Tag Archives: hor d’oeuvres

  1. How-to Build an Epic Grain-free Cheese and Charcuterie Board

    How-to Make an Epic Paleo-ish Meat and Cheese Board

    How-to Build an Epic Grain-free Cheese and Charcuterie Board

    When it comes to entertaining, boards are the ultimate in wow factor without a ton of fuss. More specifically I am a HUGE fan of cheese and meat boards. Selfishly when entertaining, since I prefer to avoid grains and greasy chips and snacks, cheese and charcuterie boards offer a great, pretty low maintenance way for me to have everything that I want, while still making all of my guests happy.

    My cheese and charcuterie boards are generally focused around being totally grain-free and then depending on my guests, I will often have a generous pile of toasted crostini, that I serve to the side, separately for the non gluten-free or grain-free folks. I simple arrange sliced crostini in a single layer on a cookie sheet, brush both sides with olive oil and toss under the broiler for a few minutes on each side. Add a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s the fastest way to lots of toast.

    Follow along for all of my tips on How-to Build an Epic Grain-free Cheese and Charcuterie Board.

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  2. Sprouted Hummus Cucumber Cups

    Sprouted Hummus Cucumber Cups

    Ella's Virtual Baby Shower

    One of my favorite things about blogging has been connecting and making friends with people who I not only have so much in common with but who I also adore, so much, too. Who knew it was possible to have, what some people would consider to be “perfect strangers”, as some of your most favorite people and some of your closest friends.

    Since most of us bloggers are scattered all over the country world, it would be nearly impossible to get everyone together to throw a party in someone’s honor – so the next best thing is a virtual party and today a bunch of us teamed up to do just that! In honor of our lovely friend Ella, of Pure Ella today we are hosting a virtual baby shower for and you are all invited. Ella is one of the most sweet and inspiring people I have met, Ella’s energy, happiness and positivity makes me smile every day and I am so proud to call her a friend, despite the fact that we haven’t even met in the real life. Ella’s beautiful site is filled with delectable, swoon-worthy recipes, that are always so perfectly photographed. Plus, besides all of the yummy goodness, she is always sharing fun creative ideas for healthy living, beauty, home, crafts and more.

    I am so happy to be able to get together with some friends today, albeit virtually, to celebrate Ella and her family’s pending new addition.

    Pure Ella Virtual Baby Shower2
    Whether you have an upcoming baby shower you are attending or you are planning a baby shower, a bridal shower or even your mother’s day brunch – there are tons of incredible ideas here for you to knock your guests socks off. The best part is, every single recipe is both gluten-free and vegan, too!

    I am so honored to be sharing my recipe amongst this amazing group of talented bloggers, so please after you check out this recipe, head over to each of their sites and check out their amazing recipes, too. Of course, be sure to pin them, share them, print them out, memorize them or whatever you’ve gotta do – these recipes are all so perfect for entertaining, so I know they will all come in handy at some time or another, whether for an upcoming baby shower, bridal shower or another occasion.

    Sprouted Hummus Cucumber Cups

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  3. Vegan Grain-free Stuffed Mushrooms (Gluten-free + Vegan)

    Vegan Grain-free Stuffed Mushrooms (Gluten-free + Vegan)

     

    If you know me even just a little bit, you’d know how much I love a good party, especially those centered around eating, and OK yes, drinking, too! Everything in moderation, right? I love an excuse to wear a fun outfit, make some special treats and just enjoy myself. Our house is fairly small so it is very rare that I entertain at home, so I have to wait on other people to have parties and invite me, but when they do, I always jump at the chance to create something yummy to share with others. Besides the joy I get by making people happy with the food I make, the biggest reason I enjoy bringing something to share is the guarantee that I will have at least one thing to eat. Being that I am gluten-free and dairy-free and I also refrain from eating processed foods, it can be quite hard to indulge at parties and other get-togethers.

    Vegan Grain-free Stuffed Mushrooms (Gluten-free + Vegan)

     

    The other reason I love being able to bring some food to share to a party, is so I can spread the good word about eating clean and healthy. I think many people attribute the words “clean”, “processed-free” or even “gluten-free”, to mean taste-free and unexciting. I love changing people’s perceptions on food and eating and showing them just how much fun you can have with your food, even with a clean diet.

    This recipe would be great for many different types of cocktail parties, whether it be a casual sports party for the Super Bowl or a fancy New Year’s Eve bash. They are as dressed down or dressed us as you need them to be. These stuffed mushrooms are grain-free and vegan, they are perfectly bite-sized and so full of flavor and texture. They are so quick to make, too. Plus, you could make these ahead of time, stuff them and put them in the oven just before the guests start to arrive.

    Vegan Grain-free Stuffed Mushrooms (Gluten-free + Vegan)

     

    These Vegan Grain-free Stuffed Mushrooms are so simple to make and are the perfect small-bite party food. If the party isn’t at your place, make them ahead and pop them in the oven just before serving at your holiday or cocktail party destination. They are of course perfect for any gluten-free and/or vegan eaters, but I promise all of the party guests will enjoy them and the bonus is they are easy on the waistline at a time of year when temptation is around every corner.

    It was fun making these on a random work day (since we work from home) and eating them in the middle of the day, felt like we had a little party of our own.

    Do you like bringing a dish or a treat to share when you go to a party or would you rather just eat what others make?

    This recipe was originally shared on Cara’s Cravings as part of her Clean Eating Cocktail Party. Cara’s site is full of creative and delicious recipes that are always seasonally inspired and clean. Cara’s recipes will always give you the excitement and comfort we crave from food, but without any of the guilt.

    Vegan Grain-free Stuffed Mushrooms (Gluten-free + Vegan)

    [print_this]Vegan Grain-free Stuffed Mushrooms
    YIELD: 4-8, depending on size and quantity of mushrooms
    What’s a party without the ever-popular stuffed mushrooms? These ones are loaded with walnuts, spinach and sundried tomatoes, a savory burst of flavor to feed any appetite.

    • 1 1/2 lbs. mushrooms, you can use baby portobellos, cremini or button
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
    • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped – reserve a little for serving
    • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
    • 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, finely diced
    • 3/4 cup walnuts, finely, roughly chopped
    • 1 cup baby spinach, finely, roughly chopped
    • salt and pepper, to taste

    Directions:
    Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

    Remove the stems from the mushrooms, set aside to dice and add to the filling. Brush mushrooms with a little olive oil, place stem side up and bake for 8-10 minutes.

    In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Saute the shallots, bell pepper, garlic and sun dried tomatoes for about 3 minutes until they start to get tender. Add in the parsley, finely chopped mushroom stems and chopped walnuts, cook another 2-3 minutes. Add in chopped baby spinach and allow it to wilt. Salt and pepper to taste.

    Remove the mushrooms from the oven, pour off or soak up any water that accumulates in the mushrooms. Spoon the filling into the mushrooms and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. Topped with fresh, raw diced red bell peppers and serve warm.[/print_this]

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