Friday Par-tay

OK, so I am still working on the title.... But I want to post party ideas for the weekend on Fridays!

This Friday is a food related post... a few days ago I set out to make a recipe from my latest Rachael Ray magazine. The dish was a success (I admit I tweaked a few things) and my husband and I both agree - that with a few minor adjustments - it would make a great appetizer.

My, appetizer version:

- Toasted Shrimp bites -

• 1 Baguette, thinly sliced and toasted or, thick crackers, bagel bites, etc.
• 1 small, pre-cooked/arranged shrimp cocktail appetizer platter (1-1 1/2 lbs.)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped or, 1 Tb jarred minced garlic
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
• Salt and Pepper to taste

1. In a small pan, saute garlic in a Tb. of olive oil until slightly caramelized. Using a slotted spoon, remove garlic from oil and set aside to cool.
2. Place parsley, cheeses, salt and pepper in a food processor - add garlic. Pulse until cheese mixture is creamy.
3. Next, remove 1/2 of the pre-cooked shrimp from platter and make sure all shell pieces are removed. Set aside remaining contents of the platter. Chop shrimp into smaller, bite size pieces.
4. Turn on broiler. Spread 1 Tb of cheese mixture on a piece of toast, sprinkle with chopped shrimp and place on a baking sheet. Repeat as long as supplies last! If there is any remaining cheese mixture, sprinkle over shrimp before baking. Broil just until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a little extra color add a scattering of freshly chopped parsley after baking and right before plating.

Variations:
* We plan to try this with salsa fresca, cilantro and pepper jack cheese.
* Easily adaptable depending on what kitchen appliances you have, for example:
Food Processor = Use a blender
Broiler = A toaster oven
Jarred, minced garlic = does not have to be sauteed before hand
* Also - comes with a second appetizer!! Grab that leftover shrimp cocktail platter. Pour cocktail sauce into a pretty, serving bowl and set on a plate with remaining shrimp; cover and refrigerate until time to serve with other appetizers!

A look ahead.... Movie Monday featuring You've Got Mail!