Elegant Holiday Appetizer Recipes

One of our favorite parts of the holidays? The food! When you think about past celebrations, your mind probably turns to your favorite dishes and treats that are shared. Across all cultures and celebrations, friends and families gather around to enjoy delicious dishes, traditional meals, and decadent desserts. 

A holiday gathering is not complete without fantastic food. Here are a few of our favorite appetizers to make during the holidays to enhance your christmas spirit. 

Roasted Rosemary Almonds

A Primo Favorite! This is a great snack to have out at any time during a social gathering for guests to munch on. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound fresh whole almonds (about 3 ½ cups)
• ¼ cup + 1 tbsp Organic Garlic Olive Virgin Oils
• 2 tsp fine to medium sea salt or to taste
• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves as an optional garnish

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 300.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl toss the almonds with the Organic Garlic Olive Oil and ¼ cup fresh rosemary leaves.
4. Distribute the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and slow roast for 40 minutes, until the almonds smell toasty and the rosemary leaves are fragrant and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, toss with sea salt and garnish with the remaining tablespoon of fresh rosemary leaves and 1 tablespoon of Organic Garlic Olive Oil.
5. Allow to cool fully and serve

 

Wild Smoked Salmon and Avocado Crostini

Serve this appetizer immediately after making it for optimal taste bud joy. Guests will love this savory and salty dish that is a great health benefits balance between comfort food and superfood. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pc fresh, sweet baguette sliced into ½″ slices on the diagonal
• ½ oz thinly sliced wild smoked salmon
• 3 pcs ripe avocados sliced thin
• 1 pc small red onion sliced very thin
• 1 pc large garlic cloves cut in half
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp  Primo Olio Nuovo Favolosa Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• pinch of sea salt, fresh ground pepper
• ¼ cup  flat-leaf parsley coarsely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Whisk two tablespoons of lemon juice with 1/3 cup of quality olive oils and sea salt in a small bowl.  Add the thinly sliced onions and toss to coat and set aside.
2. Preheat the grill to medium or heat a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat.  With a pastry brush, lightly brush both sides of each slice of bread with Primo Favolosa EVOO. Place the bread on the grill and toast until light golden brown and grill marks appear, flipping once during the process (take care not to burn the bread).
3. While the bread is still very warm, rub the cut garlic clove over both sides of the bread slice.  Allow the bread to cool completely, then begin layering by adding a slice of avocado.  Brush the sliced avocado with a small amount of the onion-lemon-olive oil mixture, and a grind of fresh pepper.  Add the smoked salmon, and top with a few slices of marinated onions and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

 

Ricotta, Basil Olive Oil Spread

This easy spread has an aioli-like consistency but uses no eggs.  Instead, fresh, part-skim ricotta stands in lending a creamy-dreamy texture and richness. To serve it as an appetizer, you can slather it on your favorite toasted bread or use it as a mayo replacement, dip for crudites, or even spread on fresh grilled salmon. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• ½ cup Ultra Premium, ultra-fresh 2011 Chilean Arbequina EVOO
• five-inch sprig of fresh basil washed and dried
• 1 clove fresh garlic smashed
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp  sea salt or to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the ingredients inside the bowl of a food processor or blender and process until creamy and smooth in consistency. 
2. Adjust seasoning and store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.

 

Charcuterie Board

Everyone loves a good charcuterie board – there is always something for everybody. Check out our blog on making the perfect charcuterie board to get you started. Our main tips are to pick a theme and don’t forget about having a good variety of food types ie. meat, cheese, fruit, etc. 

 

We hope you enjoy the holiday season and with great company and food. If you make any of these appetizers, or any other Primo recipe, make sure to share it with us in our Facebook group: Louisville Loves Gourmet.