Starters

Hot Artichoke Dip

This is the original that gave rise to so many variations. Love it or hate it, it’s an American original.

Icebox Crackers

Homemade crackers are a great trick to have up your sleeve. The doughs freeze beautifully, and need only be sliced and baked to produce a unique and impressive bite to serve along with drinks or before dinner.

Jalapeno Spread

An old Texas favorite, this simple spread is perfect with club crackers.

Meeting Street Crab Meat

This is from “Charleston Receipts”, the famed 1950 cookbook by the Junior League of Charleston, SC. I’ve only made a few small changes to my own taste, but you’ll find this easy, quick and luxurious.

Parmesan Puff-Pastry Cheese Straws

Serve these long and lovely cheese straws upright in a clear glass vase to add an element of dramatic height to an hors d’oeuvres table.

Pink Peppercorn Deviled Eggs

This is my version of a dish Devon and I enjoyed on many slow and boozy summer afternoons at the Esquire Tavern on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. It’s also a fine basic recipe for deviled eggs dressed up however you like.

Port Wine Cheese Ball

There’s nothing fancy about this holiday party staple, but my homemade version tastes better than store-bought, and it’s practically effortless.

Potato Samosas

These small samosas are terrific finger-food for a party, are easy to make using store-bought spring roll wrappers instead of rolling your own pastry.