Category: Appetizers

Crockpot Asian Meatballs

And just like that, another year is almost over! As it turns out, my mother was on point when she told 13-year-old Amye not to wish her life away. I turned around, and a another whole year has flown by!

Do most of you celebrate New Year’s Eve in a big way? We never really have. We typically prefer to keep things relaxed and low-key on New Year’s Eve. We have camped in the past, which was always fun. Winter camping is my absolute favorite because there are no bugs! And, occasionally, we have friends over. But no matter where we are or how we celebrate, we never have a sit-down meal.

We will prepare appetizers and hors d’oeuvres for the evening. And after all of the Christmas cooking, the easier and quicker the recipe is, the better!

These Asian Meatballs could not be easier! Dump everything in the crockpot, set it for 2 hours, and wait. They are yummy, with the addicting flavor of soy sauce and ginger, with just a touch of sweet heat that you can customize to your taste! My grandson can clean a plate of these in no time! Adults will be thrilled to have these as well.

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Crockpot Asian Meatballs

Course Appetizer
Author Amye Melton

Equipment

  • crockpot

Ingredients

  • 1 (48-oz.) pkg. fully cooked homestyle frozen meatballs
  • 1 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • sriracha sauce optional, to taste
  • sliced green onion for garnish
  • sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • Add meatballs to a crockpot.
  • In a bowl, mix hoisin, soy, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, brown sugar and sriracha. Pour over meatballs and mix.
  • Cook on LOW 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Check after 2 hours.

Notes

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you could thicken with cornstarch.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And just like that, another year is almost over! As it turns out, my mother was on point when she told 13-year-old Amye not to wish her life away. I turned around, and a another whole year has flown by!

Do most of you celebrate New Year’s Eve in a big way? We never really have. We typically prefer to keep things relaxed and low-key on New Year’s Eve. We have camped in the past, which was always fun. Winter camping is my absolute favorite because there are no bugs! And, occasionally, we have friends over. But no matter where we are or how we celebrate, we never have a sit-down meal.

We will prepare appetizers and hors d’oeuvres for the evening. And after all of the Christmas cooking, the easier and quicker the recipe is, the better!

These Asian Meatballs could not be easier! Dump everything in the crockpot, set it for 2 hours, and wait. They are yummy, with the addicting flavor of soy sauce and ginger, with just a touch of sweet heat that you can customize to your taste! My grandson can clean a plate of these in no time! Adults will also be just as thrilled to have these. 

Print Pin

Crockpot Asian Meatballs

Course Appetizer
Author Amye Melton

Equipment

  • crockpot

Ingredients

  • 1 (48-oz.) pkg. fully cooked homestyle frozen meatballs
  • 1 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • sriracha sauce optional, to taste
  • sliced green onion for garnish
  • sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • Add meatballs to a crockpot.
  • In a bowl, mix hoisin, soy, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, brown sugar and sriracha. Pour over meatballs and mix.
  • Cook on LOW 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Check after 2 hours.

Notes

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you could thicken with cornstarch.  

Savannah’s Guide to the Perfect Charcuterie Board

I am a big fan of appetizers! We always plan an appetizer dinner for one night when we go camping. It’s also my favorite menu to plan when friends or family come over.

As my kids have grown older, it has become an unquestionable part of our Christmas tradition. Savannah’s charcuterie boards have been a hit for the past few years, and I am already looking forward to it this year.

Although it may sound simple, I have discovered that not everyone can make a beautiful board! Recently, I joined a charcuterie group on social media, which was quite a process. However, I was excited to join a group that promised to offer great ideas. Unfortunately, some members posted pictures of cubed cheese on a cutting board with nothing else.

On the other hand, Savannah’s boards are like art pieces and are always beautiful! Savannah likes to include a variety of meats and cheeses, fresh fruit, crackers or French bread, and even chocolate and nuts to please everyone’s taste buds.

You can make your board using ingredients that you and your family and friends will like. Here are some of Savannah’s favorites and tips: – Goat cheese drizzled with honey is a great addition. – Include at least one soft cheese. – Fig jam and pepper jelly are excellent. – Don’t slice the cheese too thin; you want a substantial slice for your bites. – Offer several options of meats, cheeses, and crackers. – Use a large board made of wood, ceramic, marble, etc., and make sure it is food-safe. – Savannah’s favorite shop for ingredients is Aldi.

Begin assembling the board with the meats and cheeses, then the crackers, and fill in with other extras like fruit, olives, pickles, jams, etc. Prepare your boards just before serving, but if you make them ahead, remove them from the fridge 30 minutes before guests arrive. Having family and friends help with the prep is always fun.

Blackberry Cucumber Caprese Skewers

 

When Greg and I met, he camped during deer season. He had grown up camping with his parents as a kid. I, on the other hand, had not. My family went camping once when I was a kid. That was our first-and last-time camping.

We bought our first camper a few years ago. We purchased a fixer-upper, and I had big ideas of what a little elbow grease could do. We took her camping once before we had completed the reno, and I fell in love with camping. Since then, we have upgraded campers, and camping has become one of my favorite pastimes.

A year ago, I swore that I could be a full-timer. Now, we have been living in our camper for five months. It hasn’t been terrible. I have certainly learned a lot about what I can live without. I may finally be able to purge once we get back in the house.

Not only have I learned to live with less, but I have also learned to cook differently. I do most meals in the crockpot or grill. We have a lot of salads and air fryer veggies.

Here is a recipe that is super easy to make. It’s perfect for any occasion, from simple cookouts to fancy parties. And this is the ideal time of year to make it, with the big, juicy blackberries available right now.

Prepare the skewers in advance, cover and refrigerate, then drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. These little appetizers are bursting with flavor and a sure a crowd-pleaser!

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Blackberry Cucumber Caprese Skewers

Course Appetizer
Author Amye Melton

Ingredients

  • 50 mini fresh mozzarella balls
  • 25 blackberries
  • 25 basil leaves
  • 25 cucumber chunks (English cucumber preferred)
  • balsamic glaze
  • 3-inch bamboo skewers

Instructions

  • Layer your ingredients starting with mozzarella balls, then a folded basil leaf (or half basil leaf is very large), followed by a blackberry, chuck of cucumber and ending with another mozzarella ball.
  • Line a serving tray with the finished skewers and refrigerate or serve right away.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

 

Quick Salmon Spread

 

When the kids were growing up and at home, I was on top of my game when planning my meals, making a grocery list, and being efficient. Over the past few years, though, I hate to say that I stink at it. I’m beginning to understand why my mother did not cook as much once my brother and I were gone. Don’t get me wrong; I still enjoy cooking. However, it is the planning that I need help with.

I always have a list when I go to the store. I am a list person. I often make my own “to-do” list. However, I have not been a very efficient, savvy shopper, even with lists over the past few years. Now, with minimal storage, I need a plan.

So, starting this week, I have planned my daily menus. I have all our dinners planned, a few snack items, and a few quick breakfasts. I should be more organized by having a plan, and hopefully, my meals and snacks will be healthier.

I like an afternoon snack, so I whipped up this salmon spread for the week on Sunday afternoon. It was super easy and so yummy! It will be a great snack with fresh veggies, bagel chips, or crackers. And a much better option than sharing my grandson’s snacks!

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Quick Salmon Spread

Course Appetizer
Author Amye Melton

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp. sour cream or mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp. dried dill
  • kosher salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 (5-oz.) can Chicken of the Sea Pink Salmon drained well

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, dill, salt, pepper, onion powde and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
  • Add drained salmon, breaking it up as you add it. Fold in the salmon. Refrigerate.
  • Serve with fresh veggies, bagel chips or crackers.

Goat Cheese Appetizer

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer

It is hard to believe that the holidays are just around the corner, but they will be here before we know it. Holiday music is already playing on the radio. Over the past few years, I have cut back on purchasing gifts. However, most of the shopping I will do is done. I will be decorating my Christmas tree in two to three weeks.

There’s just one problem. The weather needs to be cooperating! Cooler weather is always helpful in getting me in the season’s spirit.

I continue with my plans anyway because it’s coming, whether I’m in the spirit or not.

Menus are always at the top of my planning list. And this super easy appetizer will for sure be made multiple times during the holidays. Savannah shared this with me several years ago. It’s not even a recipe, just a list of five ingredients that equal perfection.

This delicious appetizer is excellent served alongside a charcuterie board. We enjoy a couple of combinations, but other jams and nuts would also work.

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer
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Goat Cheese Appetizer

Course Appetizer
Author Amye Melton

Ingredients

  • Fig and Pistachio:
  • 1 (11-ounce log) goat cheese
  • pistachios coarsely chopped
  • honey
  • fig preserves
  • chopped parsley
  • Apricot and Almond:
  • 1 (11-ounce log) goat cheese
  • slivered almonds or coarsely chopped roasted almonds
  • honey
  • apricot preserves
  • chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Roll the goat cheese in the chopped nuts. Place on a small plate.
  • Drizzle a couple of tablespoons of the honey over the top of the cheese. Top with a few spoonfuls of the preserves. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  • Serve with assorted crackers.