Appetizers

Wild Mushroom Strudel with Pesto — last modified 2005.11.08 07.57AM

Using layers of (sometimes finicky) phyllo pastry gives this dish a nice crispy yet light crust.

Brie Baked in Puff Pastry with Honey-Walnut Sauce — last modified 2005.11.08 08.54AM

Pastry and soft, ripened cheese marry in this appetizer.

Pita Chips — last modified 2005.11.08 08.55AM

A nice change of pace when you're looking for something to dip.

Parmagiano-Reggiano Crisps — last modified 2005.11.08 08.56AM

Another nice alternative when it comes to dipping.

Crudités — last modified 2005.11.08 08.56AM

Vegetables and fruit to dip; that's all they are.

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip — last modified 2006.12.15 07.40PM

A classic dip that tastes great with toast points or tortilla chips.

California Dip — last modified 2005.11.08 08.57AM

Most people call this "Onion Dip."

Rum Buns — last modified 2005.11.08 08.58AM

Rum buns are essentially cinnamon rolls with rum. They're served as an appetizer in the Washington DC area.

Frisée Salad with Gorgonzola, Pecan, and Cranberry Crostini — last modified 2005.11.16 04.32PM

This appetizer is quite simple to prepare, but has the veneer of complicated elegance.

White Cheddar Quenelles with Chives and Cumin — last modified 2005.11.20 04.04PM

Easy to make well ahead of time by freezing and then baking in the oven.

Parmagiano-Reggiano Chips — last modified 2005.11.26 11.18AM

"Chips" are another term for "crisps."

Olivada with Walnuts — last modified 2006.04.14 04.58PM

Spread this on bias-cut slices of a crusty baguette.

Asparagus with Wasabi Aïoli — last modified 2006.04.14 04.58PM

Simple dip highlights a spring vegetable great.

Pacanas con chiles — last modified 2006.11.19 02.29PM

Cocktails demand a nutty accompaniment. This appetizer uses pecans, of which Texas seems to have a surfeit, with Mexican chiles to create a spicy munchable.

Queso Panela and Caramelized Onion Squares — last modified 2006.11.19 04.11PM

A rich crust lies beneath a creamy Mexican cheese accented by the sweetness of caramelized onions.

Photo of hot spinach and artichoke dip — last modified 2006.12.15 07.37PM

This photograph shows hot spinach and artichoke dip in a bowl with bias-cut baguette slices.