Crispy, golden, fried spring rolls are the perfect appetizer. I particularly love an excellent vegetarian spring roll because everyone can enjoy them. Plus, it’s nice to sneak in some veggies. A blend of produce with varying textures and flavors will provide textural excitement in each roll so you won’t miss the meat at all. The…

This is seven-layer black bean dip simplified: Just heat and season refried beans, then top with fresh vegetables to make this easy, flavorful dip recipe. Loaded Black Bean Dip Active Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Serves 18 1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium refried black beans 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 clove garlic, grated 1/2…

I have to be honest about sports. I’m there for the good times: the World Series, the Olympics, and, of course, the Super Bowl. Even then, for me, it’s all about the food. I’m right there, front and center, on Super Bowl Sunday, cheering on the underdog, breathlessly waiting for the next commercial while enjoying…

Crisp, crunchy, juicy onion rings are irresistible—you can’t just have one! I make mounds of them, using both red and white onions. I also like to add other vegetables, such as thin slices of eggplant, mushrooms, or peppers, to my fried veggie platter. Onion rings cook rather quickly, so have everything ready before you actually…

Yes, you can buy a box of chicken wings and bake them in the oven. But, chances are, they’ve been fried, then frozen, and contain way too many ingredients. It’s just as easy to bake fresh chicken wings and toss them in your favorite sauce, as it is to buy and bake premade chicken wings….

These are so easy to make and so fresh and creamy. I love serving this at cocktail parties; all my friends with gluten sensitivities are incredibly appreciative! Makes about 24 2 medium cucumbers 4 ounces smoked salmon 6 tablespoons whipped cream cheese 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Freshly ground black pepper Wash the cucumbers to…

These oven-fried potato chips are perfectly crisp and golden. Season them twice, before they go into the oven and then just as they come out, and play around with other seasoning mixes: spicy chile pepper, parsley, ras el hanout … the possibilities are endless. The same goes for the dipping sauce. Serves 6 4 large…

Totally addictive both to eat and to make, these crisps are also great to use as a garnish for soups and as an alternative to croutons in salads. They’re quite salty, and baking the cheese brings out its pungency, so a little sour cream helps balance out the strong flavors. Makes about 20 2 cups…

The most popular of all the finger foods that I serve, pigs in a blanket is total comfort food. Everyone loves and devours them. Play with the different dipping sauces, such as Dijon country mustard, ketchup, or even honey mustard. Makes about 32 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed 32 mini hot dogs 1 large…

To celebrate New Year’s Eve this year, my friends and I are splitting up. The entertaining, that is—I’ll be hosting a cocktail party at my home during the early part of the evening, and then the celebrations will continue at theirs for dinner and beyond, or until after midnight. Brilliant, I say! Don’t underestimate the…