Category: Appetizers

Caprese Antipasto

Caprese Antipasto

We love Caprese Salad, so what could be better than an antipasto tray made with those incredible ingredients with olives, prosciutto, roasted peppers, and a really good finishing olive oil. These are smaller bottles of olive oil, and much higher in price, meant to drizzle…

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh Mozzarella

There are several kinds of Mozzarella, from fresh to smoked, and Bocconcini to Mozzarella di Bufala.  Fresh and di Bufala are sold in containers or bags with water or whey.    Fresh Mozzarella Mozzarella balls are sold about the size of oranges while Bocconcini is about the size…

Pan Seared Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage

Pan Seared Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage

Light, little pillows of dough make Italian dumplings or Gnocchi; which are usually served as the first course to contain hot food (prime or primo) in a traditional Italian meal. The prime or primo is not the main event, it is more like a hot…

Queso Fundido

Queso Fundido

Get the chips and when this comes out of the oven; dig in! Mexican Chorizo has a bit of heat, and it looks more like ground meat than the Spanish version, which is like a hard dry cured sausage. Lots of gooey cheese and it’s…

Whipped Feta and Roasted Tomatoes

Whipped Feta and Roasted Tomatoes

This is a perfect appetizer in any season. Roasting tomatoes elevates the flavour and served warm over the whipped Feta is brilliant. Do take the time to press the Feta or the spread will be too briny.

Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella

Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella

Mike was recently at The Capital Grille in Orlando. It’s an upscale Steak House with some of the best appetizers, including lightly sautéed Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella sticks. I was recently at our local Italian Market, and they were featuring Prosciutto di Norcia. A ham cured…

Kofta’s

Kofta’s

Kofta’s are a favourite Middle Eastern dish, made from ground meat and spices. We first tried Kofta’s during our diving trip to the Red Sea – Sharm el Sheik, Egypt. Egypt has coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile River and the Red Sea. Egyptian…

Corn, Chorizo and Scallops

Corn, Chorizo and Scallops

The depth of flavours in this dish are outstanding! Every summer it is a must made with the freshest corn, Spolumbo’s Chorizo and sweet sea scallops. Sometimes we serve it as an appetizer and other times; it is the meal following a green summer salad.

Antipasto

Antipasto

Antipasto literally means “before the meal” and is the first course in a traditional Italian meal.  Small bites of tasty food, usually accompanied with wine meant to stimulate the appetite.

Grilled Clams with Lemon Butter

Grilled Clams with Lemon Butter

Definitely a summer meal.  Manila Clams are plump, sweet and can be eaten baked, grilled, steamed or sauteed.  At least once a summer we grill them directly on the barbeque and while that’s cooking, make a buttery lemon sauce, so dinner can literally be done in minutes!  But…