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.
This garlic shrimp and avocado crostini is the perfect bite-size appetizer that are great for any gathering or party you attend.
I know cooking a big, fancy, multi-course meal at home can sound intimidating. And rightly so! It’s easy to enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant when they do all the prep, cooking, clean-up and deal with the stress. BUT it doesn’t necessarily have to be a stressful thing to do it yourself. Making a...Read More »
This tomato and burrata appetizer is delicious and flexible. Adjust the ingredients to your needs—make as much or as little as required.
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.
Welcome to our culinary haven, where we bring you a delightful assortment of gourmet recipes, culinary inspirations, and kitchen adventures. Our 'Delicious Dishes' category is a treasure trove of delectable delights, offering a diverse selection of recipes, from savory sensations to sweet treats. Discover the magic of cooking with our 'Culinary Creations' and embark on a journey that celebrates the art of cooking. Explore 'Flavorful Fare' from various cuisines, and master the kitchen with 'Cookbook Classics' that have stood the test of time. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, 'Gourmet Goodies' welcomes you to savor the world of food with open arms. Join us in unraveling the secrets of 'Epicurean Eats' and 'Yummy Yields,' where every recipe is an adventure waiting to be explored. Our 'Kitchen Chronicles' take you on a delicious ride through the world of 'Foodie's Favorites,' where the magic of cooking comes to life. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and let your inner 'Cuisine Connoisseur' shine with our 'Savory Sensations.' Enjoy a culinary experience like never before with the 'Kitchen Magic' that's just a click away. From family classics to gourmet masterpieces, there's something for everyone in our 'Tasty Treats' collection.
Enjoy thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a delicious tangy and savory dressing for this easy Asian cucumber salad. A great choice for an appetizer or as a side dish!
This: burrata and steak crostini recipe is the ultimate appetizer. (I would have a whole platter for dinner as well, though).
Welcome to our culinary haven, where we bring you a delightful assortment of gourmet recipes, culinary inspirations, and kitchen adventures. Our 'Delicious Dishes' category is a treasure trove of delectable delights, offering a diverse selection of recipes, from savory sensations to sweet treats. Discover the magic of cooking with our 'Culinary Creations' and embark on a journey that celebrates the art of cooking. Explore 'Flavorful Fare' from various cuisines, and master the kitchen with 'Cookbook Classics' that have stood the test of time. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, 'Gourmet Goodies' welcomes you to savor the world of food with open arms. Join us in unraveling the secrets of 'Epicurean Eats' and 'Yummy Yields,' where every recipe is an adventure waiting to be explored. Our 'Kitchen Chronicles' take you on a delicious ride through the world of 'Foodie's Favorites,' where the magic of cooking comes to life. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and let your inner 'Cuisine Connoisseur' shine with our 'Savory Sensations.' Enjoy a culinary experience like never before with the 'Kitchen Magic' that's just a click away. From family classics to gourmet masterpieces, there's something for everyone in our 'Tasty Treats' collection.
Quick and tasty Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites are the perfect entertaining no cook appetizer. Cool and fresh cucumber slices topped with herb cream cheese and thinly sliced smoked salmon. Great for dinner parties or to enjoy with a summer beverage.
Spicy Citrus Tamari Salmon on Rice Paper Chips A spicy tamari salmon recipe with a hint of citrus, served on rice paper chips. Canola oil or vegetable oil, for frying 10 (6-inch) sheets of rice paper, quartered 1 lb sushi-grade or sashimi-grade farmed salmon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise, or regular mayonnaise1 tbsp
Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry are a flaky, cheesy appetizer, brunch treat, or snack made in just 30 minutes. Each bite is a medley of flaky puff pastry, creamy ricotta, Italian herbs, and juicy tomatoes. Make individual tartlets or one large tart to be sliced and shared at your next party.
Looking for elegant appetizers? These 11 recipes, including Jalapeno Cranberry Dip and Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites are delightful!
These Steak Crostini bites are a delicious finger food appetizer that are sure to be a crowd pleaser. The juicy steak paired with the slightly spicy creamy horseradish sauce and the sweet caramelized onions all balance each other so perfectly.
Bang Bang Chicken is panko-crusted chicken tenderloins deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, drizzled with homemade bang bang sauce.
