A rustic, briny spread for long boards and good bread. There’s something about olives that feels old world and generous. A jar on the counter. A wedge of cheese. Good olive oil. Nothing complicated — just bold, honest flavor. This spread is creamy from whipped cream cheese and feta, deeply savory from Kalamatas, brightened with … Continue reading Creamy Olive & Herb Spread
Category: Appetizers
Holiday Lamb & Pork Meatballs: A Rich, Savory Classic for the Season
A festive favorite! These lamb and pork meatballs blend bold flavor with tender texture — ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy winter dinners. Serve them simmered in sauce, skewered as appetizers, or paired with a bright seasonal glaze.
Late-Season Stone Fruit & Whipped Ricotta Toasts: A Quick Garden-Fresh Bite
Creamy ricotta, sun-sweet apricots, and fragrant basil come together on toasted bread for a fresh, five-minute bite that captures the last golden days of the season. Perfect for garden lovers and home cooks who savor simplicity.
Sun-Dried Tomato & Olive Tapenade on Rustic Bread
A savory spread with bold Mediterranean soul—perfect for crostini, charcuterie, or solo snacking. Savory, vibrant, and packed with flavor—this sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade is a Mediterranean classic with a twist. Spread it on crusty bread, top with shaved Parmesan, and pair with a bold wine or bubbly for a stunning starter or midday bite. … Continue reading Sun-Dried Tomato & Olive Tapenade on Rustic Bread
Basil, Blossoms & Bruschetta: Companion Planting for Tomatoes + A Garden-Fresh Bruschetta Recipe
From garden roots to your summer table. Jump To Companion Plants That Help Tomatoes ThriveGarden Fresh Bruschetta with Olive Tapenade, Tomato & FetaChef’s NoteMake-Ahead & Storage TipsWine Pairings Give your tomatoes a summer boost with these natural companion plants—then turn your harvest into a stunning olive tapenade bruschetta that’s garden-to-table perfection. We’re sharing growing tips, … Continue reading Basil, Blossoms & Bruschetta: Companion Planting for Tomatoes + A Garden-Fresh Bruschetta Recipe
Whipped Feta with Roasted Strawberries
A luxurious blend of creamy whipped feta, balsamic-roasted strawberries, and fresh basil — this seasonal dish is made even more irresistible when paired with a chilled glass of rosé. Includes top-tier wine recommendations to sip alongside.
Fresh Basil Pesto & Pesto Crostini with Anchovy + Mozzarella | Basil & Salt Living
Two ways to enjoy the bold, herbaceous flavors of fresh pesto—classic and elegantly plated. Fresh Basil Pesto: A Recipe Rooted in Simplicity and Sophistication There’s something beautifully elemental about pesto. It’s herbal, nutty, silky, and fragrant—a balance of richness and brightness. And when made fresh, it's unmatched in flavor and elegance. From mortar to table, … Continue reading Fresh Basil Pesto & Pesto Crostini with Anchovy + Mozzarella | Basil & Salt Living
A Perfect Summer Plate: Heirloom Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Salad
Fresh, fast, and bursting with flavor—your go-to salad for sun-soaked evenings. There's something magical about the way ripe summer tomatoes taste when kissed by olive oil and joined by creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil. This vibrant dish is my ode to warm evenings, open-air dining, and the simplicity of real ingredients speaking for themselves. It's … Continue reading A Perfect Summer Plate: Heirloom Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Salad
Marinated Olives with Lemon Whipped Ricotta
A vibrant small plate perfect for summer spreads, happy hour, and easy entertaining There’s something classic about a bowl of marinated olives—but when you spoon them over a bed of lemon-whipped ricotta, the dish becomes something new entirely. The creamy ricotta balances the brine and herbs of the olives, with lemon cutting through the richness … Continue reading Marinated Olives with Lemon Whipped Ricotta
Smoked Salmon Bites with Dill & Capers
A Flavorful and Elegant Appetizer for Your New Year's Celebration Ring in the New Year with a platter of these stunning Smoked Salmon Bites with Dill & Capers. Perfectly toasted baguette slices are crowned with creamy lemon-dill cheese, velvety smoked salmon, briny capers, and a touch of black olive. These festive canapés are the ultimate … Continue reading Smoked Salmon Bites with Dill & Capers
