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Vegetarian Appetizers

Roasted Chickpeas With Cumin and Za'atar
Vegetarian

Snack Attack! Mediterranean-Spiced Chickpeas

What's perfect for your Super Bowl spread, and yet far from indulgent?
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What's perfect for your Super Bowl spread, and yet far from indulgent? These za'atar and cumin-spiced roasted chickpeas. Additionally, they're an excellent garnish for soups and salads, come together with a minimal of effort, are easy to transport, and are just plain delicious.

If this seems like a lot of blustery praise, don't be put off. Even if you find they're not your cup of tea you'll be out a mere few dollars (chickpeas are cheap!) aside from the initial purchase of tangy herbal za'atar and earthy cumin seeds (use extra za'atar in this soothing soup that's swirled with za'atar oil).

Not feeling the Mediterranean flavor profile? Think of this recipe as more of a blueprint than a set in stone prescription — feel free to sub out spice blends as you please, the proportions listed below are intended as a mere jumping off point.

Keep reading for the fast and easy recipe.

Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips
recipes

Snack Attack: Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips

I know what you're probably thinking: kale chips are so two years ago.
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I know what you're probably thinking: kale chips are so two years ago. And sure, they've been done before (we even have a handful of enticing options in our archives), but I'd argue that their ubiquity is simply a testament to how dang delicious these virtuous snacks can be.

So no, I'm not exactly reinventing the wheel here; rather, consider this a tune-up. These salty, tangy, and dangerously snackable crisps are more akin to a fresh set of tires for the kale chips "wheel." Heavy-handed with both salt and vinegar to mimic the addictive flavor of salt and vinegar chips (minus the fryer), these chips are hands-down my favorite kale snack I've tried to date (and I really like kale).

Get the recipe for crispy salt and vinegar kale chips.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates Vegetarian Alternative Recipe
recipes

Killer Vegetarian App: Goat Cheese- and Pistachio-Stuffed Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates are like morsels of salty-sweet magnificence.
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Bacon-wrapped dates are like morsels of salty-sweet magnificence. Thus, it's tragic that our vegetarian friends can't enjoy them. I've found the next best thing: this vegetarian appetizer for goat cheese- and pistachio-stuffed dates.

Capitalizing on the magical combination of dessert-worthy dates and a salty sidekick (in the form of pistachio-whipped goat cheese), this recipe packs so much flavor into every bite you'll forget about your bacon-wrapped past. But the biggest revelation are the chives; the herb combines with the creamy cheese for an effect that's like a high-end sour cream and chive potato chip. It's sophistication and childhood nostalgia all in one.

Though pitting and halving the dates is time-consuming — especially if you're doubling or tripling the recipe for a party — these apps are super-easy to make ahead. They are just as delicious after a few days in the fridge, though best served at room temperature. Get this vegetarian appetizer recipe.

Onion Jam and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe
Spring

Perfectly Seasonal: Onion Jam and Goat Cheese Crostini

In my attempt to cook with more peak-season produce, I left the farmers market this week with a giant canvas tote full of Spring onions, young alliums with a tender texture and a milder flavor.
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In my attempt to cook with more peak-season produce, I left the farmers market this week with a giant canvas tote full of Spring onions, young alliums with a tender texture and a milder flavor. And in my search to find something to make with them, I managed to discover the holy grail of appetizers.

Onions, fresh goat cheese, and baguette don't sound like much, but trust me, the sum is greater than its parts. The key is to slow-simmer the Spring onions in a zesty agrodolce sauce, until they've developed a deep caramel flavor and reduced to a thick jam. Spread it on top of crunchy crostini with creamy chèvre, and the rest is guaranteed to be history. For a crowd-pleasing vegetarian appetizer, you'll want to read more.

Fava Bean Crostini Recipe
Spring

Killer App: Fava Bean Crostini

I've never met a crostini recipe I didn't like and this one with fresh fava beans and pecorino romano cheese is like taking a bite of Spring.
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I've never met a crostini recipe I didn't like and this one with fresh fava beans and pecorino romano cheese is like taking a bite of Spring. It's light, salty, and herbaceous. Although it takes some time to shell and prepare the beans, once you've completed this step, it's easy to combine the ingredients and slather on crispy toast. If you can't find pecorino, substitute parmesan. Serve with sparkling rosé or crisp white wine and you've got the ideal hors d'oeuvre for any seasonal celebration. To check out the uncomplicated recipe, keep reading.