(NC)—Kick your tomatoes into high gear with this tasty dish. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish for your grilled steak, this delicious recipe is sure to be a hit. More recipes can be found at saputo.ca. Mozzarellissima Grilled Stuffed Tomatoes Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 4 large ripe [...]

(NC)—These hand-held easy-to-eat chicken pops are perfect for any party. If there are any leftovers, they’re excellent rolled in a wrap for lunch the next day. More tasty recipes can be found at www.peanutbureau.ca. Thai Peanut Chicken Pops Prep time: 15 minutes Marinating time: 2 hours Barbecuing time: 5 minutes Makes 20 to 24 pops [...]

(NC)—Don’t feel guilty about the simplicity of these hors d’oeuvres—they’re sure to be a big hit and get devoured in a flash. It’s important to finely chop the peanuts so they adhere to the pastry. More tasty recipes can be found at www.peanutbureau.ca. Cheesy Peanut Puff Pastry Straws Prep time: 15 minutes Baking time: 15 [...]

(NC)—Appetizers that are both tasty and easy to make can be hard to come by. This one’s a breeze as it uses just a few ingredients and is ready in mere minutes. More tasty recipes can be found at www.peanutbureau.ca. Fig, Pear and Peanut Bruschetta Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 2 minutes Makes 16 [...]

(NC)—During the hot summer months, impromptu pool parties and get-togethers are a big part of the scene. But the arrival of unexpected guests doesn’t mean you have to spend hours preparing meals in the kitchen. Add excitement to your summer soiree and bring the party outside by firing up the grill. With a few everyday [...]

(NC)—From his newest cookbook Weber’s Smoke, author and chef Jamie Purviance tells us to put our barbecues to work on exotic recipes and international cuisine too, like this dish from Asia: Shrimp and Rice Sausages with Vietnamese Dipping Sauce Ideal grill: Charcoal Smoke intensity: Moderate Prep time: 1 hour Cooking time: 6 to 8 minutes Special [...]

(NC)—Any part of your meal can be barbecued to perfection. Take a look at this creative appetizer recipe by Jamie Purviance in his newest cookbook, Weber’s Smoke: Cedar-planked Brie with Cherry Chutney and Toasted Almonds Ideal grill: Charcoal Smoke intensity: Moderate Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: about 10 minutes Special equipment: 1 untreated cedar [...]

(ARA) – Sweep away the gray days of winter and invite sunshine and friends inside. This year, open the door to spring with a bite-sized brunch. Whether entertaining a house full of guests or enjoying a casual meal with friends, put a fun, fresh twist on any celebration with a collection of easy, yet scrumptious, [...]

(NC)—Daydreams of the Greek Isles are aroused easily when you pair just the right wine with the right food. Greek wines have excelled steadily with the times, confidently exploring a more authentic path with their own grapes, texture and aroma. As a result, the LCBO has just placed two new and award-winning Greek wines on [...]

(NC)—Stuffed mushrooms are a classic, and conjure up culinary nostalgia. If you are running to and from various parties or hosting one of your own, here is an appetizer that will get rave reviews. These stuffed mushrooms will disappear in a flash, so bring lots. I really loved the textures here: the crunchy cheesy topping, [...]

(NC)—Greece is a paradise for lovers of food and wine—and of course, for lovers in general. The next time you need an idea to liven up a dinner party, just pair the right Greek food with the right Greek wine; put bouzouki music on the stereo; dance together shoulder to shoulder; and in an exclamation [...]

Firecracker Almonds Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 tsp (10 mL) chili powder 1 tsp (5 mL) curry powder 1 tsp (5 mL) garlic powder 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive or almond oil 2 cups (500 mL) toasted whole natural almonds 1/2 tsp (2 mL) hot pepper sauce, or to taste 1 tsp (5 mL) ground [...]

(NC)—The start of spring signals change and new beginnings, so why not blossom into a culinary master with dishes that are sure to impress, are easy to prepare, and will allow you to spend time with your guests instead of in the kitchen? The following recipe is a gourmet delight made with a childhood favourite, [...]

(NC)—Drop-in guests are the best, but it’s nice to have something on hand to serve with a drink. These dressed up peanuts go perfectly with beer or cocktails. More great recipes can be found online at www.peanutbureau.ca. Prep time: 5 minutes Roasting time: 20 minutes Makes 2 cups (500 mL) Ingredients: 1 egg white 1/4 [...]

(NC)—The combination of goat cheese and sundried tomatoes creates a tasty cheese that could not be more ideal for entertaining. If you’re having just a few guests, halve the recipe using a small log of goat cheese. More great recipes can be found online at www.peanutbureau.ca. Prep time: 10 minutes Refrigeration time: 1 hour Makes [...]

(NC)—Try these chicken wings during the big game, or any other time. Broilkingbbq.com offers a wide variety of recipes, tips, and tricks for everyone from the novice griller to the die-hard outdoor chef. The barbecue chefs at Broil King have developed this recipe for delicious grilled wings. Grilled Chicken Wings with Roquefort Dip Serves 6 [...]

Meatballs: 1 pound/500g lean ground pork, beef or turkey 1 can (250mL) water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped 1 egg 1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs 1/2 teaspoon salt Sauce: 1 tablespoon Mazola RightBlend canola and olive oil blend 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions 2/3 cup beef bouillon 3/4 cup Crown Lily White or [...]

(NC)—In place of crostini or crackers on a cheese plate, bake pear slices. This truly beautiful summer starter showcases the shape of the sweetened pear and tops it with rich goat cheese. Choose Ontario Bartlett or Bosc pears for a crisp, sweet base that cuts the sharpness of the cheese. 1 firm Ontario Pear 1 1/2 [...]

(NC)—Take your appetizers from the usual to the unexpected with these individual tartlets that feature sweet Ontario pears as the star. With a few simple pantry items, frozen mini tartlet shells, cheese and fresh delicious pears, these elegant bite-sized morsels can be prepared in a flash. 18 prepared frozen mini-tartlet shells, par-baked as per package [...]

Cocktail Canapés (NC)—Nothing beats an appetizer that looks fancy and doesn’t require a whole lot of work. Large shrimp size varies so the yield may vary slightly. If mango is out of season, you could try fresh pineapple or, in a pinch, frozen mango. More great recipes can be found online at www.peanutbureau.ca. Prep time: [...]