Guest Post: Valentine's Day Appetizers

From our Gust Blogger Viollet she brings us

Easy-to-Make Valentine's Day Appetizers

If you’re in a rush or not much of a cook, there are still many ways you can impress your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a sensuous and mouthwatering spread of appetizer recipes. You can make easy appetizers with pantry staples like eggs, bread, cheese, tomatoes and bell peppers. Some of the best recipes around the world are simple and easy and rely on fresh ingredients and top quality produce.

Italian antipasto

One of the best recipes and easy appetizers for Valentine’s Day is Italian antipasto. The sensuous colors of grilled red bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes make a romantic presentation. You can use bottled sun-dried and roasted tomatoes if you have no time to prepare the appetizer recipes from scratch. You can also use canned artichokes and olives. Drain any excess oil from the vegetables. Use focaccia bread for serving the antipasto. For a romantic touch, slice the bread into the shape of a big heart and place on a serving dish. Spread the bread with pesto and arrange the vegetables on rows or layers on top of the focaccia. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.

Bruschetta or crostini

Instead of focaccia, you can also serve baguette to make bruschetta or crostini. Slice the baguette and brush with pesto and top with sun-dried tomatoes then grill over an open flame for a mouthwatering and sexy appetizer. You can also top the bread slices with roasted bell peppers, cheese, artichokes, mushrooms, olives, capers, or sardines. Offer a variety for an impressive presentation.

Dips and spreads

Dips and spreads also make a sensual and easy appetizer for Valentines. Hummus, creamy spinach or artichoke dip, melted cheese, and guacamole are only some of the recipes you can try for this special day. Serve with crispy pita wedges, tortillas, chips, or vegetable sticks.

Dumplings

Dumplings or dim sum can be a lot of fun especially when you make them at home and share with a loved one. You can make a basic Chinese dumpling or savory seasoned pork and shredded cabbage wrapped in wonton wrappers, steamed or fried, and served with soy sauce for dipping. If you have more time and patience, you can make different kinds of dim sum including shrimps, scallops, fish, tofu, pork, crab, mushrooms, or vegetables.

Sushi

Sushi makes very sexy appetizers because of their raw texture and flavor and sensual colors, especially raw salmon and raw tuna. Purchase fresh salmon and tuna and slice them into bite-sizes pieces and simply serve with wasabi, soy sauce, and a wedge of lemon. You can also try your hand at making sushi rolls with Japanese rice and nori seaweed paper, as well as other ingredients like cucumber, carrots, radish, avocado, mango, and crabsticks.

Deviled Eggs

There are a hundred ways to make deviled eggs and you can make them as simple or as fancy as you wish. Peel and slice hardboiled eggs lengthwise into two, scoop out the hardened yolks and mix with mayo, dill, chives, mustard, salt and pepper. Scoop back to the hollow whites and you have beautiful appetizers. Other ingredients you can add are jalapeno peppers, bacon, ham, cheese, sour cream, or relish. You can also top the deviled eggs with caviar or smoked salmon for something more elegant and sophisticated.

Baked Seafood

What can be more sensual than seafood, especially oysters, clams or mussels? You can simply steam the seafood or cook it with white wine together with fresh herbs like parsley, fennel, or basil. Baked oysters/clams/mussels are also quite a special treat. Serve on its own or with crusty toasted bread for sopping up the sweet juices.