Appetizer/Starter Recipes

Appetizers, starters, hor d'oeuvres, small plates...there are a number of different ways to describe what is either an introduction to the main meal or little bites more meant for nibbling alongside drinks. They can sometimes be the star of the meal!

Some different kinds and favorites you might like to try include:

Soups

Perfect for cold days, soups make a fantastic start to a meal (as well as light lunch). Our favorites include avgolemono soup (a Greek lemon chicken and rice or orzo soup) and German pancake soup (because pancakes in soup!).

Salads

At the other end of the spectrum are salads, that don't have to be a plain old pile of greens. Try favorites as diverse as prosciutto salad with peach and mozzarella, asparagus salad with pancetta and pea shoots, and my winter take on fattoush salad.

Finger foods

Sometimes you just need to eat with your hands! You'll find easy bites like chorizo cheese twists, and cultural classics like blistered Padron peppers and cauliflower pakora.

Why not try some shrimp shumai dumplings, sausage rolls, prosciutto wrapped dates or baked coconut shrimp at your next party?

Plus try one of the many other ideas below.