Gourmet appetizers for Thanksgiving turkey dinner you don't want to miss + 2 recipes

November 9, 2:04 PMOklahoma City Natural Health ExaminerDeborah Oakes, NPS

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Gourmet appetizers make any holiday meal special
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Add gourmet appetizers for Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Appetizers are easily adapted for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose-intolerant or alkalarin diets so everyone enjoys the gathering.

The gourmet appetizers for Thanksgiving turkey dinner are called a relish plate.

This can then be the main course for those on special diets.

Gourmet appetizer ideas:

• Mix peanut butter, coconut, ginger and lime. Spread on spinach leaf and roll, add toothpick.
• Brie baked in puff pastry.
• Gildas Tapas: anchovies, green olives and chili pepper or banana peppers, on cocktail toothpicks.
• Dates stuffed with blue cheese & wrapped in bacon with toothpicks and toast.

Dumplings

• 1/2 pound ground turkey or tofu
• 8 oz Water chestnuts drained & chopped
• 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup Teriyaki sauce
• 1 egg white lightly beaten
• 2 tsp grated ginger root
• 40 won-ton wrappers
• Cooking spray
• 1/3 cup dry sherry
• 1 tsp chili oil
• 1/2 tsp chili powder

Combine first 6 ingredients. Place one teaspoon filling in center of wonton wrapper. Pinch wrapper together. Arrange in single layer in a steaming basket coated with cooking spray. Place over boiling water, cover and steam 20 mins. Combine sherry, chili oil and chili powder in small saucepan & stir. Bring to boil and cook 1 min. Serve with dumplings.

Mexican appetizer ideas:

• Armadillo eggs
• Tortilla bites: cream cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, Mexican spices. Mix. Spread on tortillas, roll, add toothpick and refrigerate. Cut into bite size pieces and serve with picante.
• Flavored nuts: pecans, pine nuts, pepitas, and pistachios toasted with chipotle powder and sea salt.
• Pickled jalapeno, carrot and onion. Marinate in vinegar water with Mexican spices overnight. Drain & serve with buttered tortillas.

Dessert appetizer ideas:

• Caramel apples or slices with dip.
• Peppermint sticks, 1/2 dipped in chocolate.
• Peanut butter Ritz crackers dipped in chocolate and shake colored sprinkles.

Chocolate Balls Appetizer Recipe

• 1 pound stemmed & chilled seedless grapes
• 4 ounces: 60 % semisweet chocolate, melted
• 1 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Wash, dry grapes and place in bowl. Line baking sheet: silicone mat or parchment paper.
Add melted chocolate to grapes, 1 tablespoon at a time and stir to coat evenly. As chocolate sets (almost immediately), sift small amounts of cocoa powder over grapes. Gently stir to coat. Spread grapes on baking sheet and cover. Refrigerate until chocolate is set or up to 1 day.

Decorate relish plate with fruit such as red grapes, cheeses, crackers, olives and vegetables. With gourmet appetizers like these, any Thanksgiving turkey dinner is a hit.

Betty Crocker cookbook, 1976:

Finger foods should not be messy, particularly when the guests are dressy; the rule that says what size is right is – keep it down to just one bite. Color is for eye delight, taste and texture, appetite. Another rule we're often told is vary foods from hot to cold.

You might also enjoy:

• How to make creamy, home-made almond milk
• Unique Christmas gift ideas: spiritual chocolate, something nobody has heard of before

 Best wishes to you and your family during this holiday season.

Purchase gourmet appetizer ingredients at these OKC stores

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Disclaimer: Author receives no compensation for recommendations.
Information only: Article for information and isn't intended as replacement for medical attention.
Author: certified national product specialist trained to recommend natural health products.