When entertaining, especially by those who do not know me well, I am invariably asked what my favorite appetizer, salad, casserole, etc. happens to be. And I am always at a loss how to answer the question. So, I decided to get my act together and prepare an answer when next I am asked this question. But limiting myself to only one dish in each category was an impossibility. Because after enjoying many wonderful, in this case, appetizers over the years, and sharing the recipes with you on this site, selecting even just a few required me to go back over each one and whittle the number down to a realistic number.

But how to narrow down my favorites? I realized there was only one way to do that. So, my criteria became – if I could only eat the same several dishes per category for the rest of my life, which ones would I choose? That became quite difficult, because I wouldn’t have posted any recipe on my blog unless I wanted to eat it again. But of course, like everyone, I have my all-time favorites.

But going through the process also gave me some insight into what I want to serve us over the next few years. Do I want to keep experimenting, or simply prepare our favorites and then re-introduce them to my readers? Actually, Mr. C. suggested that I re-post some of our favorites rather than always feeling like I needed to start from scratch. And since I have always appreciated his insight, I think I am going to go in that direction.

Now that doesn’t mean that no new recipes will be coming your way. Just not as many. Which leaves me not spending so much of my time on wasted endeavors.

So, you may not be seeing as many sparkling new recipes on this site. But rather a reminder that some of the best dishes have been around for a long time. And perhaps you too might profit by a reminder that Swedish Meatballs, for example, are not only a fabulous appetizer, but also a wonderful main dish.

So, without further ado – a list of my all-time favorite appetizer recipes. All the recipes are on this site with the titles given exactly as you will find them below.

And as always, peace and love to all.  

Bacon and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Baked Brie with Curry Powder, Chutney, and Toasted Pecans (under Two Brie, or not Two Brie, That is the Question)

Buffalo Wings

Butternut Squash, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Tart

Cheddar Pecan Crackers

Chunky Shrimp, Avocado, and Tomato Dip

Creamy Curry Dip

Crostini (great base for all kinds of spreads)

Deviled Eggs

French Chicken Liver Pâté

Grilled Marinated Prawns (can also be a main dish)

Guacamole

Hot Pepper Chicken Bites with Cilantro Sour Cream Sauce

Hummus A Tune Mr. C. (two recipes in one)

Marinated Goat Cheese

Mussels in Ancho Chili Cream Sauce

Olive Stuffed Cheese Balls

Onion Dip

Pastrami Roll Ups

Quick and Easy Party Mix

Rosemary Roasted Cashews

Smoked Salmon Spread

Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Spread

Swedish Meatballs (can also be a main dish)

Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings (can also be a main dish served with rice)

Tapenade

Viennese Liptauer