Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

This is the closest recipe to mine that I could find and I will be tweaking my recipe with some items I think will enhance them.  The major difference in the way mine are put together is bread crumbs . . . I use italian seasoned bread crumbs because I love the taste.  I have never used veggies, but I think the addition of roasted red peppers and would be awesome.

Use the ingredients you like!  Recipes are a guide based on someone else's taste . . . make them your own!

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms have always been one of the most popular appetizers when I entertain and I never leave them out of a party.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large mushrooms
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 3 green onions, minced
• 3 to 4 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
• 4 ounces crab meat
• 1 cup fresh fine bread crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning blend
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Wash and trim the end of stems from mushrooms. Pop remaining stem out. Chop stems and set aside. 

Melt 2 tablespoons butter; brush over mushrooms. Spray a shallow baking dish (about 8-inch square, or one which will fit mushrooms in one layer) with butter-flavored spray or grease with butter.

Melt remaining butter in skillet; add reserved chopped stems, minced green onions and red bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender. Combine cooked ingredients with bread crumbs, crab meat, and seasonings. 

Fill each mushroom and sprinkle  with a little Parmesan cheese, if desired. 

Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes, until hot and mushroom caps are tender.

Makes 16 to 20 stuffed mushroom appetizers.

Source: Diana Rattray @ About.com

Jalapeno Pillows

Quick and easy semi-homemade appetizer from Pillsbury!

Let your imagination be the guide to ingredients like changing the type of cheese used, add some chicken or whatever meat you like, change the jalapeno peppers to roasted red peppers, etc.

Ingredients

12 oz cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 

(6 oz)1/2 cup diced fresh jalapeño chiles (or to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Garlic powder to taste

1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® Flaky Layers refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1 egg

Water

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, chiles, salt, pepper and garlic powder until well combined. Set aside.

Separate dough into 8 biscuits. With rolling pin, roll out each biscuit into about 1/8-inch-thick round. Spoon about 1 tablespoon cheese filling onto center of each. Bring up dough around filling; pinch to seal tightly. Place seam side down on ungreased cookie sheet.

To make egg wash, beat egg with splash of water. Brush tops of stuffed biscuits with some of the egg wash. Sprinkle tops with additional salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and firm. Serve warm.

Source:  Pillsbury website

Cheesy Crab Poppers

Gotta try these real soon!

There are a few things I would change in this recipe aside from adding some hot peppers or hot sauce.  I would saute the vegetables first since I hate biting into crunchy raw vegetables in this type of appetizer.

This one is a winner!

Ingredients

1 package (10 oz) of lump crab meat
1 box of Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 8oz package of cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 large egg
1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
½ cup milk
½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 green onions, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch of salt
Canola oil, for frying



Directions

Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.

Roll the mixture into balls, just slightly smaller than the size of golf balls. Set on parchment paper or a baking sheet.

In a large, high walled pot or a wok, heat oil over medium-high. You want to make sure there is enough oil to cover ⅔ of the crab balls.

Test the oil to see if it’s ready by dipping the end (handle-side) of a wooden spoon in the oil. If the oil begins to bubble, it’s ready. If not, let it sit a bit longer.

Once the oil is ready, drop in 4-5 crab balls. Reduce the heat slightly and let them cook until a deep orangey-brown, turning occasionally. Remove the poppers from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel.

Once they’re cool enough to handle, cut a ball in half to check. If the inside is cooked well, then continue to cook the poppers in the same manner. If the inside seems to have cooked less than the outside, then reduce the heat of the oil and try again, leaving the poppers in for slightly longer until they reach the proper color.

Serve the poppers warm with dipping sauce of your choice!

This recipe makes about 30 poppers.


Photo and recipe source: Host The Toast

Hawaiian Sliders

These little sliders are awesome!  We got to try them at a party and honestly, I could not get enough, but didn't want to make a pig of myself when there were so many other things to eat.  They went fast anyway!  Guess you could say they were the star of the show.

 The ones we had were overstuffed with ham and cheese (maybe double of what the recipe calls for), which made them even better, but the topping is what makes it so special with a blend of delicious tangy sweetness.  The crunchiness resulting from the sauce baked on the bread was also very nice. Outstanding!

I would love to make some with smoked turkey and swiss cheese too.  

Not only did they make the perfect appetizer, they would be great for a quick lunch with some chips.

Awesome discovery!

UPDATE:  We have made these sliders twice and propose the following changes:  No onion.  Cut the sauce recipe in half.  For some reason, our sliders did not come out crispy, but somewhat soggy.  We added 10 minutes to the baking time in the oven uncovered . . . it still wasn't enough time to make them crunchy enough for our taste.  Next time we will bake them 20 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.

We love this recipe and will continue to tweak it until they are perfect for our taste.  I must say that the sauce is awesome, like a sweet barbeque sauce, and would be great with some shredded chicken in place of ham and cheese.

I really can't say where this recipe originated since it has been posted all over the place.  It is like, what came first, the chicken or the egg?

Ingredients

• 1 package Original Hawaiian 12-pack dinner rolls 
• 1 small sweet white onion, minced or grated 
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter 
• 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard 
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 
• 3 teaspoons poppy seeds 
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 
• 1 package deli sandwich ham, cut into 12 small squares 
• 6 slices Swiss cheese, each cut in half 

Instructions

Melt butter in a small skillet over medium high heat. Add onion, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds and brown sugar. Allow to sauté for a few minutes, until onions are translucent and tender. Remove from the stove. 

Cut the rolls in half horizontally, removing the tops and placing the bottoms on a foil-lined baking sheet. Place a spoonful of sauce on each roll, followed by a slice of ham and piece of cheese. Place a roll top on each. 

Move the sliders closely together. Slowly pour the remaining sauce right over the tops of these small beauties. 

Cover with aluminum foil and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Bake at 350F or place on an outdoor grill over low heat, for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Uncover and bake for another two minutes until the tops are slightly browned and crisp. Serve immediately.

Spicy Creole Crab Balls and Creole Tartar Sauce

One of my favorite blogs to visit when I'm in the mood for some spicy cajun food is Cajun Delights.  Marguerite weaves wonderful stories of her culture and happenings at her home in the Cajun Country.  

Not only does she provide awesome recipes, but she lays out a whole themed party, like her Cajun Christmas Party Preview that this recipe comes from.  She includes appetizers, salads, sides, bread, main meal and dessert ideas.   The link to the blog post follows the recipe.

1 lb. lump crab meat, picked over
1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
1 large egg
1/4 cup mayo
1 tsp. Creole seasoning
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Creole or Dijon mustard
2 tbs. chopped bell pepper
2 tbs. chopped green onions
Vegetable oil for frying

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the egg mayo, Creole seasoning Worcestershire sauce, and Creole mustard. Add crab meat and mix gently. Add cracker crumbs evenly. Stir in the peppers and green onions. 

Form the mixture into 3 inch balls and place on a large cookie sheet and chill for 1 hour. 

Deep fry at 350 degrees for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. 

Drain on paper towels and transfer to a serving platter. 


Serve with Marguerite's Creole Tartar Sauce . . .

1 cup light mayo
1 tbs. Creole mustard
1 tbsp. each, green onions and fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Few shakes Tabasco
Combine all ingredients in bowl and chill.


Click here for Marguerite's Cajun Christmas Party Preview 

Sausage Stuffed Stuffing

Awesome appetizer and a quick and easy gravy!

Fiesta Chicken Taco Cups

Love the concept of this recipe, using refrigerated crescent dinner rolls in a muffin tin to form these cups that can be used in a number of food combinations.

I'm not sold on the taco sauce with chicken, but with a little imagination, all types of recipes can be adapted from this basic idea.  I'm thinking more along the idea of italian sausage with peppers, onions and cheese . . . left over roast pork with barbeque sauce . . . something similar to chicken pot pie . . . breakfast cups with scrambled eggs, ham and cheese.

You can even use this idea for dessert . . . apple pie filling with a cream cheese topping . . . whatever you like!!  The possibilities are endless :)))  I love these type of food discoveries!

Wouldn't it be awesome to make these in different variations as appetizers for a party?

I'm an advocate of using leftovers for other meals . . . this idea is perfect for using those small quantities of food leftovers to make a meal with variety or lunches to go?  I'm sure these little cups would reheat in a microwave at work with no problem.

Now that I've got you thinking of alternatives . . . the original recipe follows!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups refrigerated taco sauce with seasoned chicken (from 18-oz container)

1/2 cup Green Giant® Niblets® frozen corn (from 1-lb bag)

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal

1/2 cup finely shredded Mexican cheese blend (2 oz)

Sour cream, salsa or sliced ripe olives, if desired

Directions:

Heat oven to 375°F. 

Spray 8 medium muffin cups with cooking spray. 

In 1-quart saucepan, heat taco sauce with chicken over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.

Unroll dough and separate into 4 rectangles; press each into 8x4-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. 

Cut each in half crosswise, making 8 squares. 

Sprinkle both sides of each square with cornmeal. 

Press each in bottom and up side of muffin cup; turn edges of dough under, pressing to extend 1/4 inch above edge of cup.

Spoon about 2 tablespoons chicken mixture into each cup. 

Sprinkle cheese over each.

Bake 12 to 17 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown. 

Cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes; remove from muffin cups. 

Serve warm.

Nutrition Information:

1 Serving (1 Serving)

• Calories 340
• (Calories from Fat 140),

• Total Fat 15g
• (Saturated Fat 6g,),
• Cholesterol 45mg;
• Sodium 1330mg;
• Total Carbohydrate 38g
• (Dietary Fiber 3g,
• Sugars 10g),
• Protein 14g;

Percent Daily Value*

:

Exchanges:  

• 2 1/2 Starch;
• 1 Lean Meat;
• 2 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choices:

• 2 1/2;

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe and photo source:  Betty Crocker . . . always a great source for awesome recipes and food inspiration!

Creamy Crab Wontons

Creamy Crab Wontons are crispy outside and creamy inside.  The Captain and I have made similar crab wontons, but had no recipe, just made it up as we went along . . . they were awesome.  Our version was deep fried and we used real crab.  I'm looking forward to try making a healthier version of wontons in the oven instead of the deep fryer.

It is my recommendation to use real crab . . . 

maybe it is just me, but imitation crab

just doesn't taste right!

If you have never made any type of wontons before, you must try them!  We have made all types . . . the best had apple pie filling.  We have also experimented with chocolate filled wontons . . . yummy . . . so were the wontons with cherry pie filling and cream cheese centers!

Serves: 30

Cooking Time: 25 min

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups chopped imitation crabmeat (about 3/4 pound)
• 30 refrigerated wonton wrappers (1/2 pound)
• 
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
    
2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, bread crumbs, and garlic powder; mix well with an electric beater. Add crabmeat, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
    
3. Place 1 teaspoon crab mixture in center of each wonton. Brush edges lightly with water; then fold in half (one point to an opposite point, like a turnover) over crab mixture, and press to seal. Place on baking sheet.
    
4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until crisp and golden, turning once halfway through baking.

Source:  Mr. Food

Pimento Cheese Ball

Love this quick and easy recipe that makes

one of the best appetizers ever!

Convenient to make for parties since it

can be made three days in advance.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (4-ounce) jar processed pimiento cheese spread
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, with an electric beater on medium speed, beat Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimiento cheese, and garlic for 2 minutes, or until smooth.
    
2. Place mixture on waxed paper and form into a ball. Wrap in waxed paper and chill for about 2 hours, or until firm.
    
3. Place pecans in a shallow dish. Remove waxed paper from cheese ball and roll it in pecans, completely coating it.
    
4. Serve, or wrap well and chill until ready to serve.

Yields: 2 cups

Source:  Mr. Food

Potato Puffs

Makes: 24 large or 72 small puffs

Preparation Time: 20 min

Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

• 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cracker crumbs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¹/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 egg yolks, beaten
• 
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
    
2. Place potatoes in a soup pot and add just enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce heat to medium and cook 12 to 15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain off water, mash the potatoes, and allow to cool.
    
3. In a small saucepan, saute onion in olive oil over medium heat until tender. Add sauteed onion, the cracker crumbs, salt, and pepper to mashed potatoes; mash mixture.
    
4. With your hands, roll mixture into balls and place potato balls on prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg yolk and bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden and crusty.

Source:  Mr. Food

Enchilada Crescents

You can't get much easier than this recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 2 cans (8 oz each)Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (5 oz)

Directions

• In 2-quart saucepan, mix chicken and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
• Separate or cut dough into 8 long rectangles (if using crescent rolls, press perforations to seal). Spoon chicken mixture and 1 tablespoon of the cheese onto 1 long side of each rectangle. Roll up; pinch edges to seal. Place seam side down in 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Bake at 375°F 15 to 20 minutes. Yield: 8 servings. 
  
  2010 © and ®/™ of General Mills
• 
  

Source:  Taste of Home

Ham and Cheese Spirals

There are many television chefs that I call "one of my favorites."  There are so many of them that I really do love . . . you'd think I love all of them.  Believe it or not, I do have some that I don't like . . . you won't find their recipes on my blog . . . well, unless I really love the recipe.  

Anyway, at the very top of my list of favorites is Sandra Lee from the Food Network.  Her style of semi-homemade cooking has been my main cooking style for the longest time.  I often miss her show since it comes on at an inconvenient time for me, which is why I don't list many of her recipes.  But I caught the show the other day and will be posting several of her recipes.  

This one is my favorite!

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Flour, for work surface
• 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 pound deli sliced ham
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons water
• 
  

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch square. Brush the entire surface with the seasoned olive oil. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese and an even layer of ham. 

Starting from the bottom edge, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the roll on the bias into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the rolls on their side on a nonstick or lightly oiled baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to proof.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with 2 tablespoons of water. Brush the tops and sides of the rolls with the egg wash. Bake until golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving platter and serve.

Source:  Food Network