Appetizers

Shrimp Cocktail may be my favorite restaurant appetizer of all time. But it’s so easy to make at home, I can make it any time I want, and so can you.

We had the most addictive, tender, flaky, cheesy little Cheddar crackers in the luxurious cocktail bar at the Goring Hotel in London. Until we can return, I’ll be making this copycat version at home.

Easy, sweet/salty Spiced Pecans are the perfect nibble to serve with cocktails or a glass of wine.

This addictive queso dip is extra creamy, warm and spicy, and takes about as much time to make as it does to open a bag of tortilla chips and mix up the Margaritas.

Steamed Clams meets Moules Marinière meets Shrimp Scampi in this abundant, messy, garlicky, briny tumble of shellfish. 

Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms are an ephemeral summer prize, oozing with warm, creamy cheese filling inside a light crispy coating, with basil-laced marinara for dipping.

Don’t save this chunky/creamy, tangy Pimiento Cheese for Kentucky Derby day; it’s good any day of the year.

Spirals of golden, flaky puff pastry alternate with dark green, bacon-flecked spinach and two types of cheese for a beautiful and surprisingly simple hors d’oeuvre.

Actually these are clam fritters, pillow-y soft and light, jam packed with clams and perked up with scallions, Sriracha, and a hint of ginger.

This incredibly easy appetizer is surprisingly sophisticated, and will tease your tongue with its contrasts, from crunchy chips to creamy sauce to velvety-soft smoked salmon.