Shrimp Tostones with Sun-Dried Tomato Guacamole make a simple but elegant appetizer anytime of year. They are Paleo, Whole30, gluten-free and can serve a crowd. Bursting with flavor, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Tostones–twice fried green plantains–are a staple in Caribbean cuisine, and for good reason. Crispy, fluffy, and …
Appetizers
Sikil Pak is a simple but delicious pumpkin seed salsa that comes from the Mayans of the Yucatán peninsula. It makes an incredibly addictive gluten-free appetizer or condiment. The intriguing name of this delightful dip is from the Mayan ha‘-sikil-p’aak, which literally translates into water (ha) — pumpkin seed (sikil) — tomato (p’aak). While that’s …
Chorizo Stuffed Figs with Balsamic Drizzle make a decadent, yet easy gluten-free appetizer. Whenever I nibble on a fig, I am immediately transported to a the ancient isle of Crete. There, I sit on a sunny veranda overlooking the Aegean sea while playing my lute. My herd of goats scurries past in the distance (Hermia …
Bacon-Wrapped Enoki Mushrooms with Spinach make a unique and delicious Paleo, Whole30, and keto appetizer. In a trip to Vietnam, I saw street vendors selling grilled skewers of enoki wrapped in thick, juicy slices of bacon. They also sell bunches of water spinach wrapped in bacon. I figured why not combine the best of both, …
Jacques Pépin is one of my kitchen heroes. I picked up some really great techniques by watching his various shows on PBS. I’m still enamored by the way he wields that tiny little chef’s knife, tearing through piles onions in mere seconds. Also, Jacques has no use for tongs. I swear I’ve seen him stick his bare …