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Hot – The Simple Celebration https://thesimplecelebration.com Sun, 11 Apr 2021 15:31:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://thesimplecelebration.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/cropped-tsc-logo-32x32.jpg Hot – The Simple Celebration https://thesimplecelebration.com 32 32 Crab and Cream Cheese Wonton Appetizer – Bet You Can’t Eat Just One! https://thesimplecelebration.com/2021/04/crab-and-cream-cheese-wonton-appetizer-bet-you-cant-eat-just-one/ https://thesimplecelebration.com/2021/04/crab-and-cream-cheese-wonton-appetizer-bet-you-cant-eat-just-one/#respond Fri, 09 Apr 2021 21:20:01 +0000 http://thesimplecelebration.com/?p=11737 Facebooktwitterpinterest

These tasty bites will be a wonderful addition to your Simple Celebration table.  You can experiment with different fillings using the same method.

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Crab and Cream Cheese Wonton Appetizer

Course Appetizer
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces lump crabmeat drained and diced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp jalapeño pepper minced
  • 2 Tbsp chives snipped
  • 1 Tbsp dill chopped
  • 1/4 tsp ground pepper
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 24 wonton wrappers
  • cooking spray
  • Creamy Seafood Sauce* for dipping - see link below

Instructions

  • Place a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in oven and preheat to 350°.
  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  • Lay out each wonton wrapper on waxed paper.
  • Scoop a heaping teaspoon of crab mixture into the center of each wonton.
  • Moisten the wonton edges with water. Lift two opposite corners and pinch together. Repeat with other two corners to form a star.
  • Transfer the wontons to the hot baking sheet and generously spray with cooking spray.
  • Bake until golden brown, 16 to 18 minutes.

Notes

Click here for Creamy Seafood Sauce

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Baked Ricotta Appetizer https://thesimplecelebration.com/2020/08/baked-ricotta-appetizer/ https://thesimplecelebration.com/2020/08/baked-ricotta-appetizer/#respond Sun, 16 Aug 2020 14:36:57 +0000 http://thesimplecelebration.com/?p=11449 Facebooktwitterpinterest

Something different to add to your simple celebration appetizer collection.  Warm, creamy cheese spread on top of a slice of baguette – delicious!

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Baked Ricotta

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes chopped
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 1 tsp fresh Rosemary chopped (optional)
  • olive oil to drizzle on top
  • baguette sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Spray small baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Mix together cheese, tomatoes, salt and pepper.
  • Place in baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
  • Bake for 45 minutes.
  • Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Bread can be toasted or left plain.  

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Chorizo, Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive “Flatbread” https://thesimplecelebration.com/2020/02/chorizo-sun-dried-tomato-and-olive-flatbread/ https://thesimplecelebration.com/2020/02/chorizo-sun-dried-tomato-and-olive-flatbread/#respond Fri, 28 Feb 2020 21:52:10 +0000 http://thesimplecelebration.com/?p=9019 Facebooktwitterpinterest

This “flatbread” is made from puff pastry, not the traditional pizza crust.  The pastry adds a flaky goodness to this quick appetizer.

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Chorizo, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Olive "Flatbread"

Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6
Calories 236kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 1 Tbsp Olive oil additional for topping
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 2 ounces chorizo sausage sliced thin
  • 1/8 red onion sliced thin
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes non-marinated
  • parmesan cheese shave several pieces over top
  • 6 kalamata olives sliced in half
  • 1/8 cup fresh chives snipped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place pastry on tray. Combine oil, garlic, paprika and oregano in a small bowl. Brush oil mixture over pastry, leaving 1/2 inch border.
  • Bake 10 minutes. If the pastry pillows up, push it down with a spatula and create a well for the toppings. Top with chorizo, onion, tomatoes and cheese. Pour about 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil over ingredients. Bake 10 additional minutes or until pastry is crisp.
  • Top flatbread with olives and chives.
  • Slice into 12 pieces using a pizza cutter or serrated knife.

Notes

Make the appetizer a main course for two by adding a crisp green salad.

 

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Mini Tomato and Feta Frittata Starters – A Delicious Beginning to Any Simple Celebration https://thesimplecelebration.com/2018/01/mini-tomato-and-feta-frittata-starters-a-delicious-beginning-to-any-simple-celebration/ https://thesimplecelebration.com/2018/01/mini-tomato-and-feta-frittata-starters-a-delicious-beginning-to-any-simple-celebration/#comments Sat, 13 Jan 2018 14:41:55 +0000 http://thesimplecelebration.com/?p=8435 Facebooktwitterpinterest

Putting this colorful dish together takes less than 10 minutes.  It has simple ingredients, but has great taste and color!

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Mini Tomato and Feta Frittata Starters

Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 237kcal

Equipment

  • Muffin tin

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ ounce feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
  • 2 Tbsp snipped fresh chives
  • 6 eggs
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 9 cherry tomatoes sliced lengthwise in half
  • 5 ounces butter lettuce

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°.         
  • Grease a large six hole (3/4 cup) muffin pan and line bases with parchment paper.
  • Place cheeses, basil and chives in muffin cup.
  • Whisk eggs and cream in a medium bowl; pour into muffin cups.
  • Top each frittata with three tomato halves.
  • Bake about 25 minutes or until set.  Let stand in pan 5 minutes.
  • Place lettuce on six appetizer size plates, top with frittata and enjoy!

 

 

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Herbed Chicken Skewers – A Simple Entrée or Appetizer https://thesimplecelebration.com/2014/12/herbed-chicken-skewers-a-simple-entree-or-appetizer/ https://thesimplecelebration.com/2014/12/herbed-chicken-skewers-a-simple-entree-or-appetizer/#respond Wed, 10 Dec 2014 12:42:47 +0000 http://thesimplecelebration.com/?p=7188 Facebooktwitterpinterest
Awesome flavor!!
Awesome flavor!!

Assemble in this dish in advance, then pour marinade over the skewers 20 minutes before grilling.

Rosemary and oregano add great flavor.
Rosemary and oregano add great flavor.
Print

Chicken & Herb Skewers

Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Bamboo Skewers, soaked for 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breast fillets
  • 1/4 cup rosemary sprigs
  • 1/4 cup oregano sprigs
  • 2-3 jalapeños seeded and sliced into small thin strips
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp  sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 8 Bamboo skewers

Instructions

  • Cut chicken into thin strips.
  • Place herbs and pepper on chicken strip, roll up and thread onto skewer.         
  • In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and sugar, and pour over skewers.
  • Allow chicken to marinate for 20 minutes.
  • To cook, place chicken skewers on a hot grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until meat is cooked through.

Notes

Serve with salad greens. Serves 4 for dinner or 8 for appetizer.

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A Very Unique Appetizer – Prosciutto Wrapped Figs Baked Atop Halloumi https://thesimplecelebration.com/2014/10/a-very-unique-appetizer-prosciutto-wrapped-figs-baked-atop-halloumi/ https://thesimplecelebration.com/2014/10/a-very-unique-appetizer-prosciutto-wrapped-figs-baked-atop-halloumi/#respond Fri, 03 Oct 2014 11:11:17 +0000 http://thesimplecelebration.com/?p=6936 Facebooktwitterpinterest

photo 4

What is halloumi?  It is a cheese that is mild, yet delicious and can withstand the heat of a hot oven without melting.  In this unique appetizer recipe, the cheese acts as the base for the figs and prosciutto.  After baking, the prosciutto is crispy, the figs soft, and the cheese delectable.  This very simple, elegant, appetizer will amaze your guests!

photo
Ingredients ready to be assembled!
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Halloumi, Prosciutto, and Fig Appetizer

Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 8 figs halved - if large, use 4 and cut into quarters
  • 4 slices prosciutto cut into 16 strips
  • 2 ounces melted butter
  • black pepper
  • 8-9   ounces halloumi cheese cut into 8 slices

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°.       
  • Wrap each fig with prosciutto.
  • Brush a little butter on the top of each fig and sprinkle with pepper.
  • Place the slices of halloumi on a baking pan and top each one with two wrapped figs.
  • Bake in the oven for 12 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crisp and figs are soft.  
This "grilling" cheese can be found at your local gourmet food store.
This “grilling” cheese can be found at your local gourmet food store.

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Sweet Chili and Shrimp Cakes – An Awesome Appetizer! https://thesimplecelebration.com/2014/09/sweet-chili-and-shrimp-cakes-an-awesome-appetizer/ https://thesimplecelebration.com/2014/09/sweet-chili-and-shrimp-cakes-an-awesome-appetizer/#respond Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:15:43 +0000 http://thesimplecelebration.com/?p=6702 Facebooktwitterpinterest

photo 4

These cakes are absolutely delicious and are a real crowd-pleaser.  The best part is you can make them several days ahead, thaw them before your guests arrive, and reheat for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

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Sweet Chili Shrimp Cakes

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 6 slices white bread
  • 1 ½ pound shrimp shelled and deveined, coarsely chopped
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 3 Tbsp rice flour
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 Tbsp Italian parsley chopped
  • sweet chili sauce for dipping

Instructions

Fresh Bread Crumbs

  • Decrust white bread and place in a food processor.
  • Pulse until coarse crumbs form.  

Shrimp Cakes

  • To the bread crumbs in the food processor, add the shrimp, egg white, lime zest, sweet chili sauce, and rice flour.  Pulse until mixed, but still chunky.      
  • With wet hands, shape into 24 small cakes (about two inches in diameter).
  • Place on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  • Heat oil and fry the cakes for about 3 minutes per side, until the cake is golden.
  • Drain on a paper towel.
  • Place cakes on a platter and sprinkle with chopped parsley.   Put sweet chili sauce in a small bowl for dipping.

 

 

 

 

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Fresh Pork and Shrimp Spring Rolls https://thesimplecelebration.com/2014/05/fresh-pork-and-shrimp-spring-rolls/ https://thesimplecelebration.com/2014/05/fresh-pork-and-shrimp-spring-rolls/#respond Fri, 23 May 2014 16:33:39 +0000 http://thesimplecelebration.com/?p=6184 Facebooktwitterpinterest
Fresh shrimp & pork egg rolls
Fresh shrimp and pork spring rolls

These were a lot of fun to make (as you can see from the video link below).   The rice paper rolls look like a plastic disc when you open the package.  Once you thoroughly soak them, either by wiping them with a wet towel or dipping them into water, they become much more pliable and easy to work with.  If pork isn’t your thing, leave it out, they will taste just as good!  Check out our “how to” video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPUQb_qWHf8

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Fresh Pork and Shrimp Spring Rolls

Course Appetizer
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 8 rolls

Ingredients

Rolls

  • 8 sheets of rice paper rolls
  • 3 cups of mixed herbs - basil mint, lettuce, etc.
  • 8 ounces rice vermicelli noodles - cooked according to package directions
  • 12 shrimp cooked and cut in half, lengthwise
  • 8 slices cooked pork
  • 12 chives cut 2 1/2 inches long

Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tsp water
  • 1 tsp mild red chili sliced
  • 1 tsp thinly sliced garlic

Instructions

  • For the sauce, mix together the lime juice and sugar until dissolved.  Add remaining ingredients and set aside.
  • As demonstrated in our video, put a sheet of rice paper on a flat surface.  Wipe it with a very damp cloth or dip in water for 10-15 seconds.
  • Arrange a handful of herbs on the side closest to you.  Top with noodles.
  • Place a piece of pork and two pieces of shrimp next to the herbs.
  • Fold the rice paper over herbs and roll until it reaches the shrimp.  Fold in the side and bottom of the rice paper.  
  • Place chives on rice paper with about one inch sticking out of the top.
  • Repeat until all rolls are made.
  • Place on a plate and serve with a small bowl of dipping sauce.

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Ginger, Pork & Shrimp Dumplings https://thesimplecelebration.com/2014/05/ginger-pork-shrimp-dumplings/ https://thesimplecelebration.com/2014/05/ginger-pork-shrimp-dumplings/#respond Mon, 12 May 2014 19:04:53 +0000 http://thesimplecelebration.com/?p=6123 Facebooktwitterpinterest

IMG_1550Wow your friends and family the next time you serve an appetizer or need to bring a pot luck dish with these delicious simple dumplings.

This Asian recipe comes all the way from Australia thanks to Skye K. who is Jennifer’s (Vicki’s daughter), wonderful sister-in-law.

Skye and Alex
Skye and Alex
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Ginger, Pork & Shrimp Dumplings

Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 12

Equipment

  • Dumpling Press*

Ingredients

Filling

  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 10 large shrimp shelled deveined and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 Tbsp fresh ginger chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Tbsp green onions minced
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 package wonton wrappers
  • 1 egg

Dressing

  • 1/8 cup peanut oil
  • 1 Tbsp ginger julienned
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

Filling

  • Put all filling ingredients listed above up to wrappers in a bowl and mix with your hands, set aside.
  • Beat egg with a little water in a small bowl.  Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface or on a dumpling press.  Brush wanton wrapper edges with egg wash.
  • Place a heaping teaspoon of filling in middle of wrapper.  
  • Fold wrapper in half and crimp edges.  Cut corners for professional look.  Repeat until all filling is used.  

Dressing

  • To make dressing, heat peanut oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat until hot. Put ginger in a heat proof bowl and pour peanut oil on top.  Let sit for 1 minute, add remaining ingredients and whisk.  Set aside.
  • Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil.  Carefully add dumplings.  Cook for 6 minutes, stirring once.  
  • Remove dumplings with a slotted spoon to a platter.  Drizzle some of the dressing over the dumplings and place remaining dressing in a bowl to pass.

Notes

Makes 25-30 dumplings.
Filling can be done several hours in advance - refrigerate and cover with plastic wrap.
*Dumpling press can be purchased at Amazon.com for under $5.00 - worth every penny!  
 

 

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Potato & Smoked Salmon Starter https://thesimplecelebration.com/2013/12/potato-smoked-salmon-starter-2/ https://thesimplecelebration.com/2013/12/potato-smoked-salmon-starter-2/#respond Mon, 23 Dec 2013 19:56:45 +0000 http://asimplecelebrationstpete.wordpress.com/?p=1144 Facebooktwitterpinterest

Exif_JPEG_PICTURE

Instead of serving salad as a first course, try this potato and smoked salmon dish.  Jumbo cooked shrimp easily substitutes for the salmon if one of your guests does not care for smoked salmon.

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Potato & Smoked Salmon Starter

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fingerling potatoes - variety of colors
  • 8 ounces smoked salmon sliced thin
  • 8 ounces creme fraîche
  • 1 Tbsp chives minced
  • 1 Tbsp dill minced
  • 1 tsp capers drained

Instructions

  • Boil fingerling potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.  (At this point you can place potatoes in a warming tray or low-temperature oven to keep warm until your guests arrive.)
  • Mix together the creme fraîche, herbs, and capers in a small bowl.
  • To assemble, cut each potato in half and place 4 halves on a salad plate.     
  • Top each potato with a spoon full of the creme fraîche mixture.
  • Take a piece of smoked salmon (or shrimp), fold it in half and put on top of potato and creme fraîche.
  • Top with a sprig of dill.  
  • Serve warm.

 

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