[title subtitle=”words and images: James Steufix”][/title]

Get the party started with one, or all three of these delicious appetizers. Happy holidays!

BLT Bites

Ingredients

• 15 to 20 cherry tomatoes
• 1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons snipped fresh parsley

Method

Cut a thin slice off of each tomato top. Scoop out and discard pulp. Invert the tomatoes on a paper towel to drain. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Spoon into tomatoes. Refrigerate for 3 hours. Yield: 16-20 appetizer servings.

Apple, Bacon, and Arugula Bites

Ingredients

• Red Delicious apple slices
• Lemon juice
• Garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Baby arugula sprigs
• Freshly cracked pepper

Method

Toss apple slices in lemon juice; pat dry. Spread each slice with about 2 teaspoons of the garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese. Top with bacon, baby arugula sprigs, and freshly cracked pepper.

Fried Green Beans

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• Ranch dressing

Method

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another medium bowl, stir together 1½ cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and vinegar. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and baking powder. Whisk into water mixture.

Pour 2 inches of oil into a Dutch oven. Heat between 350-375°. In batches, dip green beans in egg mixture and then dredge in flour mixture. Dredge in egg mixture a second time and then in flour mixture a second time.

Fry beans for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Season to taste with salt and serve with Ranch dressing.