Crunchy Oven Fried Cheese Ravioli

Crunchy Oven Fried Cheese Ravioli

These are a great appetizer for an Italian night.  They are easy and delicious!  And healthier than the fried version!

Ingredients:
1 lb cheese ravioli
3 egg whites, slightly beaten
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 3/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
pinch of salt and pepper
marinara sauce for dipping

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450*F.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.  Spray the rack with nonstick spray.  Place egg whites in one bowl and in another bowl, combine flour, bread crumbs, panko, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.  Bring water to a boil and cook ravioli for half of the recommended time.  Drain them and quickly spray with cooking spray to help them not stick together.  Once cool to the touch, dip each ravioli in egg whites, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.  Place on the wire rack and repeat until finished.  Spray each quickly with cooking spray.  Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until crispy and golden.  Serve hot with marinara for dipping. 


By:  How Sweet It Is

Asparagus Phyllo Appetizers

Asparagus Phyllo Appetizers

These are such a tasty appetizer!  They can be a little time consuming to make and messy with the phyllo dough and melted butter.  But they are worth it! 

Ingredients:
1 package phyllo dough, defrosted (you will not use it all)
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 bunch green asparagus, trimmed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
coarse ground black pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350*F.  Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.  Toss in the trimmed asparagus and blanch for 2 minutes, or until bright green.  Drain into a colander and shock in a large bowl of ice water.  Pat with paper towels and set aside. 
Remove phyllo from package.  Lay one sheet out on work surface.  Brush with a thin layer of melted butter, then sprinkle on some parmesan and pepper.  Place another layer on top and repeat with the butter and cheese, until you have 3 layers.  Divide the phyllo into 5 equal strips and then down the center so you have 10 rectangles.  Position a stalk of the asparagus on the bottom edge of a rectangle and roll it up.  Brush the tips and outside with more butter and place on a lined sheet pan, seam side down.  Repeat with remaining asparagus. 
When ready, bake until golden brown, approx. 15 minutes.


By:  Fresh Approach Cooking

Cheese and Bacon Potato Rounds

Cheese and Bacon Potato Rounds

Jim and I love pretty much everything cheese, bacon and potatoes!  These make a great side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients:
4 baking potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/4 cup melted butter
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
8 ounces cheddar cheese
green onions, optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400*F.  Brush both sides of potato slices with butter and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned on both sides, turning once.  When potatoes are ready, top with bacon and cheese.  Continue baking until the cheese is melted.  Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing. 


By:  Allrecipes

Spinach and Feta Swirls

Spinach Feta Swirls

These are a yummy appetizer!  I love spinach appetizers and the combination with feta cheese and puff pastry is delicious!

Ingredients:
1 lb spinach
6-8 oz. feta, crumbled
garlic powder & onion powder to taste
1 egg
salt and pepper
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed for 40 minutes at room temperature; or 2 packages of crescent rolls
butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375*F.  In a sauce pan, melt just enough butter to coat the pan, add spinach and cook until it's all wilted and cooked through.  Season with garlic and onion powder.  Pour spinach in a colander in sink and allow to drain, pushing excess water out.  Pat spinach with paper towel to make sure it's fairly dry.  Place the spinach in a bowl with the beaten egg, feta, and parsley.  Unroll the pastry sheets and brush with melted butter.  Spread the spinach mixture on the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border.  Roll the pastry up like a jelly roll and slice evenly into 12 slices.  Place on cookie sheet and brush the top with melted butter.  Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.


By: Do You Know the Muffin Pan