3 Easy Herby Appetizers

3 Easy Herby Appetizers

Don't you wish you had an easy appetizer recipe you could whip out at a moment's notice whenever you need it?   I mean a really good recipe that never fails and one that wows the crowds.  Well, not only will you have one, but you can also have three to choose from. I'm gonna share my three favorites that you can use when a party looms and you feel you need to bring something.  These are great for using up your dried herbs and when finances are tight.

My number one is the Garlic Herb Log.  You can serve this with crackers, cut up veggies, bread or whatever you have!  Add dried herbs to a bowl, stir in some lemon zest if you have it and garlic.  You will need a block of softened cream cheese.  Next is 3 teaspoons of dried herb mixture (try parsley, oregano, basil, chives), divided.  Into a bowl add the cream cheese, 1 1/2 teaspoons of your herb mixture, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper.  Mix well.  Place onto some plastic wrap and create a log shape.  Refrigerate 15 to 20 minutes to firm up a bit.  Take 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of dried cranberries if you wish, and the 1 1/2 teaspoons of herb mixture you set aside.   Mix and roll the log in this mix to coat thoroughly.  Refrigerate until ready to use.  And watch it go quickly!

This next recipe is one from Martha Stewart.  It is Garlic Herb Pinwheels.  

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1/4 cup dried herbs of choice and mix (parsley, rosemary or mint)

2 finely minced garlic cloves

2 Tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine the herbs, garlic and oil.  On a floured work surface, unfold the pastry.  Spread the puff pastry with the oil/herb mixture and then roll it into log form.  Cut rounds 1/4 inch thick.  Arrange the round on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until puffed and golden at the edges or about 15 minutes. Let it cool 10 minutes.  You can store in airtight container up to 3 days.  They are light, herby and delicious and it pairs well with any cocktail.

Last, the easiest ever, Cucumber Bites.  

2 English cucumbers, cut in 1/2 inch rounds

8 ounces of softened cream cheese

1 Tablespoon chopped chives

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

stuffed olives, sliced

Using a mixer, blend the cream cheese with the herbs until smooth.  Transfer this into a ziplock bag, cutting off a corner of the bag so you can pipe the cream cheese mix.  Spread out the cucumber slices on a serving tray.  Pipe on 1-2 teaspoons of the cream cheese/herb mix onto the slices.  Garnish each with an olive slice.  Store in the refrigerator until served.

So there you go.  Easy, tasty and very affordable appetizers that any partygoer would love.  It helps to have recipes like these on hand so you don't panic.  And sometimes, when you are exhausted by holiday gift shopping and don't want to cook, you might just want to make yourself a little snack tray of one or several of these.  You don't need a party to party, after all.