Appetizers recipes

Jessica Seinfeld shares a recipe from her new book.

Brown hamburger with onion and pepper. Melt cheese with milk over double boiler. When all melted, add drained hamburger mixture and salsa. mix well. Place in crockpot on low. If too thick, add 1/4 cup milk and blend....

Here in the San Joaquin Valley, the eggplant season is in full swing. At our local farmers market last weekend one could find eggplants of every variety - globe, Japanese, striped, white, even eggplants that looked like tomatoes. I have a couple still on the vine, after picking the one used for this recipe that was just begging to be eaten. Here is a wonderful recipe for baba ghanouj (also spelled baba ghanoush) a middle eastern eggplant dip. It is typically served with pita bread.

Delightfully simple and a great combination of flavors and textures in a small package. Features Medjool dates, creme fraiche and candied ginger.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min Servings: Makes 8 (snack) servings

I am continuously asked to bring this dip for parties and family get-togethers. People gather around the platter until it's gone. Five layers of Mexican-inspired delights are topped by a layer of vegetables, then smothered in cheese and garnished with black olives. The vegetables may be varied according to taste.

Salsas, dips, cheese balls, deviled eggs, cocktail wieners, and meatballs: we've got all the recipes you need for great entertaining.