Crab and Artichoke Tarts
This is a quickly prepared, savory appetizer or hors d'oeuvre.
Brie Cups
If you are looking for a quick, easy, delicious appetizer, this is for you. I've served them many times and my friends always gobble them up. Even cheese haters love this. You can find the phyllo cups in the freezer section.
Empanadas Abiertas de Humita (Creamy Corn Empanadas)
Creamy corn empanadas are an Argentinean classic. These can be made open like a tart or closed like a pasty - the choice is yours! You can opt to make the pasty-like version; find the method in the footnote.
Warm Brie and Pear Tartlets
These make a simple, delicious, and elegant appetizer. They impress every time!
Jalapeno Popper Cups
Didn't have enough Jalapenos to make full out poppers, but improvised for a creamy and spicy appetizer. You'll want to eat them right away, but they will be molten hot so be careful!
Puff Pastry Shells
These are fairly simple to make, and once baked the real fun begins, as they can hold so many amazing fillings, both sweet and savory.
The key is making sure your puff pastry dough is very firm, and very cold, preferably still partially frozen, before you start cutting it. You want nice clean cuts, because if you mash the layers of pastry together, your shells will not rise as high, and they can also bake into some strange shapes.
King Crab Appetizers
These crab tartlets have long since been a family favorite and are requested often at holiday get togethers.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Tangy cranberry, creamy brie, and crunchy walnuts come together in a buttery shell for an appetizer that will wow your guests. Bonus: These can be made up to 3 days ahead; wrap them in plastic wrap before the baking step and store in the refrigerator. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chef John's Tomato Tart
One of these days Michele and I will travel to the south of France, where we'll eat this amazing tomato tart at least once a day. It's going to be hot, since we'll have to go in the middle of summer to enjoy best possible tomatoes, but that's fine, as long as there's chilled rosé. One layer of tomato is plenty, since more than that will make for an overly wet tart, which means your pastry will not stay crispy.
Shrimp Scampi Cheesecake Appetizer
Rich cheesecake with a seafood surprise. Decadent and smooth for adult tastes.
Blue Cheese and Pear Tartlets
Tasty, hot appetizers that take little time to prepare but will impress your guests!
Chicken Curry Puffs
These oven-baked beauties are great as appetizers or a snack. They're spicy and savory, with a subtle coconut milk base. In Malaysia, they are traditionally deep fried. But here's a modern version. You can wrap them in different ways - as rolls, sealed pockets or semi-open bundles.
