Chilean Ceviche
Chilean Ceviche

Ceviche (pronounced ceh-BEE-chay) is a popular appetizer in Chile, which boasts over 2,600 miles of Pacific coastline. The name comes from the Quechuan word siwichi, which translates to “tender fish.” Salmon can be substituted for white fish.

Serves 4

Mushroom toast
Mushroom Toasts

This South American take on bruschetta gets its inspiration from marraqueta, the crusty bread wildly popular in Chile (often called pan francés), and the country’s penchant for white sauces.

Serves 4

Cheese-stuffed Focaccia
Cheese-Stuffed Focaccia

This recipe shows off the versatility of focaccia dough. Yes, you can top it with cherry tomatoes, onions, red pepper, and more, but you can also stuff it! If you’d like to use this dough for a more traditional focaccia, simply divided in half as directed, then bake in a single layer in two 13-inch-by-9-inch pans and starting checking after 25 minutes.

Yields 10 generous servings

Buffalo Cauliflower
Buffalo "Wings" Cauliflower Style

Chicken wings and cauliflower have one thing in common: They take on the flavor of whatever delicious ingredients you lavish on them. Now, here’s what they don’t have in common: similar nutritional benefits—cauliflower wins that game hands down. But nowhere is it written that good for you can’t taste good to you as well. This refresh of Buffalo wings will convince you.

Yields 4 servings

Whipped Ricotta Dip
Whipped Ricotta Dip

This simple but flavorful dip takes just minutes to make and is easily customizable. Add hot red pepper flakes or jarred Calabrian chiles for a bit of heat. Chopped brined olives (black or green) are good additions, too.

Serves 4 — Recipe adapted from aheadofthyme.com

Pumpkin Hummus
Pumpkin Hummus

This hummus twist has a sweet, seasonal spin—great with vegetable chips, crudités, crackers, or pita.

Serves 4 as an appetizer — Recipe adapted from littlesunnykitchen.com

Squash and Kale Toasts
Squash and Kale Toasts

Creamy delicata squash pairs perfectly with Tuscan (aka Dinosaur or Black) kale. Need heat? Red pepper flakes!

Makes 8 toasts — Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, March 2011

Garlic and Lemon Aioli with Fresh Asparagus
Garlic and Lemon Aioli with Fresh Asparagus

This is a recipe my wife, Meghan, and I enjoy as an appetizer when asparagus is in season. We use a Microplane to grate the lemon zest and garlic.

Serves 2 — Recipe courtesy of the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Black Bean Dip
Black Bean Dip

We love appetizers that can be assembled quickly. This recipe uses ingredients you likely have on hand. No fresh jalapeños? Pickled ones can be used, too.

Serves 6 — Recipe adapted from onceuponachef.com

Marinated Piquillo Pepper and Whipped Eggplant Toast
Marinated Piquillo Pepper and Whipped Eggplant Toast

Piquillo peppers are grown in the town of Lodosa, Navarre, Spain. Their name translates to “little beak,” as their pointy tips resemble a bird’s beak. Mild in fl avor and similar to bell peppers in texture, they are generally sold jarred in brine or olive oil. They’re perfect for stuffing or roasting.

Serves 4 to 6 as a tapa — Recipe from Food and Wine, May 2016

Figs alla Modena
Figs alla Modena

There are many vinegar bottles labeled “balsamic,” but the real thing must come from Modena, Italy. Just a few drops of a true balsamic will bring out the flavors of all the other ingredients in this dish. When figs aren’t available, substitute berries, pears, or peaches.

Yields 8 appetizer or 4 luncheon servings

Crab-stuffed piquillo peppers
Crab-Stuffed Piquillo Peppers

Piquillo means “little beak” in Spanish, and piquillo peppers get their name from that shape, though, ironically, they don’t have the “bite” of many other pepper varieties. Grown in the Navarra region ofnorthern Spain near the town of Lodosa, they’re very mild.After harvest, they’re fire-roasted for a sweet and smoky flavor, peeled and seeded by hand, then packed in brine. You can purchase them from many online purveyors. For a variation on the crabmeat, try flaked Spanish tuna.

Yields 6 to 8 appetizer servings