Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Pancetta
Best New Chef Michael Gallina of Vicia in St. Louis has a way with vegetables, and this time of year tomatoes are his muse. His Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Pancetta is a simple sauté that brings everything to the table: sweet acidity from the tomatoes; a salty, savory chew from the pancetta; and aromatics from the garlic and onion. The pancetta seasons the mixture, which begs to be served over ricotta toast. You can also try the combo tossed with pasta.
Upgrade Your Martini Olive
You can skip most jarred specimens—for the best garnishes for your cocktail, head to the olive bar.
Stuffed Jalapeños
Perfect served with cold beers, these stuffed jalapeños are the perfect game-day or movie-night snack. Halved jalapeños are packed with a cheddar and cream cheese filling flavored with garlic, cilantro and scallions. Slideshow: More Jalapeno Recipes
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
A perfect cocktail party snack, bacon-wrapped dates are chewy, crispy, sweet, savory and smoky all at once. Plump and tender Medjool dates are stuffed with a mixture of blue cheese and cream cheese, and a toasted walnut stands in for the pit. Fresh goat cheese could easily be swapped for the blue cheese, and roasted salted almonds can replace the walnuts. For sweeter stuffed dates, drizzle them with honey before serving. Slideshow: More Date Recipes
Ricotta Spread with Olive Oil and Dark Chocolate
“This recipe is perfect for cheese and chocolate lovers.,” says Vosges Chocolate founder Katrina Markoff. “Crumbled Reishi Mushroom & Walnut Super Dark Chocolate Bar atop ricotta cheese...mmm. It takes just minutes to make for a satisfying snack or as an hors d'oeuvre, served with black pepper crackers and fresh or dried fruit.” Slideshow: More Great Ricotta Recipes