Maybe you need these appetizers for your next party! If you want to make them even better you should add about two cups of chunky peanut butter to each recipe.
Early April Fool! Don’t do that.
Pizza bites
2 large zucchini, cut into 1/4-in. thick rounds
nonstick cooking spray
Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
1/4 C marinara sauce
1/2 C shredded part-skim mozzarella
1/4 C mini pepperoni pieces, optional
Italian seasoning, for sprinkling
Spray both sides of zucchini rounds lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil or grill the zucchini rounds for 2 minutes on each side. Place cooked zucchini rounds on a large lined baking sheet. Top with small amounts of sauce, cheese and pepperoni pieces, if desired. Broil for an additional 1-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Be careful not to burn. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and serve warm.
___
Tater tot baskets
48 (about 1/2 of 32-oz. pkg.) tater tots
3/4 C shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 C sour cream
4 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled
2 green onions, sliced
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place 2 tater tots in each of 24 mini muffin pan cups sprayed with cooking spray; place on bottom oven rack. Bake 10 min. Spray bottom of shot glass with cooking spray. Use (in twisting motion) to press tater tots in each muffin cup to make potato cup. Return to oven; bake additional 15 min. or until deep golden brown.
Add cheese to potato cups; bake 1 min. or until melted. Transfer to platter; fill with remaining ingredients. Serve warm.
___
The best chicken wings
2 to 3 lbs. whole chicken wings
1 C maple syrup
2/3 C chili sauce
1/2 C finely chopped onion
2 TBS Dijon mustard
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Cut chicken wings into three sections; discard wing tip section. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine remaining ingredients. Set aside 1 cup for basting and refrigerate. Add chicken to remaining marinade. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 4 hours, turning occasionally.
Drain and discard marinade. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 12-16 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with reserved marinade. Grill or broil, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until juices run clear, basting and turning several times. Yield: 6-8 servings.
Wings may be also be baked in a 375-degree oven for 30-40 minutes or until juices run clear.
___
Wrapped tots
12 slices bacon, cut crosswise in half
24 tater tots
1/4 C mayo with olive oil reduced fat mayonnaise
2 TBS tomato ketchup
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Wrap 1 bacon piece around each tater tot; place on rack of broiler pan. Bake 25 min. or until bacon is crisp, turning after 15 min. Meanwhile, mix mayo and ketchup for a dipping sauce.
___
She said, “I’m right 98% of the time. The other 3% is when I have to solve math problems.”
If you would like to share a recipe with me, just send it to the J-T or email it to me.
(Melanie Behrens – melb@marysvillejt.com)