makes about 1½ cups Don’t let its mild-mannered appearance fool you—this bean dip is one hot number thanks to the addition of fiery harissa (page 176), a Tunisian sauce made with hot chiles, garlic, and spices. For a tamer version, omit or cut back on the harissa...
Pita triangles
makes 64 You can save time and buy pita chips at the store instead of making them, but homemade ones taste fresher and are more economical. In addition to or instead of salt and pepper, you can season the pita triangles with dried herbs, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds....
Creamy tortilla soup
serves 4 This silky rich soup is creamy with a refreshing note of lime. Choose from mild, medium, or hot salsa to determine the heat intensity of the soup. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for brushing the tortillas 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1½ cups...
Thomato and olive bruschetta
serves 4 to 6 Bruschetta is the bigger, more rustic cousin of the crostini. While French baguettes make ideal crostini bread, the larger Italian loaves are perfect for bruschetta. The bread is traditionally grilled, but it can be broiled or toasted as well. 2 large...
Tapenade pastry twists
makes about 24 Frozen puff pastry is the secret behind these opulent treats. Plan ahead when using puff pastry because it takes 30 minutes to thaw. Although tapenade is evocative of olives, the name references the capers that are also present. 1 sheet frozen puff...
Spinach and sun-dried tomato quesadillas
serves 4 Baby spinach comes already washed and ready to add its great flavor and nutrients to your meals. In this recipe, spinach combines with sun-dried tomatoes and a heart-healthy cream cheese to make yummy and slightly chic quesadillas. To serve as pickup...
Polenta with two-tomato topping
serves 4 To keep this recipe in the “quick-fix” category, it calls for cooked polenta, which can be found two different ways, depending on the supermarket. In the produce section, polenta is sold in the refrigerated case. There is also a shelf-stable cooked polenta...
Pastry-wrapped stuffed olives
makes 16 to 20 Crunchy almonds or fiery jalapeños replace the pits in these pastry-enrobed olives. Some might call this one “fussy,” but with only two ingredients that pack a dramatic flavor punch, I consider the fuss factor negligible. If you love the combination of...
Mango lettuce wraps
serves 4 This recipe was inspired by a refreshing and simple appetizer I enjoyed at Teapot, a fabulous vegan restaurant in Seattle. My version is embellished with additional ingredients to add contrasting textures and flavors, but you could also use only the mango on...
Herbed mushroom crostini
serves 6 Smaller and more delicate than bruschetta, crostini traditionally have more genteel toppings than the bolder bruschetta. A French baguette is the ideal size bread to make crostini. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for brushing the bread ½...
Guacamole roll-ups
serves 4 This tasty appetizer contains the luscious flavors of avocado, lime, and your favorite salsa, all rolled up in a soft flour tortilla, with a few shreds of lettuce for crunch. They’re also great for lunch—I especially like making them with whole wheat...
Pate Brise with Whole Wheat Flour
When I want to include more whole grains in my meal, I will often make a savory or dessert pie with this crust with wonderful results. This version produces a flaky crust with a nutty flavor. MAKES ONE 9- TO 10-INCH CRUST 1в…“ cups whole wheat pastry flour (or в…” cup...












