Tag-Archive for » Finger Food Fridays «

Finger Food Friday: French Fried Frog Legs

Frogs, those hopping, croaking creatures, creep me out. I avoid their exhibits at zoos and aquariums and can’t bear to look at them on TV or in print. When we first moved to Georgia, I was haunted by them. Literally. You see, we have this pond behind our house where, at the time, many, many, many frogs lived. I suppose several of those momma and daddy frogs were feeling a little overcrowded so they started venturing away from the busy pond with their “army” in search of more comfortable living conditions. Those improved conditions [ ... ]

Finger Food Friday: Crescent City Cocktail Meatballs

Have you all been missing Finger Food Fridays? I certainly have! Food blogging events, such as the FoodBlogSouth conference in Birmingham and the “Better with M” (as in M&Ms candies) gala back home in New Orleans, have kept me away from my weekly ritual. No complaints. I had a fab time at both and met some amazing people along the way. This weekend, however, I’m glad to be back with my hubby, my three babies (okay, teen and tweens) and our Christmas cavachon! Today, I’m getting Triple F (I hope Guy Fieri doesn’t mind [ ... ]

Finger Food Friday: Satsuma Ceviche

One of the best ways for me to brighten up a dreary winter’s day is to grab hold of a juicy Louisiana satsuma, push my thumb through its forgiving skin, separate the skin from the flesh and plop the seedless segments into my mouth one by one. As I bite down on each section, my mouth swells with tangy sweetness and all is right with the world! At least for a little while! Citrus has that weird mood-enhancing effect on me. Even my kids recognize it! Whenever I’m grumpy, they tell me to go “cut a lime.” While that sounds [ ... ]

Finger Food Friday: Creole Ranch Chicken Ball

I’m counting down the days to 2013 with great anticipation. Although 2012 was a good year, there are a couple of things I’m happy to leave behind. I also love new beginnings and the prospects of better this and improved that. But what I don’t particularly care for this time of year (at least not anymore) are those big New Year’s Eve bashes that involve mass quantities of food, over-the-top drinks, glittery garments and fireworks. Maybe it’s my age or maybe it’s because by the time that event rolls around, I’m already battling [ ... ]

Finger Food Friday: Caponata

Don’t ask me why, but lately I’ve been in the mood for caponata. It may have something to do with the cold temps and rain and wind and rain. Although that doesn’t make good sense because this spread is usually not eaten hot. No warming-of-the-bones-association here. Maybe I’m just longing for home and all the comforts that come with it. After all, the only caponata I’ve ever eaten aside from my own is Josie Manca’s. I’ve told you about Josie. She, her brother and her sister were dear friends of my grandmother’s and a big part of our family. None [ ... ]

Finger Food Friday: Fiery Chipotle Shrimp

In New Orleans, we love our hot sauce.  The trinity of top local brands includes Tabasco, Crystal and Louisiana Hot Sauce.  Each has a loyal following.  My dad’s dad Beau, for instance, carried Tabasco everywhere he went and always had an emergency bottle stashed in his glove box.  I think he put it on everything but dessert.  The hubby is also a huge Tabasco man.  Me?  My favorites are Tabasco and Louisiana Hot Sauce with very specific uses for each.  Tabasco has more heat than Louisiana Hot Sauce and because of that it’s a must in my cocktail sauce and [ ... ]

Gumbo: Turkey Bone Gumbo

Hey! Got a few minutes to talk about Black Friday? Not shopping. Cooking. I know you’re busy finishing up your Thanksgiving menu, planning that inevitable last minute grocery run and cooking make-ahead sides and sauces. And the last thing on your mind is what’s for dinner on Friday. But this is important, especially if your Turkey Day celebration extends through the weekend like ours does. If you need to plan additional meals for visiting family and want to make the most of leftovers, then save that turkey carcass (or beg the hostess for it) [ ... ]

Finger Food Friday: Mini Blue Cheese Popovers

Since this is the last Friday before Thanksgiving, I thought this recipe for Mini Blue Cheese Popovers would be a good one to share since it works well as a finger food and can also fill in nicely on Thanksgiving Day as a pre-meal snack, a salad course escort or a petite dinner roll.  The crisp edges, airy insides and punchy blue cheese bite make these popovers extra-special.  You know I’m not much on baking and I’ve never made traditional popovers.  But I do like to occasionally play around with these types of recipes and I somewhat understand what makes [ ... ]

Finger Food Friday: Baked Artichoke Dip

On this gorgeous day, at least where I am, I’m serving up another holiday helper. Yeah, I know. Artichoke Dip. Been there, done that. But mine is different. Well, a little. More importantly, I have to blog about it because it forces me to write down my recipe for my kiddos (and anyone else) so they can enjoy it for years to come. So here it is. My spin on this classic Southern staple. My recipe starts with the universal artichoke dip base: artichoke hearts, mayo and Parmesan cheese. From there, I kick it up with roasted red peppers, jalapenos, [ ... ]

Finger Food Friday: Grilled Chicken Skewers with Special Sauce

  I’ve been making this recipe with some variation of chicken for years now.  It’s one of my favorite weekday lunches.  And it all started with leftover chicken and a hodgepodge of fridge finds. Some of my off-the-cuff lunch creations like this are worth repeating.  Others are not.  This one’s been in constant rotation since day one because it’s quick and flavorful and the entire family likes it.  But because the sauce is made with Greek yogurt, I had to give it a code name so my kids wouldn’t snub it–they were weird about that stuff when I first started [ ... ]