Caprese bites - an old classic

Pastry dough

Pesto

Grape Tomatoes

Parmesan Cheese

Cut pastry dough into little squares and push into a mini cupcake pan.  Rub pesto in the pastry, add a grape tomato in each, (poke a hole in the tomatoes so that juice doesn't squirt out while you're biting it), and sprinkle cheese on top.  Put in the oven at 375 until pastry is golden.  Perfect party app!  This is another one I served at Corynn's bridal shower.

Caprese Pizza Dip

Caprese Pizza Dip with Cream Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Tomatoes, and Garlic..

serves about 6-8

1 pint grape tomatoes, tomatoes cut in half

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 (12 ounces) blocks cream cheese, softened

8 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly grated

8 ounces provolone cheese, freshly grated

1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese + more for garnish

4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed

1/4 cup freshly chopped basil leaves

2 tablespoons freshly chopped thyme leaves

1/2 tablespoon freshly chopped oregano leaves

crackers, bread or chips for serving

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil then place tomatoes on top. Sprinkle with olive oil and salt, then roast for 20-25 minutes, until bursting. Set aside.

While tomatoes are roasting, mix softened cream cheese with about 7 ounces each of provolone and mozzarella, then and parmesan. Stir in fresh herbs, garlic and roasted tomatoes, mixing well to combine. Transfer mixture to an oven-safe baking dish (mine was 6 x 4 round). Sprinkle with remaining provolone and mozzarella. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbly. Serve immediately with crackers, chip or toasted bread.

Read more http://www.pincookie.com/caprese-pizza-dip-with-cream-cheese-mozzarella-parmesan-tomatoes-and-garlic/

Baked Brie Bites

Pinterest Recipe: AWESOME

This is an app I made for Corynn's shower on May 18th.  These were so delicious.  I substituted pastry dough for phyllo dough since I had phyllo dough on hand.  I will definitely make these again!

Baked Brie Bites

mini phyllo tarts

Ile de France brie, cubed

brown sugar

chopped pecans

honey

Preheat oven to 350.

Place a cube of brie in each phyllo tart.  Sprinkle each tart with approximately 1/2 tsp brown sugar.  Top with approximately 1/2 tsp chopped pecans and a dollop of honey.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, until brie is melted. (use more or less of each ingredient according to your preference)

Fresh Salsa

It's finally warm........time to make fresh salsa!!!

Recipe from Whole Foods (I add some other things too)

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups chopped tomatoes (or a combination of tomatoes and fresh peaches, nectarines, mangoes or grapes)
• 1/3 cup chopped yellow or white onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro- or a lot more, since I love cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 jalapeño or serrano peppers, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• Chopped red, yellow, and orange peppers
• 1 can of drained corn
• 1 can of black beans (rinsed)
• 1 avacado, cut into little pieces
• 3 tablespoons of garlic
• Cayenne pepper (sprinkle)
• 
  
• Method: 
  Put all ingredients into a bowl, toss well and serve chilled or at room temperature. Tastes better once everything has been sitting for awhile.

Happy Cinco de Mayo... Grilled Pork Tacos!

Chris made this, but I want to remember it so he'll make it again.  I wanted to be really 'festive' for Cinco de Mayo, so we had grilled pork tacos with fresh guac and margaritas. Yum!!!

Homemade Taco Seasoning:
4 tbsp. chili powder
3 tbsp. plus 1 tsp paprika
3 tbsp. ground cumin
1 tbsp plus 2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
sprinkle of red pepper flakes

Use the above as a marinade for the pork.

Taco salsa:
1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves fresh garlic
4 jalapenos, diced
2 diced tomatoes
lime juice to taste
cilantro
squirt of siracha and soy sauce
(Mix together and put in tacos)

Top with guacamole, cheese, lettuce, etc.

SO GOOD!  Happy Cinco de Mayo!