nibbles

You should always eat a little something when you imbibe.  Here are a few of my favorite cocktail hour recipes.  Enjoy!

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Parmesan Ricotta on Toast

16 ounces Ricotta

1/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan

2 TBSP extra virgin Olive Oil

Sea or Kosher Salt

fresh cracked Pepper

French Batard

1 bunch Arugula or Rocket

2 ripe Tomatoes

In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, parmesan and oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Slice the bread loaf and toast in broiler. Drizzle with a little oil, spread a thick layer of ricotta mixture and top with the arugula and tomato.  Drizzle with a bit more oil. Season with a little salt and cracked pepper.

Enjoy!

This recipe is excellent with a Belvedere Martini w/a lemon twist!

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Bread and Cheese

Fresh Parmigiano Reggiano

Fresh Romano

Grapes

Baguette

Enjoy!

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Chilled Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce

pre-cooked Shrimp – chilled

ketchup

horseradish

fresh lemon juice

Old Bay Seasoning

fresh dill

Mix together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice and Old Bay – to taste. Arrange shrimp around the plate leaving center open to fill with cocktail sauce. Garnish with fresh dill.

Enjoy!

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Quick Tray

Slices of Pepperoni, Cheddar Cheese and Whole Cashews

are a quick easy nibble that complement most beverages.

Enjoy!

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Caprese Salad

block of fresh mozzarella cheese – cut into 1/4″ slices

campari or roma tomatoes - cut into 1/4″ slices

first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil

kosher or sea salt

fresh ground pepper

fresh basil leaves

Starting with the cheese and alternating with the tomatoes, place the slices decoratively in rows on the plate. Sprinkle with sea salt and fresh ground pepper.  Drizzle olive oil over your entire creation.  Roll fresh basil leaves around each other, creating a tube and using a kitchen shears, snip into confetti pieces over the salad.  Garnish with whole basil leaves.

Enjoy!