The Perfect Mini Appetizers You Can Make Yourself

Photo (cover of book by Peter Callahan)

 

I know, I've posted these cute spaghetti and meatball appetizers before, but at the time I didn't have a recipe for them. As promised, here is the source!

 

As I was watching television this morning, I came across Kathy Lee and Hoda and these great mini appetizers--and Peter Callahan's book, Bite by Bite. Of course I only saw it at the very end, so I had to scramble to find out the book's name! Here it is.

 

I'm sure this book is available online but I'm sure it is also available at your local independent bookseller as well. If not, have them order it for you.

 

(Putting in a plug here for your friendly local independents, support them.  They work hard to provide your community with a gathering place that encourages you and your children to read!) I always like to support my local businesses. Check and see what the closest independent bookseller is to where you live.

 

If you live in  the Collegeville area, visit Towne Book Center and order one from them if they don't have it in stock. Ask for our favorite bookseller, Pam Brown Margolis, although if she isn't there any of her great associates can help you out.

 

Can't wait to try these appetizers out on a crowd. Not sure if I'm going to wait for Thanksgiving or just plan a party before then.

 

I loved the checkerboard that the meatballs on the cover are served on. This is a perfect DIY project that will make your appetizers look even better! Food isn't just about the taste, it's visual too. (And there are no calories in the visual part of eating!)

Parmesan Panko Zucchini--A Delight To Your Tastebuds!

Source: bakehouse.squarespace.com via Jill's on Pinterest

Parmesan Panko Zucchini, oh what a great food! Perfect for a parties or weddings. And if you are like many brides, the party doesn't end with your reception. Often there are events the day after the wedding, even if you have already left on your honeymoon. The best thing (in my humble opinion (hey! Stop SNORTING, what do you mean I never had an opinion that I thought was was humble!) OK, so you're right...anyway as I was saying... the day after your wedding is not a time your parents or whoever is hosting the day after party wants to have to make complicated food, the easier the better.

This is the perfect time for EEEBCDI (Easy Enough Even Bill Can Do It) food. To be totally fair my husband, Bill, is a good cook on the grill, but inside the house? He's always trying to use one less pan, or skip a step, so the results are sometimes...unusual unless it's a simple recipe with very few ingredients!

(For those just starting to read this blog, my husband frequently tests out my DIY projects to see if they really are EASY DIY projects. I'm not crafty but he... well he can paint, he can wire the house but oh please DO NOT give the man anything from the craft store!)

Anyway, back on track... these are from a recipe for Baked (yes that's baked NOT fried) Zucchini with Panko Crumbs and some shredded Parmesan Cheese.  For the exact recipe see the post about it on Blackjack Bake House.  While it still isn't low cal, it certainly is LOWER cal than frying the squash!

You may never eat squash any other way again! And if you happen to have put in a garden this year, add a few extra zucchini plants and you'll save more money! (Because we all know those things always produce way more than we need anyway!)

Enjoy taste testing these beauties, soon you'll be as addicted to this simple squash recipe as everyone else is!