Appetizers and Snacks

This rustic stuffing pairs nicely with the earthy artichokes. Toasting the bread crumbs adds a deeper flavor to the stuffing, and the addition of fresh herbs and prosciutto livens up even early spring tomatoes. Include these in a light meal of homemade soup and bread, or serve them as an elegant opener to a dinner.

Baby shrimp are just the right size to be served on slices of bread, and because they’re sold cooked and peeled, preparation time is minimal.

This quick throw-together appetizer made from purchased items tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Soft rosemary-accented goat cheese mingles with an orange and fennel tomato sauce in this Mediterranean cheese spread.

This surefire appetizer is always a hit at parties. Smoked paprika lends a smoky taste without having to fire up the grill.

A large pizza-style vegetable galette is a practical and appealing choice for serving a crowd of revelers.

Fresh soybeans are becoming more available, especially when sold under their Japanese name, edamame. If they are not available in your farmers’ market, look in the frozen food section of a natural food store or Asian market, or substitute fresh peas.

Serve these nuts on salad for a crunchy topping or eat them right out of hand.

Chunks of spicy marinated chicken alternate with green onions on these appetizing skewers. Use wooden skewers for cooking and serving. Be sure to soak them in water beforehand to avoid flare-ups during broiling.

This luscious bruschetta pairs an assertive, chive-spiked blue cheese with ripe strawberries--unbeatable!