When was the last time you whipped out the appetizer recipes on a quest to entice your friends or family over and couldn't find it in your budget to host the party? You'll never have that problem again. You can use my secrets and money saving tips to make crowd pleasing appetizers that will make YOU a Super Hero!
Mock Hummus and Chips
2 cups dry white beans (Great Northern work well)
8 cups water
2 Garlic cloves, whole
2 TBS lemon juice
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 8 oz package cream cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Place beans in large pot and cover with water. Bring to a full rolling boil for two minutes. Turn off heat and let beans set for 1 hour.
Drain beans and cover with fresh water. Cook until beans are tender. Drain well and place in food processor with remaining ingredients. Process until smooth, adding small amount of hot water to obtain desired consistency. Serve warm or cold with chips.
Chips
1 package Corn Tortillas, cut into wedges
Oil for frying, about 1 inch in a large skillet.
Heat oil to 350°. Using tongs, gently drop tortilla wedges into oil and fry until lightly brown, turning once. Drain on paper towel.
If you prefer, you can spray them with cooking spray and bake them in a single layer on a cooking sheet at 400° until lightly brown, about 5-7 minutes. No need to turn them over.
It's hard to find great appetizer recipes that are easy to make and make a great impression. This one does both!
Pita Party Platter
2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed 3 cups white beans, cooked (any small white bean will do) 4 oz cream cheese 8 slices Swiss cheese, cut cross-wise into 4 triangles ½ small onion 1 Jalapeño pepper 2 cloves garlic 1 tsp salt ¼-½ chicken broth or water 8 Pita bread rounds ¼ cup oil
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut each pita bread into 4 triangular pieces. Brush lightly with oil and bake 10-15 minutes or until brown and crispy. Set aside. In food processor, add chicken, beans, cream cheese, onion, pepper, garlic and salt.
Process until smooth, adding small amounts of water as needed. Mixture should be thick and spreadable. Spread chicken mixture onto each pita triangle. Top with Swiss cheese. Broil for 1-2 minutes. Yield 32 Pita Triangles.
