All posts filed under: Appetizers

How-to Put Together the Perfect Party Spread in Less Than an Hour!

I read an article recently that said young people are not hosting as many get togethers nowadays in part because they are intimidated by the trend of gourmet cooking. It made me want to put together a post to show how easy it can be to put together a beautiful spread for a party in less than an hour with no cooking involved! I really think there is nothing better than getting together with friends and/or family and enjoying some good food and sharing a laugh. We spend so much of our lives online that it’s important to make the effort to get together live and in person once in a while, and the holidays are the ideal time to do it. For starters we’ll make a big party tray so you’ll need to invest in a big platter if you don’t already have one. This is something you can use time and time again when you have people over. I have a couple of fancy ones that I bought at estate sales for the same …

Smoked Salmon, Almond Cream Cheese and Veggie Toasts

Published by Jacqueline King

Simple ingredients are elevated in these delicious mini toasts. They’re perfect for entertaining; easy to throw together and always a crowd pleaser. Salmon, cream cheese and veggies are natural partners and the lemon, dill and capers add a fresh and savory flair. I use pumpernickel cocktail bread as the base which is the perfect size and has a full flavor that pairs nicely with the other ingredients. You can also use your favorite sliced bread and cut it into quarters. This is the route to go if you want gluten-free or organic bread since I have not seen those offered in cocktail size. As for the salmon I always use wild Alaskan salmon. Alaska is known for responsible management of their fishery populations. Wild salmon is more nutritious than farmed because it’s eating a varied diet and swimming sometimes thousands of miles before it is caught. Farmed salmon is fed pellets that contain grains and soy and sometimes even chicken. They are often vaccinated and fed additives to make their flesh more pink. They’re kept …

Watermelon Radish with Avocado Cream, Snap Pea and Baked Tofu

Published by Jacqueline King

For those of you that follow me on social media, you know that I had a canapé assignment for my plant-based cooking program at Rouxbe Cooking School. My last assignment was to have a party and make five small-bite appetizers to serve. That’s my kind of final! I was really pleased with how each one turned out, but if I had to pick a favorite, this would be it. It’s spicy, creamy, citrusy and meaty (from the tofu) all in one bite. It’s super flavorful, light and nutritious. I also love how beautiful it looks on a serving platter. It’s completely raw, so you can make this recipe quickly and still totally impress your guests. Baked tofu is denser and more savory than traditional tofu and you can find it at stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Black sesame seeds look cool, but can be a little hard to find. You can stick with plain white sesame seeds or use a sprinkle of black lava salt in their place. I like to use Organicville Sriracha …

Chocolate-Orange Blossom Mousse with Toasted Coconut Chips and Pomegranate Seeds

Published by Jacqueline King

These sophisticated, sweet and creamy mini-mousse cups pack a superfood punch. Avocado, spirulina and cacao are some of the most nutrient-dense ingredients on the planet, but they come together in a treat that tastes of pure chocolate decadence. Orange blossom water adds a delicate floral note and can be found next to rose-water in that baking section or Middle Eastern aisles of supermarket. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is very high in amino acids and balances the sweetness of this dessert with its earthy flavor. It can be found in the herbal supplement aisle of natural markets and health food stores. My favorite toasted coconut chips to go along with this recipe are the crunchy, spicy Made in Nature Ginger-Masala Toasted Coconut Chips. This the perfect recipe to make for a cocktail party since it takes only a few minutes to throw together in the blender. It’s so nice to serve something sweet and delicious without it being too rich and heavy. Your guests will love it! I use little glass espresso cups for serving, but shot …

Carrot Lox and Beluga Lentil Caviar on Buckwheat Blinis with Lemon Cashew Creme Fraiche

Published by Jacqueline King

The holidays will be here in no time, so I wanted to start writing some special small-bite recipes for you. Forget the fried or frozen hors d’ oeuvres. We’re talking party food you can feel good about! Here we have a plant-based version of a traditional canapé. It’s fun to use these ingredients in an unexpected and playful way. The carrots and lentils taste like the ocean thanks to the nori sheets and sea salt. The blini are made with nutty brown rice and earthy buckwheat flours, and you get creaminess and a bright citrus flavor in the lemon cashew crème fraîche. Together these flavors add up to an irresistible little package both you and your guests will love! Enjoy! xJacq Ingredients: Makes approximately 16 For Lox: Preheat oven to 400* 2 large carrots 2 Tbsp Miso Paste 1 Nori Sheet 3 cups water 1 tsp Liquid Smoke For Caviar: 1/2 cup Beluga Lentils 1 1/2 cup Water 1 Nori Sheet 1 tsp Sea Salt For Lemon Creme Fraiche: 1 cup Raw Cashews, soaked 2-4hrs …

Artichoke Hummus with Za’atar

Published by Jacqueline King

All of these ingredients are available at most major super markets with the exception of the middle-eastern spice blend called za’atar which is found at specialty or ethnic food shops or you can make your own. If that proves too challenging, don’t worry, this hummus is great on its own or you could add some fresh cilantro on top instead. I prefer to use artichoke bottoms (crowns) in this recipe so it comes out very smooth, but artichoke hearts work well too. Ingredients: 4 cups boiled or 2 cans Garbanzo Beans 1 can artichoke Bottoms (or hearts if unavailable) 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp Chili Powder or Paprika 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp white pepper 2-3 Garlic Cloves 1/4 cup Olive Oil 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth 1/4 cup Tahini Juice of 1/2 Lemon 2 tsp Za’atar (optional) Reserve two tablespoons of Garbanzo Beans and 2 Artichoke Bottoms or 3 hearts for garnish. Place all remaining ingredients except Za’atar into a blender or food processor and purée until smooth. Place in serving dish and sprinkle with …

The Most Delicious Dip, Spread and Topping – Whipped Avocado Cream

Published by Jacqueline King

This Avocado Cream is one of my favorite things to keep in the fridge. I make it every week as part of my meal prep. The recipe seems almost too simple, but trust me, it adds an incredible amount of flavor and richness to so many dishes. Of course it’s wonderful on Mexican food, but I especially love to use it as a topping for my lunch bowls. You can also whip it up as a quick dip for a snack or to serve at a party. Somehow it seems more sophisticated and complex than regular guacamole, but it’s actually faster and easier to make because you throw it all together in the blender in seconds. You can even use it as a delicious spread to make pretty little appetizers. Even though it tastes rich and creamy, it is made of simple healthy ingredients. Avocado is one of the most nutrient dense foods around with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown in studies to be good for both your skin and heart health. …

Cleansing Carrot Soup

Published by Jacqueline King

This is the time of year for spring cleaning which not only means dusting the top of the fridge, (when was the last time?) but now that Easter/Passover holidays are over, it’s also a good time to do a little cleaning from the inside out. I usually do a juice cleanse this time of year but since I’ve been eating healthfully and exercising regularly I decided to takes less Draconian measures this time around. So for about a week I will forgo my beloved chocolate, but in addition to juices, I will have all-fruit smoothies and vegetable soups. Still no oils, dairy, soy, animal protein or added sweeteners. Fruits and Veggies, that’s it! Ok, and herbs and spices. And tea. And I’ll admit I had a cup of coffee today. But it was ORGANIC. OK, so this might not be the strictest cleanse but It’s been 4 days and so far Im feeling not just great physically, but also happy! And in the end isn’t that what it’s all about? Here is a soup I made for dinner, …

The Perfect Spring Salad

Published by Jacqueline King

I had this salad the other day at a luncheon catered by one of LA’s best catering companies Schaffer’s Genuine Foods. As you can see, it was beautiful and, more importantly, it was delicious, so I wanted to share it with you. It’s the perfect healthy springtime salad. If you’re not familiar with the gorgeous pink vegetable, allow me to introduce you to the watermelon radish. It’s a large mild radish that is a bit sweeter and less peppery than its more common cousin. Like the red radish it’s high in vitamins including C, B-6, riboflavin and thiamine, low in calories and has a fresh and flavorful taste. You can usually find them this time of year at markets like Whole Foods or at the farmer’s market. This was served with a creamy dressing at the party, but I really love it with just a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Simplicity at its best! Enjoy! xJacq Ingredients: Serves 4 1 cup English Peas,fresh shelled or frozen 1 …

Feel Good Jicama Nachos

Published by Jacqueline King

This is an awesome, healthy, plant-based alternative to traditional fat and calorie laden nachos. The best part is you get all of the delicious flavors of regular nachos without that heavy, greasy feeling. Since they are made with vegetables, nuts and legumes, you’ll be getting tons of fiber, vitamins minerals and healthy fats instead. These happen to be vegan, but everyone loves them. I put them out as a snack during football and my meat-loving husband gobbled them all up before I could even have two bites! Enjoy! xJacq Ingredients: 1 small Jicama 1/2 Onion, thinly sliced 2 Tbs Coconut or Olive Oil 1 can Black Beans, rinsed Pinch Salt, Pepper, Cumin and Cayenne 1/2 lime 3/4 cup Pico de Gallo 3/4 cup Guacamole 3/4 cup Cashew Cheese 1/4 tsp Taco Seasoning 1/2 lime 1/4 cup each chopped Olives, Jalapeño, Bell Pepper and Cilantro 2 Radish, thinly sliced Sauté the onion in oil over medium heat until it starts to brown add the black beans, a pinch cumin, salt & pepper, and cayenne and lower …