Tag Archives: Appetizer

Garlic Mussels au Gratin

Garlic Mussels au Gratin

Mussels au gratin is such an impressive and classic appetizer, yet quite inexpensive and very easy to prepare! Your guests will be thrilled with this little hors d’œuvre that beautifully fills every buffet, any time of the year, but especially during summer times.  There are quite a few recipes that you can find online, here is how I like… Continue Reading

How To Grill An Octopus At Home

How To Grill An Octopus At Home

This post is dedicated to my friend Elaine, for her love for octopus and her fear of cooking it. It is also dedicated  to all the past and future customers of Whole Foods Market who patiently stand in line behind me at the seafood department, while I chose the biggest and meatiest octopus, and who ask me in the… Continue Reading

Chicken Curry Salad

Chicken Curry Salad

Last Wednesday, my mom and I had just finished visiting three floors of art galleries at 49 Geary Street, and decided to head north of San Francisco for lunch. As we were approaching the bay, the fog was getting thicker and by the time we were crossing the Golden Gate Bridge we were completely wrapped in a white… Continue Reading

Baby Spinach Salad With Sweet Cherry Tomatoes & Creamy Goat Cheese

Baby Spinach Salad With Sweet Cherry Tomatoes & Creamy Goat Cheese

Not long ago, my sister Irene was invited to a friend’s house and she was telling me how much she enjoyed this simple salad that was served for dinner: fresh and crisp baby spinach, along with sugary cherry tomatoes, topped with crumbles of moist and creamy goat cheese with the final addition of sweet and sour balsamic… Continue Reading

Calamari With Raisins And Pine Nuts

Calamari With Raisins And Pine Nuts

If you’re a sea food fan, then you’ll like this recipe for sure! I’ve been making it for years and it’s one of my signature dishes!  Tender calamari cooked in a tomato sauce with sweet raisins and pine nuts, a dish that is so rich in flavors that you’ll enjoy every bit(e) of it! And… Continue Reading

The Five Most Delicious Greek Dips.  No. 5:  Olive Dip

The Five Most Delicious Greek Dips. No. 5: Olive Dip

Among all, this is is the absolute best Greek appetizer/dip and maybe the easiest one to prepare.  I used Kalamata olives which are fleshy and have a rich almost black color.  They combine a fruity taste with a wine flavor mostly because they are cured in red vinegar.  I chose a pitted variety and that… Continue Reading

The Five Most Delicious Greek Dips.  No. 4:  Red Pepper Dip

The Five Most Delicious Greek Dips. No. 4: Red Pepper Dip

This may as well be one of the most delicious appetizers/dips: with chunks of red pepper that melt in your mouth, and a vivid red color,  this dip is simply irresistible.  It’s a great idea for almost all gatherings, from a cocktail party to an appetizer for a less formal get together, or even just… Continue Reading

The Five Most Delicious Greek Dips.  No. 3 Feta Cheese Dip

The Five Most Delicious Greek Dips. No. 3 Feta Cheese Dip

The strong and salty taste of Feta Cheese along with the hot chili pepper makes this an amazing appetizer/dip which I like to serve with cold and refreshing vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, even celery. Instead of using a fresh chili pepper (they didn’t have them at the store!), I used Chili Pepper Paste which… Continue Reading