Made Appetizers

Many of our favorite times hanging out with friends are at home around the dinner table.  But before sitting down to dinner, on special occasions, there are appetizers!!  I was once again inspired by The Barefoot Contessa as she prepared appetizers for a dinner party.  It just looked so easy so I thought I would pair a few of my favorite things and see how it turned out.  

Give it a try with your favorite eats and serving platters!

Paleo Pesto

Cucumber, thinly sliced

Kuby's Salami, thinly sliced

Kalamatta Olives, pitted

Pimento Stuffed Olives

Crackers/Chips 

New, favorite pesto recipe that is also great as a sandwich spread.  And Kuby's Salami is the BEST!!

LOVE these rectangular crackers from Whole Foods & the organic chips from Sunflower Market

If you have not yet discovered Sunflower Market, please check it out and locate one in your area!!!  It is my favorite place to shop outside of the Central Market or Whole Foods stores.  

Another Sunflower Market find….olive bar!!!

Jack's favorite spot…underneath the table and near the food...

Made Paleo Pesto

DISCLAIMER: B and I have been on a Paleo kick…AKA "Caveman Diet".  There are a TON of blogs out there so I will just give you the Wikipedia definition of the Paleo diet.  We are not 100% Paleo but more like 85/15 so have not cut out my salt and cheat with a few sweets in moderation.   

Was so excited to try this pesto recipe so Mom and I made it this afternoon - it was a hit with our taste testers!  Take a trip to the bulk section at Central Market for the pumpkin seeds & cashews and you will be all set.

 2 oz. fresh basil leaves (1 cup, packed full)
1/4 c. raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 c. raw cashews
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. coconut aminos (I used soy sauce which is NOT Paleo)
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp. sea salt
dash cayenne pepper
1/2 c. olive oil

Put all ingredients into a food processor and blend into a smooth paste (stop several times and scrape the sides of the bowl down to get an even texture).

Add more or less olive oil to reach desired consistency.

'desired consistency'