Easy Appetizers

Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Dip

August 31, 2014 By Lena

My husband and I are pretty set in our ways.

“I don’t like red peppers.” – Me
“I don’t like feta cheese.” – Him

However, if you saw us inhaling my sister-in-law’s Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Dip last night, trust me, you wouldn’t know it. Creamy and flavourful, with just the right amount of heat, the dip is a perfect late-summer appetizer and pairs wonderfully with barbecue and beer. My SIL admittedly scooped the recipe from Emeril Lagasse and adapted it as her own, serving it with Twistos (so good!).

Roasted Red Pepper Dip We were well into noshing on the dip when I decided I simply had to blog it, so forgive the “eating-in-progress” photo. And if you happen to have leftovers, do this:

– Use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps
– Heat through and toss it with freshly cooked pasta
– Use it as a topping for baked potatoes
– Spread it over a pizza crust in lieu of tomato sauce; top with roasted veggies

Of course, you could always simply enjoy round two of dipping. Click here for the recipe – Enjoy!

Summer Staples: Super Simple Nacho Dip

May 30, 2014 By Lena

I firmly believe that everyone needs a super simple nacho dip in their repertoire of summer recipes. I dare you to suggest another appetizer that equally appeals to cavemen-like beer sloshers on fight night; posh friends in wedge sandals on the patio; or ravenous teens on a long summer night. A layered nacho dip is the perfect make-ahead starter that is both simple to assemble and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Lena's Nacho Dip After tasting a similarly delicious concoction at a party years ago, my BFF’s uncle simply rattled off a list of ingredients with the ambiguous instructions: “Use what you like and layer it in a serving dish.” So that’s what I’ll share with you today – my version of a layered nacho dip, which is hit every single time.

1 (8 ounce) package low fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup low fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup low fat sour cream
1/4 cup chili sauce (I like Maggi Sweet Chili Sauce or Frank’s Red Hot Sweet Chili Sauce)
1 cup medium salsa, drained (can substitute mild if you’re averse to a little heat)
1 cup diced green pepper
1 cup diced red pepper
1 cup diced green onion
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (can substitute 1 cup cheddar, 1 cup Monterrey Jack)
1 cup sliced black olives (optional)

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream until well blended. (If your cream cheese hasn’t softened to room temperature, this will be quite the chore.) Spread the mixture evenly on the bottom of a serving dish, about 9 x 13″ in size, or 8 x 8″ if you’d like deeper layers.

Layer by layer, top the cream cheese mixture with chili sauce, salsa, green pepper, red pepper, green onion and shredded cheese.

If using black olives, sprinkle on top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Recipe treats 6-8 lucky friends to a scrumptious summer dip. (Warning – there are never any leftovers.) Enjoy!

#SimplePleasures: All You Need is #CDNcheese

March 6, 2014 By Lena

Long before being a homeowner was ever an option, I fantasized about the intricate soirees I’d throw. Hosting friends while offering a sublime spread, I pictured myself as an impeccable hostess, a talented chef, a tastemaker.

However, after struggling to get together with my girlfriends post-family, I realized that the best parties require the simplest measures: good friends, great appetizers, and an excellent bottle of wine. And just like that, I forever became a fan of the Wine and Cheese.

An excellent – and affordable – way to bring friends and family together, Wine and Cheese parties are my preferred “girl’s night in” activity. In addition to offering a variety of tastes and textures, cheese platters satisfy the delicate balance between sweet and salty, especially when paired with fruit and nuts.

The perfect Canadian cheese platter is easy to make! Just mix and match your favourite Canadian cheese types to ensure different textures and intensities in flavour. I always look for the 100% Canadian Milk symbol when I buy cheese because it ensures that your cheese is made from Canadian milk renowned for its purity, high quality and great taste. You should too!

Smooth, wrinkly, mouldy, smelly… there is a great variety of deliciously different Canadian Cheeses to seduce the palate. I always stick to my tried and true favourites – a nutty, smooth Canadian Double Cream Brie (the texture and mild flavour is sublime!); a spicy, firm Jalapeno Havarti; a mild and milky Gouda; a soft, subtle Mozzarella; and a sharp, salty Aged Cheddar.

I love adding a small bowlful of sweet berries and a handful of crunchy almonds as well, especially when I’m looking for the right balance of flavours while allowing the cheese to be the star attraction….