Archive for the ‘APPETIZERS / SNACKS’ Category
Chicken Pizza Biscuits
August 24, 2016 Lee
Leave a comment

Chicken Pizza Biscuits

I received this recipe from a good friend in the states, sounds wonderful and is on my to cook list. Quantities are not listed, this is a make with what you have type recipe. When I make this I will narrow down the measurements. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Appetizer, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • chicken, see Step 2
  • biscuits, see Step 3
  • Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • pizza sauce, OR make from a shortcut
  • butter, melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
  • Chicken, several options. 1. Use chicken meat from a whole slow cooked thicken (most economical), white meat or dark, up to you, and shred the meat you need. 2. Cook and shred several chicken breasts, seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. 3. Buy a rotisserie chicken or make one yourself.
  • For the biscuits, several options. 1. Use your favorite rolled biscuit recipe (most economical). 2. If you find, say, Pillsbury Grands biscuits in a tube, use those if you like. Then take each biscuit, either your rolled biscuits that you have cut into biscuits or those from a tube, and on a lightly floured surface, pat out biscuit each with your fingers to make a larger, thinner biscuit, like 5-6 inches in diameter.
  • Take the patted out biscuit and place some shredded chicken in the center of the biscuit, add shredded cheese on top of the chicken. Fold the sides of the biscuit to cover the filling and lightly pinch together, place biscuit on the baking sheet. When the sheet is full, allow room between the biscuits, brush with melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat this if you have to cook in batches.
  • Serve with pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

This is a snack or meal, great while watching a sports game on TV. If you make the biscuits and pizza sauce yourself, this is very inexpensive. Chicken is inexpensive, think cooking a whole chicken in your slow cooker, using some meat for this recipe, and then you have more meat for another 1 or 2 recipes. The cheese would not be that much as not a lot is used.
When I prepare this I will edit the recipe, pricing, and add photos.
Shortcut: Pizza Sauce.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Bob Wicker.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS
Baked Chicken Nuggets
July 31, 2016 Lee
1 Comment

Baked Chicken Nuggets

These are homemade nuggets not the nuggets from stores or fast food places. These are really good, I made these on 22 May 2017.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dish, Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams chicken tenders/fillets, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C (390 F). Get out a baking sheet with a rack.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings. Place milk in a separate bowl. I took this photo well after I was dipping and coating the chicken.
  • Dip the chicken pieces in the milk, then in the breadcrumbs to coat, place well coated pieces on the rack and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. I used a foil lined baking sheet, and a foil covered rack. These are ready for the oven now.
  • Serve as an appetizer with a dipping sauce of choice, as a side, or as a main dish.

Notes

The chicken will cost about 40 Baht/500 grams. Easily under $1 per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,Chicken - Nuggets
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
July 10, 2016 Lee
Leave a comment

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Adapted from an internet recipe.
This is an excellent ham salad and is very easy to prepare. Serve as a snack or appetizer on crackers, or in a sandwich for a lunch or dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups ham, fat removed, minced, (about 325 g / 11-12 oz ham)
  • 1 tablespoon onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, or minced sweet pickle and a bit of juice
  • mayo, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Use a meat grinder, or a cleaver and a chopping block, and mince the ham, add the onion, mustard, and pickle. Mix together. I used diced sweet gherkins.
  • Add and mix in mayo, a heaping tablespoon at a time, until you have achieved a creamy consistency. Serve on crackers, crackers and cheese, or use as a filling for sandwiches. Enjoy.

Notes

Nice ham slices can be bought at Makro if you do not have ham on hand. If using sliced ham from Makro, the type that comes 6 slices in a package of 1 kilo, use 2 slices. 
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS
Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
June 29, 2016 Lee
1 Comment

Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings

I like fried Mozzarella sticks, and I like onion rings, this is both in the same package of an onion ring! Lot of variants to try as well. On my to make list for sure! Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Course Appetizer, Side
Cuisine American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large onions, sliced into 3/8 to 1/2 in thick pieces
  • 3-4 slices Mozzarella Cheese, sliced into 3/8 to 1/2 in strips
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 5 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups bread crumbs, OR make from a shortcut
  • oil, for frying
  • marinara sauce, for dipping, Ranch dressing, OR make from shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Peel and cut onions into 3/8 to 1/2 inch slices, then separate the rings. Slice the mozzarella into 3/8 to 1/2 inch strips, and place a smaller onion ring in the center of a larger ring. Fill the gap between the rings with strips of mozzarella. Repeat with remaining onion rings and freeze them for 1 hour.
  • Place the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs into three separate bowls. Dip each prepared ring into the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs, then back into the egg, and one last time into the bread crumbs. Repeat with the remaining onion rings.
  • Heat the oil in a pot over high heat. Fry the rings in batches until golden brown, being careful not to fry them for too long as the cheese may ooze out completely. Drain on paper towels and serve with marinara sauce or Ranch dressing. Enjoy!

Notes

The cheese would cost about 140 Baht/200 grams, slice it thin and you could probably double the recipe. If you use the entire block of cheese, this would cost about $1.03 per serving.
Shortcuts: Marinara Sauce (tomato sauce), Ranch Dressing, Breadcrumbs.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,SIDES
Banana Bread I
May 20, 2016 Lee
3 Comments

Banana Bread I

Adapted from an internet recipe.
This is a simple recipe and it is excellent. I have made this several times, it is fool proof and I get great reviews from my Thai family and friends. I use the small bananas grown right here in our yard for this.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1 loaf

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened, (1 stick or 1/2 block)
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups banana, mashed, small bananas if you have them
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180° C (350° F). Lightly grease with butter the bread pan.
  • Cream together the sugars and butter. Mix in eggs and vanilla.
  • Add the mashed bananas and mix in. Mix in the flour, then mix in the baking soda. (This looks like a lot as I doubled the recipe to make two loaves.)
  • Pour batter into the prepared bread pan.
  • Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and place the pan(s) on a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, roll out onto the rack and let rest until cooled.
  • Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Minimal cost and a great tasting bread.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,BREAD & PASTRY,BREAKFAST (for dinner!)
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
April 28, 2016 Lee
Leave a comment

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

This looks like a really good appetizer or side dish, a must try for me.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams zucchini or summer squash
  • 1/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese, heaping, shredded
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, heaping
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 200 C. Line two baking sheets with foil and lightly coat with butter.
  • Slice zucchini or squash into 1/4 inch thick rounds and toss with olive oil to coat.
  • In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Place rounds in breadcrumb mix, coating both sides of each round, pressing to adhere. The mixture will not completely cover each round, but provides a light coating on each side. Place rounds in a single layer on baking sheets. Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the rounds.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown, no need to flip them, they will cook up on the other side as well. Serve.

Notes

Nothing really high cost here, this is well under $1 per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Denise Georgiades.
South Africa.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,SIDES
Beer Shrimp
April 16, 2016 Lee
Leave a comment

Beer Shrimp

Beer and shrimp, sounds good to me! This sounds really good and is on my to do list to make this. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams large shrimp, peeled, tail removed, deveined if you choose
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1/3 cup tomato ketchup, OR make from a shorcut
  • 1 tablespoon Worcherstershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup beer, lager preferred
  • 1/4 cup spring onions, chopped, white and green parts
  • juice from one lime
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large non-stick pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter, add garlic and shrimp and cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes, transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Using the same pan, add the remaining butter and melt, then add the remaining ingredients, season with salt and pepper to taste and mix. Bring to a simmer and add the shrimp back to the pan until heated through.
  • Serve with toasted french bread or as is for a great appetizer.

Notes

When I buy shrimp (prawn), they are large, ocean caught using a cast net, very eco friendly but also cost about 220 to 240 Baht per kilo. So at 240 Baht, and for 4 servings, this is about $1.75 per serving, not bad considering large shrimp. If you used small shrimp, the price would be less.
Shortcut: Ketchup.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,SEAFOOD - ALL,Seafood - Shrimp/Prawn
Baked Broccoli Tots
March 27, 2016 Lee
1 Comment

Baked Broccoli Tots

I like broccoli, this looks like a great recipe, a must try.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 20 tots

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups broccoli, uncooked
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons parsely, OR cilantro, OR rosemary, etc
  • salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C. Grease a baking sheet with a thin layer of butter and set aside.
  • Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute then remove and shock with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
  • Chop broccoli finely and mix thoroughly with the egg, onions, cheddar, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of mix using a ice-cream scoop or your hands and gently press between your hands into a firm ball then shape into a tater-tot shape. It helps to rinse your hands after every few tots to keep them from sticking onto your hands. Next, Place on your prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake until golden brown and crispy, 18-24 minutes, turning half way. Remove from the oven and enjoy hot with ketchup, sriracha, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

This is low cost since little cheese is used.
Adapted from an internet recipe, suggested by good friend, Craig Hohnstein.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS
Sesame Mint Spread
January 7, 2016 Lee
Leave a comment

Sesame Mint Spread

An inexpensive appetizer with loads of possibilities! This makes just under 1 cup but goes a long ways.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 1 cup, just less than

Ingredients
  

  • 100 grams white sesame seeds
  • 1 bag fresh mint, about 2 palms worth of leaves
  • olive oil
  • pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Dry blend the sesame seeds in the small jar attachment that comes with most blenders. You'll likely have to tap it a few times during the process. The blending time is a judgement call.
  • Tear up a bunch of mint leaves and include a few stems and add some olive oil to the blender jar. Blend again. Keep adding olive oil until you get the consistency that you desire.
  • Add a bit of sea salt and stir. Done.
  • Spread some of this on a thick slice of tomato and garnish with a cube or sliver of bell pepper. Yellow Bell peppers work nicely with this. Green olives on the side.

Notes

17 Baht for 100 grams of white sesame seeds, 10 Baht for a respectable size bag of mint, this is more than reasonable.

This would go nicely on a cracker with a slice of tomato and a slice of cheese. This would also go nicely on pasta too... especially cold pasta.

Provided courtesy of good friend, Dave Williams.
Thailand.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS
Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers
January 3, 2016 Lee
5 Comments

Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

I could not get my jalapeno plants going in Thailand so I made this in the US on 31 May 2020, and used Cheddar with the cream cheese. I only used 5 peppers as a trial run and I will say these are excellent peppers! I will certainly try to grow these peppers again.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can whole pickled jalapeno peppers, about 12 peppers
  • 250 grams Cream cheese, softened, (8 oz)
  • 1 cup Jarlsburg cheese, shredded, OR Swiss or Cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup spring onion, thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Using a small sharp knife, cut a slit down one side of each pepper. Leaving the stem intact, remove the seeds and veins. I used a teaspoon to remove the seeds. For my trial run, I used 5 peppers from the can.
  • In a bowl, mix together everything except the peppers to make the cheese filling.
  • Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F) and line a baking sheet with foil.
  • Stuff each pepper with the cheese filling. I used two teaspoons and found this rather easy, scoop a little filling with one spoon, and push it off a little at a time to fill each pepper. Place peppers on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Well under $1 per serving in the US. In Thailand, I still have not found jalapeno peppers in a store, and I have been unsuccessful trying to grow them but I will be trying again real soon.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Craig Hohnstein.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,SIDES