Rachael Ray

Herbalicious Rice Meatballs (Gluten and Lactose Free)

Classic Italian meatballs get a boost of fat and flavor from grated Parmesan, while breadcrumbs make the texture fluffy. And who doesn’t love them? Juicy, plump, and aromatic, little parcels of ground meat bubbling away in a rich sauce are irresistible.

Although I’ve always associated meatballs with Italy, it turns out that people throughout the world have their own version of this savory delicacy. From Turkey to India to Sweden to Iran, you’ll find delicious variations, many of which use no bread or cheese.

tags: appetizers dinner rice, grains and breads beef poultry braise simmer more

California Avocado Guacamole with Roasted Tomato and Bacon

Guacamole lovers and bacon lovers, this one’s for you! Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger have combined a classic California Avocado guacamole with roasted grape tomatoes and crispy bacon for a combo you’ll love.

Recipe created by chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger for the California Avocado Commission.

Copyright ©2013, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, bordergrill.com.

For more great California Avocado recipes, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com.

tags: snacks appetizers spreads or dips fruit rice, grains and breads pork avocados bake more

Cherry Tomato Bombs

Here’s a “firecracker” you can eat! Pop these creamy Cherry Tomato Bomb appetizers into your mouth in a single bite and enjoy the fireworks. Avocados are a good way to get more lutein in the diet and act as a “nutrient booster” by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha- and beta-carotene as well as lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit. This recipe provides 136 IU of lutein, a natural antioxidant concentrated in the macula of the eye, which research suggests may help maintain healthy eyesight as we age.

Serving Suggestion: If you have extra cream cheese and avocado, mix them together and add some Sriracha. Enjoy on pepper strips or crackers.

For more great California Avocado recipes, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com.

tags: snacks sides appetizers fruit cheese avocados no-cook more

Yogurt with Spinach, Oregano, and Garlic Borani (Esfenaj)

Nothing ties a Persian meal together like creamy and tangy yogurt. Yogurt is usually served as a condiment with classic dishes like lean and juicy kebab, fragrant stew, and fluffy white rice. Sometimes yogurt is served with just a sprinkling of fresh dill or dried mint, but often it’s mixed with a vegetable to give it color and texture. This delicate yogurt condiment has few ingredients but holds a big, rich flavor. It’s best to cut off any thick, fibrous spinach stems before cooking. Like many Persian dishes, this yogurt tastes even better after chilling overnight in the refrigerator.

Wonderfully fresh and delightful recipes are in Louisa Shafia's lateat cookbook, The New Persian Kitchen. Beautiful colors, intense flavors and nutritious ingredients are found in all the dishes.

tags: snacks appetizers spreads or dips vegetables sauté more

Smoked Eggplant Hummus

Eggplant adds terrific flavor to the usual suspects in this smoky hummus.

tags: snacks appetizers spreads or dips fruit vegetables beans broil roast food processor or blender more

Herb Chicken Kebobs with Chimichurri

A yogurt herb marinade gives grilled chicken a Greek flair, while chimichurri sauce boosts the flavor. Serve on top of pitas.

tags: snacks appetizers poultry vegetables barbecue or grill Yum-o! Family-Friendly food processor or blender more

Ohio-Buffalo Nachos

Triple cheeses contrast with hot pepper for a sauce to cover crispy potato chips. Garnish with finely chopped carrot, celery and onions.

tags: snacks appetizers cheese rice, grains and breads vegetables simmer more

N’Awlins-Style Nacho Bowls

It's game on with Rach's latest spin on nachos!

tags: snacks appetizers fish and seafood rice, grains and breads pork vegetables sauté more

New York Deli Nachos

Reuben nachos are covered with homemade Thousand Island dressing, queso sauce, lettuce, onions and chopped deli pickles.

tags: snacks appetizers cheese rice, grains and breads beef vegetables sauté simmer more

Pesto Cream Cheese Spread

This bottom-of-the-jar (of pesto!) is a great use-up for the last of your cream cheese as well for this crostini appetizer or snack.

tags: snacks appetizers spreads or dips rice, grains and breads Yum-o! Family-Friendly more