The BariGirls: Seafood Appetizers 🍤
Channel: Hen House Markets
Date: 2023-12-11

Bring something new to this year's holiday party with these stunning seafood appetizers! Your guests will love the healthy deliciousness of these unique small bites!

Pesto and Garlic Shrimp on Cucumbers


8 ounces 51/60 raw shrimp, shell-on, fresh or defrosted
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 large cucumbers
3 ounces Pesto (jar)
3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil, slivered (about ⅓ cup)
2 ounces capers, drained (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled
15-20 small fresh basil leaves, or 4-5 large leaves, slivered
Balsamic Glaze for drizzling

Remove shells and tails from shrimp and place in a bowl.  Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.  In a sauté pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter and cook until melted.  Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Add shrimp and cook slowly, flipping once, about 4 minutes or just until cooked through.  Turn off heat and let shrimp sit in garlic oil.  

Rinse cucumbers and slice about ½ inch thick.  Spread pesto sauce, then top with a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes, 2 garlicky shrimp with sauce, capers, feta, cheese and basil leaves.  Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.  

Smoked Salmon with Dill and Capers

8 pieces of baguette, thinly sliced
2 tsp, extra virgin oil
2 oz cream cheese
Fresh Dill weed
¼ cu drained capers
3 oz thin sliced smoked salmon

Heat a heavy skillet on medium heat.  Lightly brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and place in a dry skillet.

Toast until the desired level of brown is achieved 2 minutes.  Spread each toasted baguette with cream cheese.  Add a sprig of dill and 4-5 capers.  Top with a slice of smoked salmon and a few more capers, if desired.  Serve at room temperature.

Pistachio Goat Cheese Apricot Bites

3 dozen dried apricots
4 oz goat cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped pistachios
Honey for drizzling

Place apricots on a plate or serving tray.  With a spoon, spread a small dollop of cheese over each apricot.  Sprinkle ½ tsp crushed pistachios on each and drizzle with honey.  Now, enjoy.