Category: Party Time


Jul
2016

Sicilian Garlic Oregano Grilled Potatoes!

categories: Dinner, Grill, Healthy Living, Homemade Italian, Party Time, Recipes

Quick and easy summer recipes continue with grilled sliced potato recipe. Bursting with flavor, these potatoes have an herb salty garlicky bite with the creaminess of the sour cream finish! These potatoes are fabulous with summer seafood!

image

Sometimes I grate Parmesan cheese over the grilled slices and forget the sour cream!

image

A tip that I recently learned from my co-host Chef David on Between The Eats is that you want to place the potato slices in cold water and bring the pot up to a boil. By doing this the inside and outside of the potato have a chance to get to the same temp for even cooking. This eliminates the outisde of the rounds smushing. Has this ever happened to you? It’s the worst! Your recipe will become starchy from broken potato pieces falling off.

image

Here is the recipe…

Ingredients:
2 large potatoes, sliced 1/4 inch slices
2 tbsp. Olive oil
1 tsp. Onion powder
1-1/2 tbsp. Dry oregano
Salt/pepper to taste
3 cloves roasted garlic, minced
3-4 tbsp. Sour cream
Parsley or chives

Directions:
Boil sliced potatoes from cold water until a knife test shows just softened, but still firm potatoes.

Drain and cool 5 minutes.

Meanwhile heat the grill to a medium flame.

Add potato slices, olive oil, oregano, onion powder, garlic, salt and pepper to a Gallon ziploc bag.

Gently coat potatoes being careful not to smush.

Place a piece of foil on the grill grate, and line up the potatoes being careful not to overlap.

Grill 4-7 minutes until bottom is golden brown and flip. Grill another 3-5 minutes until done.

Remove from grill, toss with sour cream, sprinkle with chives or parsley and serve.

image

image

Enjoy!
Ciao!


Jul
2016

Garlic Parm Wings!

categories: Dinner, Homemade Italian, Party Time, Recipes

I get in the mood for wings and my go-to flavor is garlic Parmesan. The one food item that I do not like- there really are not that many- is buffalo sauce. In general any kind of saucy wing turns me off. My favorite wings are crisp, with dry seasoning or a glaze! Covered in Parmesan cheese is always a bonus! Ha!

Here is my recipe…

image

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Wings

1 lb. wings, I cut them at the joints and used the wingette.
2 tbsp. Garlic olive oil
4 cloves Roasted garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp. Garlic salt
Salt/pepper to taste
1/2 cup+ fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Your favorite dipping sauce, I used Romesco sauce

Directions:
Preheat oven 500 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl toss wings with garlic oil, garlic, garlic salt, salt and pepper until well coated.

Place on an aluminum foil covered pan.

Roast 8-10 minutes until browning, flip another 8 -10 until crispy.

Remove and roll in Parmesan.

image

image

Enjoy!
Ciao!


Jun
2016

Lemon Herb Garlic Shrimp!

categories: 20 Minutes or Less, Dinner, Grill, Healthy Living, Party Time, Recipes

Everytime I prepare this shrimp dish I have people begging me for the recipe and I feel so guilty because it is so easy!

image

The lemon herb garlic shrimp skewers are perfect for a summer night when served with a cold salad, or don’t skewer the shrimp and toss them with your favorite long pasta like angel hair.

image

The technique in the recipe is the fastest – coating the shrimp with olive oil, rolling in herbs, grilling shrimp, and squeezing lemon. If there is time, the herbs can be infused in the garlic before covering the shrimp. This creates a stronger herb flavor. Either are delicious, it just depends how much time you have!

image

Lemon Herb Garlic Shrimp!

Ingredients:
1 lb. medium shrimp, cleaned and deveined
1 lemon, sliced into wedges
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 thyme springs, leaves removed and finely chopped
1 tbsp. Basil, finely chopped
1 tbsp. Rosemary, finely chopped
(Cayenne pepper optional to add heat)
Salt/Pepper to taste
Wood skewers

image

image

Directions:
In a small bowl mix herbs and garlic and cover a plate.
Skewer shrimp.
Drizzle with olive oil and either brush or use clean fingers to coat.
Dip into herbs on a plate.
Set skewers on a parchment covered cookie sheet or prepare to grill.
Grill a few minutes per side until shrimp turn pink.
Broil in oven until shrimp turn pink, turning once.
Squeeze half of a lemon over cooked skewers and serve!

image

image

Enjoy!
Ciao!


May
2016

Roasted Corn and Black Beans!

categories: Dinner, Healthy Living, Healthy Snacks, Party Time, Recipes, Sides

Happy Cinco de Mayo! For some of us, Mexican night is a weekly occurrence, taco Tuesday for example, but for others it is rare.
image

In my house, Mexican is an important weekday supper staple. An easy dinner filled with fresh vegetables, and the kids ask for seconds? Everybody wins!
image

I change up my menu based on taco type- beef, chicken, pork- or I add some different side dishes. The dishes include some combination of beans and rice, roasted corn, and homemade chunky salsas. Roasting the corn creates a depth of flavor. I especially love corn on the cob done this way- roasted and seasoned with butter, chili powder, cayenne pepper, topped with sour cream and sprinkled with garlic and cilantro. It is absolutely delicious!

image

Here is the recipe for my roasted corn and black beans dish…

image

Roasted Corn and Black Beans
Ingredients:
2 cups corn, sliced off the cob or frozen.
2 tbsp. Olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup black beans, cleaned and soaked
1 tsp. Chili powder
1/2 tsp. Cumin
1/2 tsp. Cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. Chopped cilantro
Salt/pepper to taste

Ingredients:
Heat olive oil in a medium pan.
Add corn, garlic and onions.
Cook until corn is browned and garlic and onions are softened.
Add beans, salt/pepper, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
Remove from heat and toss with cilantro.
Serve warm or cold.

image

Enjoy!
Ciao!


Apr
2016

Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Meatballs!

categories: Dinner, Healthy Living, Homemade Italian, Lunch, Party Time, Recipes

Spring is here! So on a recent grocery run I picked up some spinach and crumbled goat cheese. You know, to make my favorite Springy salads- spinach, fruit, pecans, topped with goat cheese and a drizzle of olive oil or a fruity balsamic. So today I made…stuffed meatballs. Ha!image

image

At least I used the spinach and goat cheese, right?

image

I only had one lonely pound of ground beef. This might be the reason I decided to stuff. I honestly love a beef/pork combination with loads of garlic and fresh grated parm. The unique thing about meatballs is that they are a blank canvas. Adding Greek flavors, Mexican flavors, Bacon and Cheese, takes the Italian meatball on a fun vacation!

image

image

image image image

Stuffing the meatballs adds an element of surprise. My kids took their first bites and my Brady, age 7, says, “Hey mommy, what did you hide in here.” As he’s chewing spinach happily I just smiled. Bella said, “Is this goat cheese?” Ummm, my Bella is almost 5 and hates goat cheese- unless it’s hidden really well. Apparently, the meat heavy garlic, and spinach wasn’t enough camouflage. Nope, she reached for a spoon and scooped out the goat cheese and ate the rest of her meatball. She told me I shouldn’t post this one.

image

Here is the recipe…

Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef (use your favorite meatball meat ground turkey, ground veal, or a mix!)
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
salt/pepper
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/3 cup spinach, finely chopped

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, mix meat, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt and pepper.
Using your clean hands, mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
Section off 1/2 inch clump of meat mixture and flatten.
Place one tablespoon goat cheese and one tablespoon of spinach on patty.
Roll up the sides and top with an equal amount of meat and form into a ball.
Put meatballs on a cookie sheet one inch apart and bake 12-18 minutes until desired doneness.
Top with finely chopped spinach and crumbled goat cheese and serve.

image image

Enjoy!
Ciao!


Mar
2016

Strawberry Basil Fontina Bites!

categories: 20 Minutes or Less, Healthy Living, Healthy Snacks, Party Time, Recipes, Shopping, Sides

Have you ever found yourself needing appetizers in a pinch? Most of the time I whip up an Italian meat, cheese, and olive tray. My go-to tray not only pairs perfectly with the drinks, which most often accompany my need for appetizers, but is also super easy to create because the ingredients are always in my refrigerator!

image

Spring into entertaining in the warmer months and winter appetizer choices seem overused.  Spring clean your recipes and replace the winter palate with sweet and savory small bites, with a ton of color of course! Easy and delicious are equally important qualities of these quick appetizers. Seasonal fruits and herbs are absolutely scrumptious with cheeses. What cheese works best? A solid but creamy cheese with a strong taste is always on point.

image

Don’t forget the finishing drizzles. I am currently obsessing over Vincotto’s Fig. A sweet and smooth vinegar, made from fig juice aged in oak barrels. It is versatile, tasty, and totally addicting! So here is my latest creation…enjoy!

image

Strawberry Basil Fontina Bites

Ingredients:
12 strawberries, washed and destemmed
12 medium basil leaves
4 oz. fontina cheese, cut into 2 inch squares
toothpicks
Vincotto Fig vinegar for drizzle

Directions:
Stack one piece of cheese, one basil leaf, and one strawberry stem side down.
Spear with a toothpick.
Drizzle vinegar to taste.

image

Enjoy!
Ciao!


Dec
2015

Butter Toffee Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies!

categories: Desserts, Fun for Kids, Party Time, Recipes

I love a butter toffee crunch! My favorite salad is mixed greens, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and butter toffee pecans. I incorporated them into a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe and the results are totally delish!!
Not a fan of a nutty bite? Grind the pecans down instead of a coarse chop for a smooth finish.

image

Butter Toffee Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
(makes 3 dozen 2 inch cookies)

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
pinch of salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup coarse chopped butter toffee pecans

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Using a mixer, cream butter and sugar.
Add eggs, baking soda, salt, and vanilla and mix on low until incorporated.
Slowly add in flour until dough forms.
Mix in chocolate chips and pecans with a wooden spoon. Mix well so each scoop contains chips and pecans.
Drop by teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

image

Enjoy!
Ciao!


Oct
2015

Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

categories: Desserts, Party Time, Recipes

Perfectly satiny and sweet with a hint of sea salt, this caramel sauce is perfect for fall. Bake with it or use it as a topping for ice cream, a dip for pretzels, apples, or even put a spoonful in your hot cider or coffee! The uses are endless the recipe is super simple!

image

The rules of caramel sauce making are pretty simple. Rule #1, have all of your ingredients on hand because you need to work quickly. Luckily, there are only 3! And rule #2, have incredible patience because you don’t want to jump the gun! Follow the directions or you will end up with a lumpy, chunky caramel sauce!

image

Originally, I made this sauce to use for salted caramel cupcakes. I used a bit of the sauce to make the frosting, filled the cupcake with the frosting, and added a a salted caramel drizzle. Overall, they were too sweet! I know, really?! A little recipe tweaks and I’m hoping to post this recipe soon!

image

Here is the salted caramel sauce…

Salted Caramel Sauce
Ingredients:
1-1/4 cup white sugar or brown sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
Sea salt to taste

Directions:
In a deep sauce pan, melt sugar by continuously stirring. Note: The sugar will first clump together before beginning to melt. It will become an amber color after melting.

image

image

image

When all sugar crystals have dissolved, add butter. Note: it will bubble and rise as butter is added, thus the use of a deep pan with high sides.

image

Stir until butter is incorporated.
Remove from heat and add heavy cream. Note: Be careful, the cream will also bubble up the caramel sauce.

image
Add sea salt to taste.
Let cool until warm. Transfer to a glass bowl and refrigerate or use on your favorite treats and snacks!

image

Enjoy!
Ciao!


Jul
2015

Bun-less Meatball Sliders With A Parmesan Crisp!

categories: Dinner, Homemade Italian, Party Time, Recipes

Perfect as an appetizer or dinner, these bun-less meatball sliders bring together the flavors of meatballs in sauce topped with fresh grated parmesan cheese without the tradition. Ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a parmesan crisp create a clean and colorful stack of deliciousness.

Seriously, who needs the bun? And, seriously, who can live in this world without parmesan crisps? Parmesan crisps take 5 minutes to make and, like a great pair of earrings, they dress up everything!

image

image

Bun-less Meatball Sliders
Makes 6-8- 3 inch sliders

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 egg
2 tbsp. basil, chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic,finely chopped
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Directions:

Add all ingredients and mix well by hand.

Form into 3 inch balls and flatten slightly so that the top plateaus.

Place on a foil covered pan 2 inches apart.

Bake 350 degrees for 8-12 minutes until desired doneness, flipping half way.

Toppings:
Whole Basil Leaves
Ripe Tomatoes, sliced

Parmesan Crisps-
Spoon 1-2 tbsp. parmesan cheese in piles approx. 2 inches apart on a parchment paper lined pan.

image

image

Bake 4-5 mins. until golden- just starting to brown.

image

Let cool.

image

Peel crisp from paper.

Build bun-less meatball sliders by topping the meat patty with one slice of tomato, a few basil leaves, and a parmesan crisp on top!

image

Serve and Enjoy!!

Ciao!


Jun
2015

Party Time With Athens Mini Fillo Shells!!

categories: Desserts, Fun for Kids, Party Time, Recipes, Sides

A fillo shell is a simple, flaky, bite- sized vessel that is neither savory nor sweet. Fully baked with a perfect crunch, the fillo shells can be absolutely priceless in comparison to working with thin sheets of fillo dough. The tedious process also includes adding butter to the dough sheets- definitely unwanted calories! Mini fillo shells are an easy button time saver without losing quality, crispness or taste!

image

My favorite ready made shells are Athens mini fillo shells! With just two or three ingredients, you can make the most amazing party appetizers or desserts! As Athens puts it, “Just fill ’em!” The first time I ever used Athens mini fillo shells I filled them with goat cheese and caramelized onions and popped them in the toaster oven for 10 minutes! Everybody loved them!

Here are a few of my easy and delicious mini fillo shell recipes!

image

Chocolate Chip Cannoli

Ingredients:
1 package Athens mini fillo shells, contains 15 shells
1/2 cup ricotta
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 cup mini or full size chocolate chips (1/2 for filling and 1/2 for topping)

Directions:
Whip all ingredients, except chocolate chips until light and fluffy.
Fold in 1/2 chocolate chips.
Fill shells and top with extra chocolate chips
Enjoy!

image

Ham and Goat Cheese

Ingredients:
1 package Athens mini fillo shells, contains 15 shells
Crumbled goat cheese
Your favorite cooked ham, diced
Chopped parsely for garnish

Directions:
Carefully fill shells with ham and goat cheese.
Bake or broil in toaster oven for 7-10 mins. until cheese melts.
Top with chopped parsley.
Enjoy!

image

Pulled Pork Taco

Ingredients:
1 package Athens mini fillo shells, contains 15 shells
1/3 cup pulled pork (Slow cook pork shoulder roast all day seasoned with chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, or your favorite taco seasoning. Definitely can be made the day before and refrigerated.)
1 small tomato, chopped
1 tbsp. Mexican cheese blend
cilantro for garnish
sour cream, optional

Directions:
To serve warm, carefully fill shells with all ingredients, except sour cream or cilantro.
Bake or broil in toaster oven 7-10 mins. until cheese is melted.
Top with sour cream and cilantro.
Enjoy!

To serve cold, fill shells with all ingredients.
Enjoy!

image

image
All opinions expressed belong to Parmesan Princess! I seriously love Athens mini fillo shells and would love to share more easy and delicious small bite recipes with you soon!

Ciao!

image

Connect with Athens Foods on Facebook for even more mini fillo recipes!