Food & Wine — Appetizers

We are huge fans of puff pastry! But really, who isn't? It's crispy, flakey, buttery and delicious. Puff pastry is incredibly versatile and can be shaped into so many forms. For this recipe, we've decided to focus on something that could function as a breakfast pastry or as little bite size cups at your holiday party. Get creative with different ingredients. Your guests will not be displeased. Try pairing these treats with a crisp and aromatic dry White wine. Ingredients:  1/2 cup Crème Fraîche 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice 6oz Porcini or Crimini Mushrooms 1/4 Onion 1/4...

Oysters have come a long way in food history. There are hundreds of preparations and heated debates on how to cook and eat them properly. They served as as a gateway to the wonderful world of gastronomy. Just ask any esteemed foodie, chef and culinary enthusiast about their first oyster experience.                     Image from back Appetites. Photo Credit: Bobby Fisher From Anthony Bourdain's book Kitchen Confidential, he recalled a detailed childhood trip to France where he experienced oysters for the first time by a fisherman named Monsieur Saint-Jour. "I took it in my hand,...

  Holiday feasts and parties are a great excuse to indulge in artisan cheeses! This recipe for Honey Nut Roquefort is one of our favorites. We used Roquefort Papillion, a raw cheese from the AOC region of Roquefort from Milkfarm LA Cheese Shop. You can also find this cheese at the Claremont Cheese Cave. This fantastic import is strong and peppery in flavor with funky notes of earth and barnyard. If Roquefort is too intense for you and your guests, try a milder blue like Gorgonzola or Stilton. Any cheese shop or artisan cheese section will have some delicious options....

Are you looking for the perfect party hors d'oeuvre recipe that is quick and simple yet delicious? This Olive Tapenade recipe is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday party. Served on a toasty crostini, this snack is an excellent pair with a wide variety of wines making it very versatile for a festive holiday party environment with a wide variety of beverages. This recipe is something you can prepare well in advance to save yourself some prep time. Makes 1 Party Batch (Small Bowl) Ingredients: 2 x 6.5oz jars of Pitted Kalamata Olives 6.5oz of Spanish Manzanilla Olives with Pimentos...

Ready to make a dish that will save you time and keep your tummy healthy and asking for more? This flavorful bowl is vegan and packed with nutrients, fiber and protein. Perfect as an entree or as an appetizer. A zesty Sauvignon Blanc is a good companion for bringing out the nuttiness in the quinoa and compliment the tomatoes and cooked spices just right. Ingredients 2 cups of cooked quinoa 1 cup cooked brown rice 1 can of black beans 1 can corn 1 red onion chopped fine 1 red bell pepper chopped 2 large tomatoes chopped 1 medium size avocado...