Thursday night I had an appetizer class; I had 3 people sign up; I generally do 4 people and sometimes more.  I believe I couldn’t fill the class for a couple of reasons; I really only use Face Book to promote and word of mouth; and I am just not that great at self-promotion also I believe it has a lot to do with this time of the year; everyone is SO busy.  The reason I say that is I just returned from the grocery store and a former participant asked me when the appetizer class will be. She said she really wanted to go but had been away and busy and hadn’t checked when it was.  So I explained it already happened she asked if I would please do it again.

Well she missed a good one; we had SO much fun; laughter was definitely part of the menu; someone came out of the bathroom and exclaimed “My apron strings fell into the toilet; I got them out before I peed on them; but you’re going to want to wash this apron”. I swear I can’t even make this shit up. Thankfully I do wash everything after a class. But we had a nice long laugh at that exclamation.

If you read my last post, I mentioned a very good friend of mine doing the worm; well she came to her first class this week; which is probably another reason why we laughed so much.  She is one of the funniest and most fun people I know.  Most are had to be there moments; so I can’t come up with one particular story as they are all just ongoing I swear.  She did pay me some very nice compliments that I want to share.  She was torn between telling everyone what fun we had or just keeping it to herself; just so she always had a spot; she didn’t want to come to a class and have it full and not get in.  Yeah like that would happen; she will always have a spot full or not.  She has also proclaimed to be my marketing director and has some great ideas for me.  Can’t wait to discuss; she is too damn cute!

Part of class is I send everyone home with whatever is left over.  She was planning on hosting Happy Hour Saturday night at her place; she ended up serving all the appetizers I sent her home with plus her yummy slow cooked wings off the grill.  I can tell you right now; if; I mean when she comes to her next class; you might want to sign up as well.  I can promise yummy food and a few short cuts and cooking tips; just how funny she is would be the worth the price of admission.

2 of everyone’s favorite- they actually voted– it was quite comical

Yummy Bacon Dip

1 8 ounce package Cream Cheese

3 Tablespoons horseradish (squeezed dry)

1 Medium seeded chopped tomato

6 Slices cooked bacon crumbled

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook bacon until crispy, mix all the ingredients in a bowl and let them meld for about 30 minutes. This can be served at room temperature

Tomato & Whipped Feta Crostini

6 ounces crumbled feta

2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)

2/3 cup olive oil – divided

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon

2 tablespoons minced shallots (approx.. 2)

2 teaspoons minced garlic (approx.. 2 cloves)

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2-3 different type/color pints of cherry tomatoes (sliced in half or quartered)

3 tablespoons julienned fresh basil leaves, plus extra for serving

2 tablespoons pine nuts

French baguette (sliced and baked till lightly browned)

Add feta and cream cheese in bowl of a food processor, pulse until they are mixed. Add 1/3 cup olive oil, the lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper and process until smooth.

Combine shallots, garlic, and vinegar in a medium bowl, set aside for 5 minutes.  Whisk in the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the tomatoes, stir gently, set aside for 10 minutes. Stir in the basil and taste for seasoning.

To assemble the crostini, spread each slice of toast with a generous amount of whipped feta. With a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes on top.  Top with pine nuts and extra basil.