Basil & Tomato Appetizer

This was the most popular Father's Day appetizer I served! There is nothing like the simple pleasures of heirloom tomatoes and home grown basil (or store bought tomatoes and basil). Either way... you will have happy guests! This easy and colorful combo is extremely tasty! Who doesn't like an easy guest pleaser??? Enjoy! I hope your Father's day yielded many Happy fathers and tasty treats! :-)

2 (preferably) heirloom tomatoes

1 bunch fresh basil (yielding about 16 nice-sized leaves)

~1 T balsamic vinegar

Pinch organic course grey sea salt

Rinse and pat dry basil leave. Place on a plate. slice heirloom tomatoes and top basil leaves. Drip some balsamic vinegar atop each tomato/basil combination. Sprinkle with a pinch of grey sea salt and serve! Enjoy this simple decadence! Flavor combo heaven!

Spicy Chicken & Bacon Poppers

These were absolutely heavenly! Thank you Neile and Miriam for this wonderful appetizer! The only thing better than enjoying delicious food, is enjoying it with good friends! This is "food for share!"... Find an excuse to make this and have some friends over! This recipe is taken from Mark's Daily Apple, and I consider it a "must make"... Hope you enjoy! I guarantee you'll like it better than 100m sprints!!! :-))

Recipe: (Makes 6-8 poppers) .... I suggest doubling!

1 large chicken breast

6-8 pickled or pepperoncinis

3-4 strips of bacon

Cut chicken breast into 1″ cubes. Marinate the chicken with salt and pepper, jerk seasoning or your favorite seasoning and oil. Slice open a pepperoncini and put a piece of chicken inside. Wrap 1/3 –1/2 of a piece of bacon around the chicken and secure each popper individually with toothpicks or spear multiple poppers on a skewer.

Over medium heat, grill the poppers until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crisp, about 8-10 minutes a side.

For a detailed description of the recipe (and pictures)... check out the link below:

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/spicy-chicken-and-bacon-poppers/

Enjoy!

Bacon Wrapped Almond Stuffed Date Appetizer

Need a Paleo appetizer? We brought these tasty little morsels to our family's Easter party. I highly recommend these little gems to impress not only your Paleo friends, but your non-paleo friends as well! They are super easy to make, but you might want to make a double batch... they go quick! Enjoy!!! :-)

Recipe:

1 8oz package pitted dates

whole almonds (I used raw, unsalted)

1 lb. bacon

toothpicks

Preheat broiler. Place 1 almond inside the date. Wrap 1/2 piece of bacon around date. Secure with toothpick. Broil for about 10 minutes, until evenly browned and crisp. Serve & enjoy!

I guarantee they will not last long!