appetizer ideas

[HDgirl]

Normally, I don't have a problem but I need ideas with no dairy or meat/seafood (I KNOW!!!!) I am completely blank....more like in a fog.

I would appreciate any ideas.

Thanks,

Karen

[Peggy C.]

All I'm coming up with is a cheeseless (which in my world is almost a sin) crostini or bruscetta(sp?).

[SandyM]

Home made tortilla chips and fresh salsa?

[lindrusso]

Okay, no meat, seafood or dairy. Bruschetta and crostini are a good idea. For a yummy bruschetta, you just slice a baguette of French bread thinly, toast it and then rub it with the cut side of a clove of garlic and brush with a bit of olive oil, if desired. For toppings you can toss fresh tomatoes, a little olive oil, salt and pepper, fresh basil and a bit of balsamic vinegar. Or use a tapenade - you can buy it already made or just finely chop your own olives (kalamata or such).

Here's another recipe - this is really delicious.

WILD MUSHROOM CROSTINI
from Martha Stewart

1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
French bread, sliced on the diagonal
olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, or as needed (you can use all olive oil instead of the butter here)
3 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon (5 sprigs) fresh thyme leaves
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (you can skip this part :) )

1. In a bowl, combine dried porcini mushrooms and 1 1/2 cups hot water. Let sit for 15 minutes. Drain, reserving liquid, and coarsely chop the mushrooms.

2. Chop together the garlic, parsely and salt.

3. Make crostini: Grill bread and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. In a large saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add porcini mushrooms, shallots, and thyme and cook until the shallots wilt, about 10 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper. Add wine and cook over medium heat until liquid is almost reduced, 5 to 7 minutes. Add porcini liquid and repeat. Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl.

5. Cook fresh mushrooms in 2 batches, using 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and reduce heat to medium. Cook until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Return all mushrooms to pan. Add porcini and parsley mixtures. Cook over medium heat until garlic gives off an aroma, 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Spoon mushroom mixture on crostini and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Good luck!

[Beth]

Other stuff with chips, like black bean dip or salsa (aka Texas Caviar)...the CL split peas with garlic dip served with veggies and pita wedges, fruit kabobs, fruit with a non-dairy (tofu) cream cheese or yogurt based dip, a nut and stuff snack mix (no cheese crackers though) and flavored popcorn if you're casual...marinated mushrooms, olives......french bread with dipping oil, mini wraps in lettuce leaves made with beans, tabouli or other veggies.

[AdGirl]

i had an appetizer & cocktail party a few weeks ago and i made a few things that don't have any meat/seafood (i think most of them used butter in some way, though). let me know if you would like the recipes to any of them! :)

"Pretty" flatbread (sooooooooo yummy and it's, well, pretty :D)
Spiced nuts
Sesame rounds with Wild Mushroom Pate

[lindrusso]

You could also make foccaccia and serve it with a marinara sauce for dipping. I haven't made it in quite a while, so I can't offer up a tried and true recipe, but I'm sure if you wanted one, someone out there would have a great recipe!

Along the same lines, you could make fried ravioli. You can buy (or make) some wild mushroom ravioli (thus avoiding the cheese), fry them, and serve with a spicy marinara sauce. I do have a recipe for this one if you're interested. Feel free to email me. I've seen large boxes of portobello ravioli in the grocery store.

[Jewel]

Originally posted by SandyM
Home made tortilla chips and fresh salsa?

You're a Junkie, you know that Sandy?? :p

[SandyM]

I've been told that on an occasion or two........ :D

[HDgirl]

You guys are THE BEST!!!

OK...the fog has lifted.

Thanks so much.

Karen

[Beth]

Karen, found a few in the Eating Well Cookbook too:

Crostini with Mushroom Topping
Onion Confit Crostini
Smoky Eggplant Puree (served with veggies and pita triangles -- you would need to use a veggie yogurt)
Serbian Vegetable Caviar (eggplant, green and red bell pepper, garlic)
Bruschette with Tomatoes and Capers
Mushroom Caps with Wild Rice
Chinese Dumpling Rolls (like egg rolls but steamed, not fried)

[DmOrtega]

Hummus and pita triangles are always good.