Diva Cooking 101

Divas cook gorgeous things that are fabulous enough to share with friends and family. They just don't cook much. Every diva needs a few, easy signature dishes to get by. Are you a diva cook?

Divas cook while listening to Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, or the Rolling Stones.

Divas cook while sipping Champagne, Chardonnay, or a martini.

Divas cook with a feather boa draped around their shoulders.

While cooking, divas nibble gin-soaked olives or Champagne-saturated strawberries.

Divas cook while wearing an apron that says, "Tomorrow is another Chardonnay."

A diva's favorite breakfast is last night's appetizers.

Divas don't stress over particular amounts in any recipe. Glugs, plops, and handfuls are accurate enough.

Divas can cook with boas because diva recipes do not require many steps. Still, the food is fabulous.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Bagel Chips with Ricotta & Chives

This appetizer can be put together quickly. I love using fresh chives from my herb garden. Chives is one of the only things I am able to grow well. They don't require me to do anything and they thrive.

I recently brought this to an outdoor garden party complete with a jazz trio and pretty outdoor lights. The most unique feature at this party was the cooler. The host filled a canoe with ice, beer, and wine. Clever!

The recipe calls for the chives to be pureed in a food chopper or food processor. I own neither. I don't have the space to store such a monster, and I won't take up counter space for the beast. A blender, however, works fine, and all divas own a blender. They need them for fruit smoothies and frozen mango margaritas.

Bagel Chips with Ricotta & Chives

1/2 cup snipped chives

1/4 cup olive oil

1 small handful almonds

1 cup ricotta cheese

salt

40-45 mini bagel chips (I prefer garlic flavored)

Put the chives, olive oil, and almonds in a blender. Pure into a sauce.
In a small pretty bowl combine ricotta and salt.
Drop a small dollop of the ricotta mixture onto each bagel chip. I use two small spoons to get this done.
Use a spoon to pour a little of the chive pure atop the cheese.

Options: Put a piece of chopped tomato on top for color. Other ideas are placing a tiny slices of prosciutto or or yellow pepper on top for color.

Make it a meal: Nah. Just eat with lots of other gorgeous hors d'oeuvres.

Wine: Champagne, Prosecco, or a light Chablis

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