Savory and Sweet Cheese Spears
Savory and Sweet Cheese Spears is a classic pass-around appetizer in the Netherlands, where cheese has been a staple of the Dutch diet for centuries. While there are technically only two types of cheese in the Netherlands: soccer-ball shaped Edam and flat, wheel-shaped Gouda, there are a great many subcategories. These are based on what the cows are fed (grass vs hay) and how long the cheese has been aged; the age range goes from young (less than one month) to old crumble (3 years plus) with many grades in between. Then there many additives like cumin seed, mustard seed, whole cloves, and so on. Cheese is eaten thinly-sliced on sandwiches and as snacks and appetizers. Savory and Sweet Cheese Spears were a “must” at parties at Jan’s parents’ house. As kids, he and his siblings were eager to participate in the preparation of Savory and Sweet Cheese Spears, as well as tasting along the way, as long as Jan’s Mom was not watching. The Dutch name, kaas prikkers, loosely translates to cheese stabbers or prickers. You will enjoy Savory and Sweet Cheese Spears, a real Dutch treat, at your next cocktail party and so will your guests; include Breaded Cauliflower too, an Italian favorite, and make it an international affair!
Total Time: 5 minutes. Yields 32 pieces.
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Cream Cheese Celery Sticks
Cream Cheese Celery Sticks are a mid-century modern appetizer. This classic would have originally not been seasoned, just the cream cheese and the celery, as Vito’s Mom prepared it countless times. We’ve decided to update this classic appetizer by using a variety of seasonings to top it; “Fancy Shmancy”, as Vito’s Mom would say. You can be creative with your seasoning selections; our favorite seasonings are everything bagel topping, herbes de Provence, lemon pepper and a homemade blend of sweet smoked paprika, fine sea salt and garlic powder. Get creative and create seasonings to suit your taste. Cream Cheese Celery Sticks are quick and easy to prepare as an appetizer for a weeknight dinner. They also make a great component of an antipasto or mezze along with Tuna Tapenade, Ajvar Eggplant Red Pepper Spread, olives and cheeses.
Total Time: 20 minutes. Yields 20 bite-size pieces.
Support Cook and Eat at Home. Purchase a PDF of the Cream Cheese Celery Sticks recipe for $1.00.
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Breaded Cauliflower Antipasto
Breaded Cauliflower Antipasto the ultimate snack to keep hungry guests under control before a holiday meal but it’s also perfect for a game night. Jan was first introduced to this delicious snack or antipasto during an Easter dinner almost 40 years ago at Vito’s parents’ home. Curiously, while popular in Italian-American households, it is rarely seen on a restaurant menu. Ever since the first bite, you will be in love with Breaded Cauliflower Antipasto. Try it yourself, perhaps as an appetizer before Beef Braciole, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 1 hour.
Support Cook and Eat at Home. Purchase a PDF of the Breaded Cauliflower recipe for $1.00
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Dad’s Special Beef Marinade
Vito’s Dad had his own special marinade for beef and here it is: Dad’s Special Beef Marinade! Dad’s Special Beef Marinade was use primarily for London Broil, whether done in the broiler (traditional) or on the grill. This very simple marinade is great for London Broil, petit filets or rump steaks; the 24-hour marinating period really lets the flavors permeate these less-marbled cuts of beef and bloom when the meat is grilled. Just remember to marinate the beef well-ahead of the grilling. After grilling to the desired level, we recommend medium rare, tent the beef with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes on the cutting board, prior slicing and serving. Serve your grilled beef with Green Beans Marinara, Asian Marinara Yellow Squash or Grilled Asparagus accompanied with a dry red wine.
Prep Time: 10 minutes, Marinating Time: 24 hours, plus grilling and rest time for the beef. Serves: 2
Support Cook and Eat at Home. Purchase a PDF of the Dad’s Special Beef Marinade recipe for $1.00
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