I hate the nagging feeling that I get when I open my fridge to discover far too many random odds and ends: nubs of cheese, leftover scrambled eggs, chopped herbs, bits of sausage or ham. After all, there's nothing worse than watching food go to waste. Find out what I do to solve this problem after the jump.
Savory Sight: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Empanadas
We eat with our eyes first, and to make a dessert look more mouthwatering, why not garnish it like Dice215? With chocolate syrup! Don't these empanadas look amazing?
Crispy empanadas with creamy chocolate chip cheesecake filling.
For the recipe, check out her blog. If you've made an awesome dish lately, share it with the YumSugar Community!
Empanadas Two Ways — Sweet and Savory
Empanadas would make the ideal stranded-on-a-desert-island staple. They freeze well, are great for using up leftovers, and are as suited to the beginner as they are the expert. But best of all, they can be filled with just about anything, so they shouldn't be overlooked as both a convenient finger food and an unexpected dessert.
Make the cleanup easier than ever for your next fiesta by serving up fried beef-and-egg empanadas to whet your guests' appetites — then creating a baked banana version to close out the night. There'll be no forks or spoons necessary! Want either (or both) recipes? Just read more.
Killer App: Swiss Chard and Mushroom Empanadas
When I read that yesterday was National Empanada Day, I had a craving so intense for the flaky, savory pastries that I went home and made some! While I enjoy the thick, Spanish pie-shaped empanada, I much prefer the mini, handheld Argentinean variation. They are bite-sized, fun to eat, and can be filled with just about anything.
Years ago I spent a month testing out empanada dough recipes until I found the perfect one. However, last night I didn't have two hours to let the dough rise, so I used puff pastry. These delectable empanadas are addictive, buttery, and downright delicious. The filling is a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, wilted chard, and cheese. It's an easy appetizer that makes a good vegetarian start to a Latin feast. Want the recipe? Read more.
Empanadas Two Ways — Beginner and Expert
With so many Summer activities going on, I've been looking for more delectables to fit my on-the-go lifestyle. My new favorite snack is empanadas. The savory delicacies are not only perfect for portable snacking, but they're an easy way to use up leftover ingredients, and double as an appetizer for impromptu gatherings. Simply keep uncooked ones in the freezer, and bake them as necessary. Strapped for time or new to cooking? Take advantage of premade pizza dough to make mini-pockets in minutes. Or set aside a few hours to mix together homemade pastry dough — it'll make the crust extra flaky. Decide which recipe suits you best.
Come Party With Me: Engagement Party — Menu
Two weeks ago, I was starting to panic. Wedding season was nearly upon us and I had no bride and groom. Luckily I got a call from one of my oldest friends announcing her engagement! Giddy and excited, Ronda agreed to be my featured bride. Never one to procrastinate, Ronda and her fiance, James, are ready to celebrate with an informal engagement party. They're enthusiastic dancers, so the party will revolve around a salsa dance class. Everyone will be invited to join; after the class we'll toast the couple and enjoy a buffet of spicy Latin food. The menu will be a mix of homemade and store-bought items.
Bowls of purchased guacamole and a variety of salsas are perfect for dipping when paired with crunchy tortilla chips. Beef empanadas are filling and can be mass produced in advance. Plantain chips with chicken and mojito mango salsa are festive and delicious. A Mexican seafood cocktail packed with crab and shrimp finishes up the menu. For these recipes, read more
Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken Potpie Empanadas
The classic chicken potpie gets a portable makeover in this delicious recipe. Although a traditional potpie, with its homemade dough and slow-cooked chicken, takes time to make, this shortcut version uses refrigerated pie crusts and rotisserie chicken to cut the cook time. Kids will especially enjoy these empanadas because they require no eating utensils. For the recipe please, read more
Come Party With Me: Housewarming Party — Dessert
When selecting a dessert recipe for a housewarming, choose a dish that can be eaten on the go without any utensils. Cookies and cupcakes are delicious, but empanadas keep up with the tapas-themed menu. These tasty, small pastries are filled with berries and goat cheese. If you don't have the time or expertise to make dough, simply use premade refrigerated pie crust.
To learn how they are made, read more
Come Party With Me: Super Bowl — Menu
I love the Super Bowl because it gives me an excuse to make super indulgent bar food! Have plenty of finger foods waiting for your guests. Serve chips, guacamole, chicken empanadas with chili con queso dip, and individual portions of goat cheese nachos. At half time set up a sandwich bar and invite guests to Italian sausage meatball subs and lobster rolls. Offer mini bags of store bought potato chips on the side. For these finger licking good recipes read more
Come Party With Me: Graduation - Menu (Meat Appetizers)
When planning a menu for a graduation party, the first thing you need to think about is what the person of honor, the graduate, likes to eat. Much like a birthday party, this party is all about the person, so go straight to the source and ask what she wants to serve at her party. Even if the suggested dishes aren't your personal favorite, what you had in mind, or new exciting recipes that you've been wanting to try out, make them anyways.
After all, you want your grad to be happy.
After living in Buenos Aires for a year, Trish (my sister) has taken a liking to empanadas. These savory pastries can be filled with just about everything, and are the perfect bite-sized appetizer to pair with a glass of bubbly or a cool beer. I'll be offering two kinds: one filled with sherried mushrooms and another filled with beef picadillo. You want the recipes?! Well, read more