Course: Hors d'Oeuvres

Pumpkin Hummous

Freshly roasted and puréed pumpkin adds a touch of sweetness and a soft orange color to traditional hummous. Serve with pita and crudités for a delicious and healthy hors d’oeuvre or snack. Prep time: 15 minutes plus time to roast pumpkin Note: You can use canned puréed pumpkin-not filling, if […]

Schmaltz and Gribenes

My first memory of Schmaltz and Gribenes is of Annie Mae stirring the fat and skin on top of the stove and then pouring it into a jar to keep for my Great Uncle Bob. He came for dinner every Friday night and exclaimed: “Gloria, bring me some Schmaltz.” I […]

Watermelon Pickles Wrapped in Pastrami

 The idea for Watermelon Pickles Wrapped in Pastrami came about as I was researching Watermelon Pickles.  I found many recipes for these pickles wrapped with bacon. The kosher world now has access to beef, turkey and lamb bacon; so you can definitely use one of those. For some reason, as […]

Baked Brie with Watermelon Pickles

The idea to serve Baked Brie with Watermelon Pickles popped into my head as I was munching on some plain Watermelon Pickles. It occurred to me that the flavor of these pickles would be a great counterpoint to the richness of melted Brie? Off to the store I went to […]

Watermelon Pickles

I first tasted Watermelon Pickles at one of my Mother’s  elegant dinner parties. I was a child fascinated by what the cook was creating. She placed a circle of watermelon rind on a round piece of bread and topped it with goat cheese. It was amazing! It was only as […]

Puff Pastry Straws

You can make these Puff Pastry Straws out of store bought puff pastry made with butter or the non-dairy variety made with margarine. I usually make them non-dairy so that I can serve them with a meat meal. It doesn’t get easier than slightly rolling out the defrosted pastry, sprinkling […]

Mushroom Arancini

I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love Mushroom Arancini. Arancini are balls of risotto, most often stuffed with cheese, rolled in crumbs and fried. They are a guilty pleasure. I decided to make Arancini that we could enjoy with a meat meal-without cheese. My recipe for Mushroom Arancini is every […]

Stuffed Mushrooms

These Stuffed Mushrooms are only filled with vegetables and herbs. There are no crumbs, eggs, or nuts in this recipe; so it’s perfect for everyone. Vegans, vegetarians, and those who are gluten free can enjoy them. I make them all year round and Passover too. Whether you serve them as […]

White Bean Dip

White Bean Dip has many personalities. It is a cousin of Israeli Hummous and Greek Skordalia.  Whatever country to which you link  White Bean Dip; it is easy to make and completely addictive.  Customize it to your taste by adding more garlic and lemon.  Enjoy it with pita wedges, and […]

Armenian Meatballs

I discovered Armenian Meatballs when I was researching hors d’oeuvres to make for a cocktail party at my home. A group of us were going on an Art Tour of Russia. I knew we wouldn’t be able to eat meat there because it wasn’t Kosher. I decided to give everyone […]