Frugal In Florida

*This is a repost and I just made these this last weekend for our annual, and probably LAST Boat Parade Party ... these are always a hit, and like so many other appetizers, make more than you think you'll need because they will be gone! After devouring some   cinnamon rolls , we cleaned up the kitchen and Hubby got busy with the turkey breast and hunk of beef ... I ran to pick up my dad which was an hour round trip ...  When I got home, I prepped these little guys. Seriously, so simple to make and such a hit with all people and tastes!  I had made these for the boat parade party and they were the first thing gone ... and I had over 3 lbs of grape tomatoes that I had used ... whew! Putting them on a toothpick and making them seriously bite size is so much better than the whole sliced tomato ... much easier to eat and way less messy! It's easy to do, and makes a pretty presentation on top of it! Gotta love that! Package of grape tomatoes, rinsed and patted ...

For years, Hubby would make this killer appetizer and I had NO idea it was actually called "CAPRESE SALAD" I've had friends request that I bring this for a gathering ... Doh. I've seen the NAME numerous times, just had no idea what it WAS! Yeah, coming from a self-proclaimed, self-taught foodie, that was slightly embarrassing. So of course, the next time we were out at a more upscale Italian restaurant, we ordered it for the appetizer. Bleh.  What a disappointment. Seriously. Do NOT spend the money for this in the restaurant when you can make a much larger, better tasting version in your own kitchen with little effort. Seriously...tomato season is fast approaching (whee!!!) and you can always pick up the Sorrento sliced "fresh" mozzarella at your local grocery store to create this ... Now remember, this is a Hubby recipe, so things are estimates, NEVER ever measured ;-) 3 nice size, ripe but firm tomatoes, sliced medium thickness.  If th...

For years, Hubby would make this killer appetizer and I had NO idea it was actually called "CAPRESE SALAD" I've had friends request that I bring this for a gathering ... Doh. I've seen the NAME numerous times, just had no idea what it WAS! Yeah, coming for a self-proclaimed, self-taught foodie, that was slightly embarrassing. So of course, the next time we were out at a more upscale Italian restaurant, we ordered it for the appetizer. Bleh.  What a disappointment. Seriously. Do NOT spend the money for this in the restaurant when you can make a much larger, better tasting version in your own kitchen with little effort. Seriously...tomato season is fast approaching (whee!!!) and you can always pick up the Sorrento sliced "fresh" mozzarella at your local grocery store to create this ... Now remember, this is a Hubby recipe, so things are estimates, NEVER ever measured ;-) 3 nice size, ripe but firm tomatoes, sliced medium thickness.  If th...

This is like one of MY favorite recipes to make when I'm entertaining ... and yes, we do entertain often, but when I am going to have a good size group of people, I always make this ... It's not difficult to make, but there are certain steps that you really have to make sure you do, such as, SQUEEZE THE SPINACH DRY WITH  YOUR HANDS.  There is so much liquid and I really think that's the #1 secret to why mine has such a good taste and texture ... kind of a funky looking picture but I was trying to demonstrate how  much liquid comes out when you squeeze with your hands Here's what you need ... 1 jar marinated artichokes, drained 1 pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained 1/2 tsp minced garlic 1/3 cup Romano cheese 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1 cup mozzarella 1/3 cup half and half (or milk, cream) 1/2 cup sour cream Blend artichokes, Romano and Parmesan cheese in food processor til minced (but not quite pasty). Squeeze spinach with hands to ...