Spicy Tuna Tartare in Sesame-Miso Cones

I'd like to share with you here one of my all-time favorite hors-d'oeuvres recipe, a mainstay at Spago and all the glamorous functions I get to cater: Spicy Tuna Tartare in Sesame-Miso Cones. And you can make it without too much effort in your own home kitchen

Pat Loud's Classic Cheese Log

What would winter entertaining be without a good cheese log? This fantastic and easy recipe was passed down to my friend Pat Loud from her mother. She has served it at nearly every party that I've attended, and it's always a big hit

Chicken Liver Pate with Sage, Apple and Thyme

I am always on the lookout for appetizers. Chicken liver pate doesn't enjoy the popularity it had when Julia Child was queen, but this elegant yet economical hors d'oeuvre is due for a comeback

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura with Two Dipping Sauces

The batter, bite-sized morsels, and dipping sauces for tempura are very easy to prepare in advance. Everybody loves the crispy, flavorful results. Serve a steady flow of tempura, and your guests will feel they've really had a memorable holiday party

Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese Bruschetta

I vowed to make some time this month to nourish myself in between all of the holiday cooking madness. This simple yet tasty bruschetta came about from that promise

Roasted Garlic-Bacon Dip

With grilling season in full swing, I was looking for a cookbook and recipes that could help freshen up our usual party fare

Grilled Marinated Chicken Brochettes with a Moroccan Twist

The spice mix in this recipe combines pungent fresh cilantro with slightly bitter cumin and is rounded out with warm, sweet, paprika and peppery cayenne and black pepper notes

Quinoa Cakes with Smoked Salmon

These crisp quinoa cakes spiked with smoked salmon and topped with lemony sour cream make for a lovely appetizer

Meatball Sliders

Most of us think of sliders as tiny burgers with grilled onions served on little buns. I thought it would be fun to use meatballs instead of burgers and the result might be an improvement over the traditional burger slider

Grilled Shrimp Bruschetta with Romesco Sauce

I think you will appreciate the unexpected topping on this bruschetta recipe. If you can find fresh shrimp, you will be rewarded with a double dose of deliciousness. If not, ask your fishmonger for the best-quality shrimp available

Pumpkin Risotto

Making a great pumpkin risotto is one trick whose secrets I can reveal. It starts by selecting the right pumpkin

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

This tasty twist on rumaki wraps apple-cured bacon around a sweet date stuffed with Parmesan cheese. A Spanish-style nibble, this is a terrific pick-up appetizer served with cocktails

Curried Chicken Satay with Fresh Mint-Soy Dipping Sauce

This appetizer recipe is a perfect way to kick off a summertime outdoor dinner party: Curried Chicken Satay with Fresh Mint-Soy Dipping Sauce

Asian Gravlax with Ginger-Mustard Sauce

I like serving gravlax during the warm weather since no cooking is required. The fish is actually cooked, or cured, by the marinade. Easy to put together, thinly sliced gravlax is a crowd-pleasing appetizer

Shaved Asparagus Salad

This salad is a great way to put a new spin on asparagus. You'll be surprised by the taste of it raw; it's so fresh and crunchy. A simple vinaigrette is all you need to make the asparagus shine like it should. Try it as an appetizer or side dish

Honey-Chili Chicken Wings

This chicken wings recipe avoids the deep fryer and instead the wings are broiled or grilled, which turns them super crispy. A soy and honey glaze makes them sweet, sticky and salty. These wings are simple to prepare

Turkey Pesto Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

These meatballs are lighter than the traditional beef variety and burst with a kick of pesto flavor and Parmesan

Grilled Guacamole

Holy moley, grilled guacamole? Well, yes! Have you tried it? If not, you should. It's easy, smoky and so, so good. Here's how to make it

Spicy Sweet Ginger-Garlic Chicken Wings

Nuoc cham gung would makes a good marinade and glaze for one of my favorite appetizer recipes -- Spicy Sweet Ginger-Garlic Chicken Wings

How to Make Socca, A Naturally Gluten-Free Flatbread

Socca is a traditional dish from Nice, France, and, as with many traditional dishes, there are a dozen different ways you can make it. I like to roast it under the broiler until the top is charred and crisp

Crostini with Pea Shoots and Strawberries

Pea shoots have a sweet flavor suggestive of pea pods yet more delicate. Together with strawberries and ricotta on rounds of toasted baguette, the combination is a joyful bite

Garlic Lamb and Vegetable Spring Rolls

My chefs and I love to try new combinations of ingredients. That creative spirit led to my recipe here for Garlic Lamb and Vegetable Spring Rolls

Spicy Buffalo Wings with a Healthier Spin

Chicken tenders are dredged in seasoned whole-wheat flour and cornmeal, pan-fried in only a small amount of oil and then drizzled with a tangy hot pepper sauce

Deviled Eggs with Style

Deviled eggs, the beloved American classic, never go out of style. They can be far from ordinary when sophisticated ingredients are added. I've noticed that elegant appetizer buffets almost always serve a platter of deviled eggs. And they always seem to be the first to go. I am a big fan of these for their familiar, comforting flavor. Here's my basic recipe with lots of spiced-up variations

Gruyere-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog Melts with Horseradish Mustard

Wrap the hot dog in bacon before you cook it. Then, add a customized condiment like my Horseradish Mustard, and you're ready for a feast on a bun

Spiced Cherry-Lime Salsa

Think outside the pie by using this sweet summer fruit as a spicy dip or meat accompaniment.

Asparagus Bacon and Cheese Quiche

Quiches come in all varieties and can be enjoyed at any mealtime of the day. Pair it with a simple salad, and the meal is complete. I also like it with a glass of Chardonnay! For this quiche recipe, I keep the vegetable options simple with just asparagus. And for a bit of meat, I add crisped bacon

Special Sauce: Deliciousness Galore in 'The Sriracha Cookbook'

I would love to take a moment to review The Sriracha Cookbook. I would also like to take a moment to tell you how much I love the book. But I can't. I won't. Why? Because I'm too busy stuffing my face with this Piquant Pulled Pork recipe

Cool Langostino and Cucumber Crackers

Every dinner party should start with something tasty to awaken the appetite, or to occupy your guests while the meal receives its finishing touches. However, you don't want to overload guests with a too-heavy appetizer -- you're about to feed them dinner, after all. Here is one little bite that is a small yet delicious way to start a meal in spring or early summer

Spicy Honey-Glazed Baby-Back Pork Ribs

Now that we're really in springtime, can grilling season be far away? The longer days and ever-warmer weather hold the promise of grilling under bright, clear skies. Spareribs are one of my favorite grilled foods. And the good news about cooking them is that you don't even need a grill, or good weather, to enjoy the following Spicy Honey-Glazed Baby-Back Pork Ribs Recipe

Party Hors D'oeuvres: A Trio of Cheese Balls

With festive, globe-like appearance, these cheese balls could practically be hung like luminous ornaments on a tree. I loved coming up with these recipes. The one ingredient that unites each cheese ball is cream cheese

Classic Creamy Spinach Dip

You can have your dip and eat it too. The brilliant cooks in the EatingWell Test Kitchen have done it again. They've figured out how to make a delicious, creamy spinach dip with a fraction of the calories and fat

Spicy Chicken Liver Mousse Pate

Want a showstopper for a crowd? This has been my signature appetizer at holiday and cocktail parties for as long as I can remember. I have found that kids love it as well as adults. Spicy Chicken Liver Mousse Pate is a classic dish that never goes out of style

Hummus With Whole-wheat Pizza Crust Wedges

This nutrient-rich recipe is filled with everyone's favorite pizza flavors, yet it contains a fraction of the fat and calories found in pizza

Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)

Being told to 'eat your greens' suddenly doesn't sound so bad when you mix those greens with feta cheese, top them with a crust of golden pastry, and call it spanakopita

Smoky Beef and Black Bean Chili with Lime

There are probably as many versions of chili as there are chili cooks. For most, however, nothing surpasses a bowl of perfectly seasoned, rich beef chili like the one featured here. Although it has the salient features of quintessential American beef chili, a few variations distinguish this Smoky Beef and Black Bean Chili with Lime recipe from more routine renditions

Zesty White Chicken Chili

It's a breeze to make a big pot of chili that warms and comforts, but isn't as heavy as a traditional chili. Perfect for family meals or parties, this recipe is filled with lean chicken, fiber, and nutrient-rich vegetables and seasonings

Super Bowl Chili Recipe

My grown son, a self-confessed football fanatic, adores the Super Bowl, not the least because it's a reason to socialize. He often invites a group over to watch the game, and serves a simple, yet hearty meal at half time. The chili recipe which follows is perfect for such casual gatherings.

A Super Bowl Tradition: Southwestern-Style Beef Chili

Super Bowl Sunday at my house always means a big day of football and hearty bowls of chili. This American classic borrows heavily from the Mexican and Southwest pantries by incorporating spices such as oregano, cumin and cinnamon, and staples such as unsweetened chocolate found in mole sauce. I like this delectable combination of spices

Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

Whether you have home field advantage or you're a visitor for the day, crowd noise won't have any effect on these Super Bowl party foods. When it comes to snacking, choose healthy high-fiber options, like the following healthy Super Bowl snack recipes

Super Bowl Snacks That Score Big

There's nothing worse than a boring Super Bowl game -- except a boring Super Bowl party. If you want yours to stand out, sideline your typical dips, wings and chili, and try some of these easy ideas from A.J. Rathbun. Check out these tasty Super Bowl snacks -- substitutions guaranteed to please fans of either team

Roasted Jalapeno and Lime Hummus Appetizer

This dip is spicy and cool, rich and yet surprisingly light -- in short, addictive. I knew before I'd swiped the last scoop from my friend's bowl that I was going to have to re-create the following Roasted Jalapeno and Lime Hummus recipe back home

Bite-size Buffalo Burgers

Buffalo sliders are a slick way to enjoy a burger without the two-fisted guilt. These Buffalo Sliders are higher in iron and lower in fat and cholesterol than their beef counterparts. The flavor profile mimics the bar snack profile, including hot sauce, reduced-fat blue cheese and celery

Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers with Yellow Heirloom Tomato Vinaigrette

The recipe I share here showcases how easy it is to make a spectacular summer tomato recipe. A variation on the classic Italian antipasto salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, it showcases red and yellow cherry tomatoes by arranging them on skewers along with chunks of cheese and whole basil leaves. To complement the skewers, I also include an easy vinaigrette

Asparagus and Salmon Spring Rolls

Are you ready to try your hand at making spring rolls? Here's what to do

Caramelized Shallot, Ham and Gruyere Tarts

Simpler menus that feature savory tarts are far less stressful and just as enthusiastically received. Caramelized Shallot, Ham and Gruyere Tarts are a good example of a stellar yet uncomplicated dish. Made with purchased puff pastry, these tarts are a snap to assemble

Make-Ahead Gougeres

Gougeres are fantastic on their own as an appetizer. For a light lunch or dinner buffet, also try stuffing gougeres with ham and salad greens to make little sandwich bites. Either way, light and airy gougeres are an immensely satisfying treat to have on any table, especially considering that making them ahead is so easy

Oscars Party Recipes

Impress your family and friends with Katie's delicious and easy-to-make-at-home recipes.

A Dumpling Party to Celebrate Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year starts soon, with families traditionally gathering on the eve before to feast and celebrate. What better way to welcome the new year than by throwing a dumpling-making party?

Smoked Salmon, Lemon and Dill Pinwheels

Whip up a batch of these easy -- and nutrient-rich -- salmon pinwheels. They feature just the right amount of lemon and dill to complement the reduced-fat cream cheese and omega-3-packed smoked salmon. Green onions and whole-wheat flour tortillas add a pop of antioxidants

Vegetable Avocado Salsa with Baked Tortilla Chips

The simplest of salsas, called either pico de gallo, salsa crudo or salsa fresca, is composed of tomatoes, onions, hot chilies and cilantro. Salsa can be used as a flavoring agent in many dishes from soups to vegetables. This colorful, spicy vegetable dip recipe below elevates pico de gallo with the colorful addition of carrots, peppers corn and jicama

Versatile Olive Oil Dip Recipes

While butter hasn't exactly been overthrown as the preferred accompaniment to bread, more and more people are moving on to olive oil, either for health reasons or because they prefer the fruity flavor. Even more delicious are the olive oil-based dips that blend different flavors together. Here's two olive oil dip recipes worthy of your pallette

Tomato and Cheese Crackers

With almost an entire aisle of crackers to choose from in the supermarket, why would you make your own? The answer for a twosome is the appeal of fresh crackers whenever you like. When you do the baking, you can have the snap and crunch of a delicious cracker without having leftovers go stale

Patriotic Potato Chips: Red and White Chips with American Blue Cheese Sauce

How about starting off your party with a bang this year by making your own tempting, freshly fried chips? And not only that, but also serving them with homemade warm cheese sauce?

Roasted Skewered Shrimp with Warm Citrus Butter

You might think that the best way to cook shrimp is to throw them on a grill, pop them under the broiler, or saute them in a hot skillet, but there is an alternative. Roast them! As it turns out roasting shrimp is incredibly easy and practically fail proof.

Goat Cheese and Poblano Quesadillas with Pineapple-Mango-Habanero Salsa

Upscale Meatball Sliders

The term 'slider' comes from the famous White Castle burger chain. This simple upscale meatball sliders recipe combines ground meat, grated Parmesan, fresh sage, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. The 2-inch sliders are then grilled over high heat. Try these throughout grilling season instead of the usual burger. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to suit a barbecue of any size.

Cheese Souffle with Chicken and Spinach

Savory souffles are often too light for a main course, but the addition of chicken and spinach here bolsters this recipe into a substantial main course. When you break into it with your fork, the seductive aroma of cheese, chicken and spinach pours out. It's elegant, airy and fluffy

Delightful Deviled Eggs With Chives

Here's a great idea for eggs: make deviled eggs! Keep fat to a minimum by using light mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream. In-season fresh chives provide a boost of antioxidants along with garlic. Eggs contain valuable high-quality protein and over a dozen vitamins and minerals.

Chevre Tartlets with Hazelnuts and Fresh Herbs

Appetizers often receive far less attention from cooks than the main course or even dessert. That's unfortunate, for starters are the first thing guests see and sample at a dinner party. The best appetizers are always simple; they tempt but do not sate diners' palates. These Chevre Tartlets with Hazelnuts and Fresh Herbs make perfect hors d'oeuvres for spring entertaining

Saffron-Scented Crab and Grape Tomato Tart

Entertaining seems to fall into two distinct categories. You can opt for a large, the-more-the-merrier fete or put together a small gathering for a few friends. However you plan to celebrate, the delectable and simple crab and tomato tart recipe that follows makes a stellar offering

Smoked Salmon Not Just for Brunch Anymore Recipes

With its delicate, coral flesh and mild savoriness, smoked salmon has become the darling of the brunch table. Yet it can do much more than act as a fancy finger food. Whether featured in a pasta dish, incorporated into a salad or filling a fajita, smoked salmon is a versatile, multi-faceted fish as evidenced by the following recipes

Gravlax With Golden Caviar Sauce

Pistachio and Goat Cheese Grapes Appetizer

When you bite into one of these delectable nuggets, you'll savor an enticing combination of flavors and textures. The grapes are juicy and sweet, the goat cheese salty and smooth, and the pistachios crunchy with a slight roasted accent. These delectable appetizers would make a fine starter for a summer supper, or they could be included in a party menu

Grilled Scallop Brochettes with Almond Caper Relish

Here, the scallops are threaded on skewers, marinated in a zesty, citrus marinade and grilled until they are brown and lightly caramelized. Finally, they are presented with a caper, herb and almond relish.

Last-Minute Potluck Appetizers

Baked Kale Chips: A Healthy Treat

Flatbreads For Your Party: Crispy Flatbreads

'How do you make such delicious flatbreads?' That's a question we're asked all the time in my restaurants when we serve those thin, crispy pieces of freshly baked bread. Here's how ...

Beef Short Ribs with an Island Accent

Beef short ribs are one of the most flavorful cuts of beef. Long, slow cooking produces meltingly tender meat that almost falls off the bone. Enjoy this Island Style Braised Short Ribs with mashed potatoes, couscous or soft polenta

Whipped Ricotta Dip with Garlic-Rubbed Toasts

What's more popular as an appetizer than a dip? The dip featured here is uncomplicated and quick to assemble. In fact it calls for only four ingredients: good quality ricotta, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh-chopped thyme, and a touch of salt! The toasted baguette slices that accompany it are just as effortless. They are brushed with olive oil, toasted in the oven, and then rubbed with a cut garlic clove.

Mini Chicken Burgers

Now there's an appealing trend for smaller household: mini burgers. These one-bite morsels are showing up in food magazines, on restaurant menus and even at wedding receptions. And although mini burgers are having their moment of fame for special occasions, you'll find the concept makes sense for everyday dinners, as well.

Parmesan Chicken Fingers Recipe

As a change from popular chicken wings, prepare chicken fingers as an entree.

Bean Medleys

Every since my first taste in Paris of haricots panaches, the classic French side dish of green beans and flageolets, a pale green dried bean, the mixture has been a favorite of mine. Cooked simply in water, the beans are traditionally heated with butter or goose fat, parsley and sometimes other herbs or garlic. This tasty dish is versatile enough to be served in many other ways ...

Greek Salsa with Pita Crisps Recipe

Take a Stab at Kebabs - Adana Kebab, Tuna Satay & Chicken Souvlaki Recipes

If you're looking for something different to offer at your next barbecue, consider grilling kebabs. Every country seems to boast its own kebab recipe. Most kebab recipes are quite simple. So do take a stab at these three recipes: Adana Kebab, Tuna Satay & Chicken Souvlaki

Coconut Curry Shrimp

In truth, many curries, among my favorites, are those that are beautifully balanced stews or sautes, combining hot and mild, sweet and pungent seasonings to provide very pleasing, well-rounded experiences. Most, like the recipe I share with you here for Coconut Curry Shrimp, don't even require bravery to eat them

Down-to-Earth, Stress-Free Hors d'Oeuvres

I want to offer another simple recipe you can use to round out your awards night entertaining: succulent oven-baked balls of fresh, homemade sausage, accompanied by a quickly prepared mustard-mayonnaise sauce.

Mussels Mariniere

Steamed Mussels with Fennel and Sundried Tomatoes

Smoked Salmon Picnic Spread

Blend goat cheese with chopped smoked salmon and herbs; stir in yogurt to create a spreading consistency. Prepare this up to a day in advance and refrigerate

Roasted Eggplant Dip with Tomato Relish & Crispy Pita Toasts

Even if eggplant is not your favorite vegetable, you'll find this dip is a winner for dinner parties or backyard barbecues -- and perfect to serve as an appetizer

Zucchini, Goat Cheese and Bacon Tart Recipe

Why is it that we don't use savory tarts as main courses more often? They often begin a meal or get their due as luncheon fare, but the truth is that they make fabulous entrees for supper, especially in the summer. The secret to a good tart is two-fold: You want a tender, flaky crust paired with a complementary filling. The Zucchini, Goat Cheese and Bacon Tart featured today is a winner on both fronts.

Gluten-Free Barbecue Chicken Wings Recipe

These Gluten-free Barbecue Chicken Wings are great either off the grill or baked in the oven.

Potato & Pea Samosas Recipe

One of the first Indian dishes I learned to make is an excellent introduction for anyone to that country's foods and spices: Samosas, small pastry turnovers filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, garlic, onion, chilies and other vegetables.

Entertain Easily with a Strata

Serve a strata (or two or three) with the appetite appeal of ham and eggs and the colorful addition of asparagus, or flavor the strata with foods your guests especially like or you have on hand.

Baked Brie with California Raisins

Try this easy and delicious raisin recipe for your next holiday party. California Raisins, port wine and rich pecans make a decadent filling for Brie cheese wrapped in a warm, flaky puff pastry.

Tired of Salsa? Take a Dip on the Green Side

Dip made with avocados is an ideal snack. That's right, ditch the salsa and opt for a creamy dip that's easy to whip up, tastes great with chips or veggies and can be made ahead of time.

Pear and Cheese Quesadillas

Filled with fiber, calcium and protein, quesadillas are a snap to make anytime. Leave the skin on the pear for more nutrients and fiber. Any pear variety works great -- Bosc, Bartlett and Anjou. Try different varieties of cheese, too. Just make sure it's reduced fat so saturated fat is kept under control

Hot Collard Green and Artichoke Dip

Sneaking vegetables into your diet is yet another simple way to accomplish that resolution to eat more healthful foods. Instead of serving traditional high-fat spinach and artichoke dip at your next party, make this unique, lower-fat version with collard greens

Baby Back Ribs with a Sweet and Savory Fruit Glaze Recipe

Jicama, Mango and Black Bean Salsa

Antipasto Salad

Crostini with Chickpeas and Caramelized Tomatoes