The Perfect Party Plate

I came across this recipe pretty much by accident. It was Valentine's Day, and I wanted to surprise Scott with a simple appetizer before we decided to make dinner for each other, later that evening. I was perusing through Pinterest, as I usually do when I'm looking for inspiration, when I came across this little gem. I read over the recipe and thought that I could simplify it so basically anyone could prepare it with little ingredients, and very little effort. 

If I ever throw a dinner party, or a trendy tapas party, I'm totally breaking out this recipe! For my version of the recipe, here is what you'll need:

• 28 Ritz crackers (I used the wheat, generic Publix brand)
• 1 small tub of chive flavored cream cheese
• 4 or 5 slices of cooked ham
• 4 or 5 slices of roasted red peppers, chopped (I used Mancini's brand that come in a jar)
• parsley

1. Lay the Ritz crackers out on a cutting board, platter, or on whatever surface you are going to present them on. 

2. Spread a dime-sized dollop of cream cheese over the unsalted side of the cracker.

3. Cut up the thin sliced, deli ham into squares, or you can just tear it into pieces like I did. (it was much easier that way, and it looked more rustic). Place ham on top of cream cheese.

4. Cut up the roasted red peppers into squares, so they fit nicely on top of the ham.

5. Sprinkle each cracker with some parsley for garnish, and Voila! There you have it.

It's really as simple as that. It was the perfect party snack, and Scott gobbled them up. I was really surprised how tasty they were for such a small bite. 

What is your favorite appetizer or tapas plate to entertain with?

Stuffed Peppers...Just like Momma used to make!

This recipe is one of my favorites, because Scott and I were totally spontaneous and did not, I repeat, DID NOT use a recipe. I come from an Italian background, and growing up, my mother made stuffed peppers from time to time. The recipe was always in my family, so I admit, I was a little scared when Scott asked me if we could make them on our own. I didn't want to disgrace this Italian tradition, and I was thoroughly convinced that they would not come out as delicious as my mother's. So, I did some research on Food Network's website, and away I went!

Scott and I made totally different peppers, but the experience was very interactive, creative and fun. For the life of me, I can't remember what he put in his peppers, but I will do my best to recollect my thoughts from several Thursdays back for what I put in mine. (It was probably a silly idea to not write down the recipe.) Scott went the Asian route on his peppers, but I stuck to my Italian roots, and here is what you will need:

• 2 green bell peppers
• 1/2 package of ground turkey
• 1 small can of tomato sauce
• 1 zucchini, chopped 
• 1/4 cup of shitake mushrooms
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• a couple dashes of worcestershire sauce
• a handful of mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup rice
• s/p to taste

1. Boil the rice according to the package.

2. In a large saucepan, on medium high heat, cook meat until there is no pink left. Add in all the vegetables, the tomato sauce, seasoning and cheese. Cook until the vegetables have softened. Add in rice when it's finished.

3. While you are cooking the mixture, cut the tops off the peppers and take out all the insides. Boil the peppers for two minutes so they soften slightly. 

4. Take the peppers out of the water with tongs. Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into each pepper, but be careful handling the peppers, because they will be hot. 

5. Sprinkle some more mozzarella cheese over each pepper and bake at 350 for 25 minutes. If you have any left over sauce, save it for another occasion, or baste it over the peppers. 

I was really surprised as to how well these peppers came out...and not to mention, quite proud! My mom puts ground beef in her recipe, but I gave turkey a shot. What do you stuff your peppers with? Do you have a traditional recipe that has been passed down in your family?