Showing posts with label Appetizer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Appetizer. Show all posts

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Pan-Seared Scallops with Pesto and Tomato

This can either be an appetizer or main meal. I cooked it as the appetizer for my Valentine! =)


Ingredients:

2 cups fresh basil leaves, plus 2 tablespoons finely shredded basil
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 plum tomato, finely diced
4 large scallops

Directions:
1.In a food processor or blender, pulse the basil leaves until finely chopped. Add the pine nuts, cheese, garlic and lemon juice. Turn the machine back on and add 3/4 cup of the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Season the pesto with salt and pepper. Place the pesto in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
2.In a small bowl, combine the tomato and shredded basil and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Add the scallops and sear until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the scallops to a plate. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of the pesto on each scallop and arrange the tomato and basil around the scallops. Serve immediately.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Santa Fe Caviar

This is a recipe in a cookbook that my mom has. This is a fabulous appetizer that works perfectly for Tostitos Scoops Tortilla Chips. The amount it makes is a ridiculous amount for one recipe. Don't make it unless you plan on eating it everyday for a week or two, or if you are having a lot of people get together. It's so stinkin' good though!! I'll add a picture the next time that I make it.

Ingredients:
1 avocado, chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped
1 purple (red) onion, minced
2 cups chopped bell peppers (I use 1 of each red, orange, yellow, & green)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1-4 jalapeno peppers, chopped (I use 3 large)
1 (14-oz) can chick peas
2 (14-oz) cans black beans, drained
1 can (4 oz) black olives, chopped
1 (14-oz) can red kidney beans
1 (14-oz) can kernel corn, rinsed and drained
1 cup whole green olives, chop after measuring
1/2 cup lime juice (fresh or bottled)
Splash balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon cumin, ground
Splash olive oil, just before serving

Instructions:
Chop all fresh vegetables; you may remove seeds from peppers and tomatoes.
Add all canned ingredients, green olives, lime juice, vinegar and spices.
Toss until all ingredients are mixed. Serve with chips or crackers. (I told you my suggestion.)