Few things get us more into the holiday mood than freshening up our homes with seasonal and themed decor.
Recipe and photos By Cody Owens I’m a big fan of foods that seem fancy but in reality are pretty simple. A well-executed French omelet, crab legs, tartines, a cheese board, mussels in white wine sauce . . . you get the idea. At least for me, eating these kinds of foods brings with it a certain level of, “Wow! Look at me! I’m so fancy!” but also the realization that just about anyone can make them with a little practice. This Tomato Confit and Whipped Feta recipe definitely checks all those boxes for me. It’s minimal effort with a maximum fancy-smancy payoff. I can all but guarantee that if you bring this to a party, you will be automatically named the Belle or Beau of the Ball and people will whisper to one another about how they think you’re the next coming of Julia Child. Is it a spread? Is it a dip? Who knows? What I do know is that it’s incredibly versatile, and you can save the extra confit tomatoes and oil and put them on just about anything. The same goes for the whipped feta. It’s herbaceous, a little sweet, a little salty, and takes maybe three minutes to come together. So, point those fancy pinky fingers to the sky and let’s get into it, y’all. Tomato Confit Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes Olive oil 2+ dried chili peppers 1 head of garlic Salt Several sprigs of thyme (or any herb you like—I used chives here because I was out of thyme) Instructions: In a deep, oven-safe dish, add enough cherry tomatoes to cover the bottom. This can vary depending on the size of the dish. I like to use the cherry tomatoes that are still on the vine because I like the presentation of this on the plate. Add the head of garlic (cut crosswise), herbs, peppers, and salt Pour enough olive oil into the dish to cover most of the tomatoes. It’s OK if some of the tops are exposed because they will cook down eventually. Bake in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour and a half. Pull it and let it cool. Whipped Feta Ingredients: 1 block of feta Roughly the same amount of Greek yogurt (maybe three big scoops. The main thing is to use roughly the same amount of yogurt and feta, so you can scale this up or down.) 1 tablespoon of honey A handful each of fresh dill, parsley, and chives (save some for serving) A big pinch of salt Instructions: In a food processor, add all the ingredients and blitz them for at least a minute, stopping every so often to scrape the sides and make sure everything is getting mixed up. Keep going until it’s airy and seems “fluffy.” I like to throw it in the fridge before serving to let it get nice and chilled. To serve, spread onto a plate. Add the tomatoes on top with some of the oil and serve with whatever kind of bread you like. Also great with crudités or anything you like to dip. BONUS RECIPE! (Kinda) One of my favorite things to do with the leftovers is to get some pita bread and fill it with the whipped feta, cucumbers (I used pickled zucchinis here because I had some), grilled chicken, confit tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
These Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles are an easy and elegant appetizer or brunch idea! Perfect for Easter, Mother's Day or any other spring brunch!
Sweet roasted carrot fries covered with crispy parmesan cheese!
Hummus Cucumber Roll-Ups Recipe
Level up traditional devilled eggs with double smoked bacon, crisp lettuce and juicy tomato!
This garlic shrimp and avocado crostini is the perfect bite-size appetizer that are great for any gathering or party you attend.
This tomato and burrata appetizer is delicious and flexible. Adjust the ingredients to your needs—make as much or as little as required.
There are so many different options for creating food boards. We have chosen to share how to make a vegetarian mezze platter today. But other ideas could include a cheese platter, Greek mezze platter, Middle Eastern platter, charcuterie board, falafal platter, a Christmas-themed platter.. the options really are endless.
These tasty little toasts have the perfect balance of crunch, creamy whipped ricotta, toasted walnuts and salted honey!
Charcuterie boards are a fun & easy way to entertain. From snacks, to meals & desserts, here are 27 Epic charcuterie board ideas to try.
This: burrata and steak crostini recipe is the ultimate appetizer. (I would have a whole platter for dinner as well, though).
Silky smooth hummus loaded with a Greekstyle summer salad
So, you've decided to host your first dinner party? I've got you covered with my tips & entertaining essentials for the perfect party.
This tasty peach appetizer takes a new spin on caprese salad with a variety of flavors and textures -- and puts it all on a stick.
Get the party started in style with these deliciously tantalizing New Year's Eve appetizers!
Make the best ice cold Old Fashioned Lemonade with this simple lemonade concentrate recipe. The homemade concentrate will last all summer in the refrigerator, and is perfect to create a variety of delicious lemonade flavors!
Our 2019 Mother's Day Menus and Entertaining Tips, to help make all the moms out there feel extra loved this year. Appetizers, brunch dishes, simple dinners, sides, and of course sweet cakes and more! Everything from cocktails to desserts and even some thoughts on flowers. It's going to be a delicious Mother's Day!
An easy and elegant pear appetizer recipe. Perfect for your next wine tasting party or dinner party.
Homemade Mushroom Vol Au Vents made with puff pastry loaded with delicious creamy mushroom filling - perfect party appetiser recipe.
Summer on a plate...simple to throw together, but so fresh and flavorful!
Delicious Christmas sausage rolls that would be ideal for a festive snack in the lead up to the big day or to use up leftovers on Boxing Day.
Potato Nests with Boiled Eggs 20 oz. bag of hash browns, shredded 4 Tablespoons oil salt and pepper 1 egg In a bowl, stir together hash browns, egg,…
a simple marinated stone fruit caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella & herbs servings: 6-8
Need ideas on what to serve at your grad party? This post shows you 21 best graduation party food idea on a budget you need to make in 2023.
Chips and dip is the perfect, easy snack for entertaining a crowd. Make a variety of dips, add all your favorite chips and serve on a big platter.
These Roasted Bell Peppers with Burrata and homemade garlic spread are such a great summer appetizer that can be enjoyed outside! This truly is an easy appetizer. The peppers are roasted with olive oil (can also be grilled) and and served up alongside creamy burrata cheese and toasted baguette. I
We’ve officially entered the holiday season, and that means entertaining is on my mind! Since Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, this month I’m rounding up some of my favorite tips & tricks to make hosting family and friends a breeze. As always, style is at the forefront, but just as imp
There are so many different options for creating food boards. We have chosen to share how to make a vegetarian mezze platter today. But other ideas could include a cheese platter, Greek mezze platter, Middle Eastern platter, charcuterie board, falafal platter, a Christmas-themed platter.. the options really are endless.
