Cocktail Party

Crispy Quinoa, Lime and Chipotle-Crusted Chicken Fingers

Recipe and Styling by Paula Bowman

Think outside the usual quinoa salad box and this fabulous ancient grain can offer endless recipe possibilities. Keep cooked quinoa available in the fridge for extra quick meal prep. Crunchy carrots sticks make a delightful accompaniment.

Spanish Style Chicken Wings with Paprika and Garlic Sauce

Recipe by Paula Bowman

This is based on a popular tapas dish called Pollo al Ajillo . Chicken can marinate in paprika, refrigerated, up to 24 hours before cooking.

Bacon, Caramelized Onion and Rosemary Pizza with Blue Cheese

Recipe by Paula Bowman

Sliced into squares or slivers, this would make a great party appetizer. Onions and bacon can both be cooked in advance and refrigerated, allowing the pizza to be assembled in minutes.

Chocolate Fondue

This is the perfect dipper for fresh strawberries, raspberries or even fortune cookies. If the chocolate becomes too thick for dipping whisk in 1 tsp of half and half at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.

Mushroom Laced Chicken Egg Rolls

These make a great little appetizer to start out the evening. Serve them with sweet and sour sauce on the side.

Sparkling Raspberry Punch

Use this drink to start out your special night with that someone you love. Make a toast to each other, wrap arms and sip to the soft music and glowing candlelight and watch your night evolve.

Shiitake and Black Bean Phyllo Triangles

Black bean sauce, a very flavourful combination of ingredients used often in Asian cooking, enhances the woodsy shiitake mushrooms used in these light and crisp appetizers. Make a day ahead for a party and reheat in warm oven or freeze any leftovers.

Best-Ever Brickle

This hall of fame recipe is super simple; and everyone who takes a bite thinks brickle is the best treat they’ve ever had.

Mediterranean Almonds

Entertaining at home can be simple and sophisticated with the right combination of ingredients on the menu. Consider a tasteful evolution of a classic pairing: roasted, salty nuts and cold, thirst-quenching beer. Take this famous duo to new heights by pairing wines and flavoured almonds. Flavoured almonds are a perfect starter for any gathering. Serve these Mediterranean Almonds to guests as a pre-dinner nosh paired with wine, or grab a handful to upgrade any snacking occasion. The complexity of flavours pairs well with a soft-textured dry Rosé, which is highly appreciated in many Mediterranean countries for its versatility. With these delectable almonds in one hand and a glass of vino in the other, snacking never tasted so good. If you're short on time, try one of the many new flavoured almonds now available in most grocery stores.

Seafood Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

Serve with a green salad for a wonderful light lunch menu or use smaller mushrooms as a starter for a dinner party.