepper Poppers – as Easy to Eat as They Are Hard to Say

Pickled Pepper Poppers – as Easy to Eat as They Are Hard to Say

An updated recipe for a family heirloom recipe for pickled jalapeños ‘stuffed’ with a creamy and piquant filling. It’s a keeper, my friends!

Marigold Plums Make a Great 5-Minute Appetizer

Marigold Plums Make a Great 5-Minute Appetizer

Recipes don’t have to be complicated to be good. This quick appetizer recipe pairs the sweetness of plums with the tart, silky-rich balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt gives it a zippy little punch.

Roasted Salsa Macha Asparagus with Hollandaise

Roasted Salsa Macha Asparagus with Hollandaise

Recipe for a wonderful asparagus treat that can be a starter, a stalwart partner alongside a steak or other big protein, or a centerpiece for a vegetarian meal. This roasted asparagus is simple, savory, al denté and foodie-worthy.

Recipe Time: Roasted Red Salsa for the Win!

Recipe Time: Roasted Red Salsa for the Win!

With a vibrant array of flavors, this roasted salsa is perfect for dipping or as a topping, leaving a lingering, crave-worthy taste that’s both bold and refreshing.