appetizer

Tapenade is a staple in my house, since it does double duty served with a cheese plate or used as a spread on your favorite panini. I must admit, however, I always end up making it with black olives, so I was thrilled when I found a recipe specifically for a tasty green olive spread. Because the olive's flavor takes center stage in this milk-based dip, I recommend using your favorite green olives; I chose castelvetranos since they impart an amazingly buttery flavor and bright green color, and they aren't incredibly briny.

The result was a salty and creamy dip that was perfect served on crunchy crostini, and would also be ideal in pasta or even as a dressing for salad. Move over, olive tapenade; it's all about going green! Keep reading for this simple recipe.

Over the holidays, I made a tasty white bean dip, but while I ate it, I thought of a ton of ways to jazz it up. So last weekend, I finally tested out my twist on the classic dip. First, I skipped the cream cheese and opted for a more tangy cheese — goat cheese. To give the dip more texture, I then added chopped roasted bell peppers and scallions. Finally, to further enhance the flavor, I warmed it up and browned the top just before serving. The resulting dip was divine with both crudités and crackers. Ready to try this dip? Get the recipe.

Having a hard time choosing between enchiladas and nachos for dinner? Take a look at the delicious compromise shared by thehungrytexan in Savory Sights:

Getting creative with leftovers this week and making Sour Cream Chicken Enchinachos — all the flavors of the full-size enchilada in a finger food!

Do you have a creative and delicious dish you'd like you show us? Then upload your pictures in the Savory Sights group! You might even be featured here on YumSugar.

If you enjoy bacon-wrapped dates, you're bound to love persimmons wrapped in bacon! This killer appetizer is fast to make and will definitely be a crowd-pleaser at upcoming holiday gatherings. These bites only require three ingredients: persimmons, bacon, and a touch of vinegar. Persimmons have a delicate flavor that can sometimes be overpowered by too much bacon, so I recommend only using a small slice of bacon. Get to blanketing your persimmons in bacon by reading more.

Check out this recipe for bruschetta with tomato and broccolini that FitSugar reader Crystalinsf shared in our Healthy Recipe Group.

Attention all vegans and/or non vegans!

I put together my tasty tomato bruschetta recipe last night! Since I've mastered this version (if I do say so myself) I wanted to try a new recipe. I had the most amazing, spicy, tender, broccolini bruschetta at Delarosa, so I thought I would give this alternative a try. I found this simple recipe here . . . let's just say, both versions were absolutely delish and did not disappoint! Not only vegan friendly, but definitely super healthy!

For the recipe, keep reading.

Check out this recipe for quinoa-stuffed zucchini that FitSugar member Angelica shared in our Healthy Recipe community group. Inspired by a meaty recipe for stuffed zucchini, I adapted a high protein vegetarian version with quinoa. It turned out delicious! I sliced off the top half of the zucchini and nuked it for three minutes then hollowed the zuccs out. As I filler I cooked a cup of quinoa and added chopped zucchini, two spoonfuls of olive tapenade, crushed mint, feta and salt and pepper. Easy, tasty, and satisfying.

Dying to share one of your favorite recipes? We're dying to hear about it, so share it in the Healthy Recipe Group.

I'm always looking for easy appetizers to throw together for an impromptu gathering. Inspired by PartySugar's scrumptious caprese skewers, I decided it was time to test out a Greek salad skewer. All it takes is a quick chop of ingredients and in about 20 minutes, I had a plate full of these delectable bites. The key is to make sure you have the right portion of each component — you don't want to overdo with the Feta or olives. A quick drizzle of olive oil and voilà, the easiest, freshest, and most flavorful killer app ever. It will surely impress your guests so keep reading for the simple recipe.

If you're having a dinner party and are looking for a healthy app to serve, search no more. Try this crostini featuring edamame, fresh mint, Romano cheese, and pears. These appetizers are packed with protein and zesty vibrant flavor.

The topping can be made ahead of time and it's a cinch to whip up, making this recipe popular with hostesses and guests alike. Check out the recipe when you read more

Is there a holiday party in your near future. Those appetizers tend to be packed with calories, but I have a trick to prevent overeating.

We all know that it's best not to arrive on an empty stomach since that leaves you absolutely ravenous for anything in sight. After munching on a healthy snack before you leave the house, employ this strategy when you arrive. If appetizer platters are passed, decline the first time you're offered each type of hors d'oeuvres. Chances are all the appetizers will make a second appearance later in the evening.

This will allow you to check out your food options, so you're not wasting your calories on something that you don't really want. You'll be more satisfied knowing that you indulged on food that you truly enjoy and didn't just jump at the first thing presented to you. On top of that, you'll likely consume less calories throughout the night.

Surprise your friends this holiday with the unique edible gift of quince paste. Quince is a fruit closely related to apples and pears, but it's most commonly cooked into a jam, paste, or pudding. In Spain, quince paste (dulce de membrillo) is served with manchego. After tasting this sweet and salty combination, the paste has become an essential on my cheese plate. Since quince season ends in December, it's the perfect time to make this gift for cheese-lovers. Most recipes call for drying the paste in the oven for 15 hours, but luckily, I found one on Epicurious that simplifies the process. With a little experimenting, I was able to adapt their recipe to create a delightful quince paste with a consistency somewhere between jelly and gumdrops. Discover quince paste by reading more!