When it comes to snacking, it doesn’t get much easier than chips and salsa. But it definitely gets more interesting.

Chips and apple dip…now that’s what I’m talking about. This treat is kinda like eating a bunch of mini apple pies, except these babies will save you major calories and take you about two seconds flat to make. That means this is the perfect study snack, but it can also be used for just about any occasion: it’s unique enough for a fancy appetizer at a dinner party and definitely easy enough to bust out for a pre-game snack. And the dip is finger-licking good. Literally – I eat it with my fingers. Mmmm.

And there is no better time than right now – apple season – to whip up this little snack.  This dip actually lets you taste the fresh apples you use for it, so take advantage of the cooling weather and grab yourself some nice fat apples for this healthy and totes delicious recipe. Read More »

If there is one thing I have accepted about myself, it is that I always, ALWAYS, prefer appetizers to entrees. I don’t know why, but for some reason those little bits and pieces always sound way more enticing than a big ol’ plate of….just about anything. Maybe it’s because I have a hard time settling on just one thing, but this goes a long way in explaining my love of party food.

I love all things bite size (well, when it comes to food…), packed with flavor, and eaten with my fingers. One of my personal faves in this category is BLT bites. I was a late–comer to the BLT party (I thought I didn’t like bacon for years. How crazy is that?!)  but now that I’m on board, I can’t get enough. These little gems have the same enticing flavor combo as the big sandwich, but they’re mini, so they’re instantly better. The filling is jam-packed with unbelievable flavor – smoky bacon, sharp, salty cheese, fragrant herbs – while the ripe tomato shell gives it a fresh and summery feel. Deeeee-licious.

BLT Bites

16 – 20 cherry tomatoes
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chopped green onions
3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Read More »

How many times have you talked about it with your friends or even your partner, extolling the virtues of ‘make-up sex?’

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I recall Sex and the City dedicating an entire episode to this very subject. Before getting into the nitty-gritty of why this foodie believes that make-up sex stinks, I want to make two things clear. First, I am not denouncing make-up sex. If it works for you and your partner, go for it! By all means! As for me, a self-declared foodie, I’d rather mend things over appetizers and a well-shaken martini. Second, and you can all breath a sigh of relief, I refuse to moralize about the matter. Instead, I wanna put forth an epicure’s perspective, and hopefully entice those “jump-in-the-bed-as-soon-as-he-says-sorry” types to consider this option. Read More »

Fruit and meat together? Sounds a bit scary, I know, but trust me! Melon wrapped in prosciutto (an Italian cured ham) is a classic dish that tastes delicious.

It’s a super easy recipe, and perfect if you want to throw a swanky dinner or cocktail party for friends. You only need a few ingredients, a package of toothpicks and a plate. See? Told you it was easy…

Ingredients:

1 Cantaloupe or other sweet melon

1 Package of prosciutto

1 tablespoon of olive oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

If you’re serving this as an appetizer, cut the melon into slices. If you’re serving it as finger food at a cocktail party, cut the melon into bite-sized chunks. The prosciutto should come already sliced paper-thin. Wrap a full strip of it around the melon slices, or trim the meat down to better wrap around the bite-sized melon pieces. Stick in toothpicks to keep the meat in place, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Done and done. Now you’ve got a fancy appetizer, and loads of time left over for drink-making!