Appetizers

I’m always on the look out for good appetizer/small plate recipes. Here’s one from my recipe collection.

Cumin Shrimp Appetizer

8Tbsp (1 stick) Butter - unsalted
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp lime zest
Juice of 2 limes
2 pounds large shrimp - shelled and deveined

Preheat the broiler.
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, lime zest and lime juice.
Arrange shrimp in a single layer in a shallow broiling pan. Spread the butter mixture over the shrimp.
Broil under high heat until the shrimp are glazed and golden brown, about 8 minutes. Skewer with toothpicks and serve immediately.

Here’s an easy appetizer.

Cheddar Cheese and Crystallized Ginger

Mild Cheddar Cheese
Crystallized Ginger slices

Cut the cheese into 1/2 inch cubes. Cut the crystallized Ginger into pieces that are about 1/2 inch square (they don’t have to be perfectly square, just about the same size as the cheese cubes). Place the one ginger piece on top of each cheese cube and secure them together with a toothpick. Place them all on a pretty plate and serve.

Last night I needed to bring an appetizer to a party. I made Brie Cheese Baked in Puff Pastry. I didn’t bother cutting the brie in half and sandwiching in the filling. I simply put my Cranberry, Cherry Chutney (see recipe posted on 12/22/2009 in this forum) on top of the brie, wrapped it all up in the puff pastry, brushed on the egg wash and baked it at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, then another 20 minutes at 325 degrees. It was really good and was quickly devoured by everyone.