September 6, 2010
Itty Bitty Burgers + Saucy Mama Sample Pack Giveaway
Aren’t these little burgers darling? They almost look like they’re chatting with each other. This recipe is my final entry in the contest sponsored by
Barhyte Specialty Foods, and they sent me an extra sample pack to give away! Scroll down below for details. (No jumping through hoops, I promise.)
They look really fussy, but they’re actually quite easy. Start to finish, they only took about 30 minutes to prepare. Make sure you make the patties really small, about 1.5 inches across. After a little shrinkage from being cooked, they should be about the perfect size.
Having the fixings prepped before the patties come out of the oven is really helpful. One concern I had about these was keeping them warm, and that’s one reason why I opted for fresh spinach instead of lettuce. If you pop them back in the oven for a minute or two to heat up, the spinach won’t turn to slime like lettuce would.If I were to do this again, I would smear some mustard on the buns, too. The Saucy Mama Chipotle Mustard has a bit of a kick, and I thought having it in the meat would be enough. It was perfect for my little girls, but the hubs and I would have liked a little more heat. Besides that, we loved them alongside some
Sweet Potato Fries for dinner!
As I was making these, the wheels in my head started turning. An Italian version would be awesome, using some basil or
sun-dried tomato pesto in the meat and topping them with mozzarella or provolone cheese, and a piece of roasted red pepper. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a “Burger Tasting” party where everyone brought a different kind to share? The possibilities make my head spin…
GIVEAWAY TIME!
OK, here’s the Saucy Mama sample pack that I’m giving away (thanks for sponsoring, Barhyte!), and a bit of commentary from me about each product.
Chipotle Mustard – I think this might be my favorite sample from the pack. I used it in a couple of sandwiches as well as in the Itty Bitty Burgers from this post.
Jalapeno Stuffed Olives – I didn’t try these because I really don’t like green olives. I’m sure they’re lovely, though.
Lime Chipotle Marinade – I marinaded a 4-lb chicken in this overnight and roasted it with some onions and garlic. Made excellent tacos! I didn’t post the recipe because it was awfully close to
this one.
Sweet Onion Marinade – I had a hard time with this one because it contains high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). You might think I’m silly but I have very strong feelings against HFCS (don’t let those stupid corn refiners commercials sway you). I didn’t use it in anything, and I almost left it out of the giveaway. I decided to let the winner make the call, though.
If you want to win a Saucy Mama Sample Pack from Barhyte, just leave me a comment on THIS POST and answer this question:
What’s your favorite party appetizer?
Contest Details: Only one entry per person, please! Contest will close on Friday, September 10that 10PM PST. One winner will be randomly chosen and notified (as well as posted here). I can only cover shipping within the US (sorry. . . someday we’ll be “real-life” people and not students!).***Please leave a way for me to reach you if you have a private profile or no blog/email address listed!!***
***CONTEST IS CLOSED***
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Chipotle Mustard Itty Bitty Burgers
Ingredients:
1/2 lb lean ground beef
2 T Saucy Mama Chipotle Mustard + extra to spread (or your favorite spicy mustard with some chopped chipotles mixed in)
a generous pinch of salt
2 hamburger buns
2 slices pepper jack cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces
a handful of cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced thinly
a handful of fresh baby spinach (or lettuce) cut into 1-inch pieces
16 toothpicks
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium bowl add 2 T of chipotle mustard and a generous pinch of salt to the ground beef. Using your hands, mix gently until everything is thoroughly combined. Roll meat into very small balls, roughly 1 1/2 inches across and set on a rimmed cookie sheet. (I got 16 out of my batch.) Press each ball down gently to slightly flatten . Bake for 10 minutes, remove and lay a small piece of cheese over each burger. Return to oven for 1-2 more minutes until cheese is melted and burgers are cooked through.
While the burgers are cooking, spread mustard on buns (if you like), and cut into 1-inch pieces. Prepare remaining ingredients and have everything ready when the burgers come out of the oven. Assemble burgers on toothpicks by stabbing some bread (mustard side down), then lettuce, then tomato, then a burger, then the other piece of bread (mustard side up). When you put them on a serving dish, press everything down a bit -- that will help them stand up.
Makes 16 appetizers (serving about 8), or dinner for 4 people.
Fayanne — September 6, 2010 @ 7:35 pm
The baby burgers look like fun. I make small "smorebrod"(open faced sandwiches) using cocktail rye-a spread of butter to keep the bread moist-and then the possibilities are endless. A few possibilites-a slice of cucumber and salad shrimp in cocktail sauce; a slice of hard boiled egg, half a cherry tomato and dill mayonaise; cheese and a slice of hard sausage with a dab of mustard; all topped with a bit of fresh herb.
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Patty replied: — February 4th, 2012 @ 11:39 am
Miniature baked barbecue pork buns! I have our local dim sum cafe make them for me. You have to order them in advance.
Hello, My Name Is Prom! — September 6, 2010 @ 7:41 pm
I love making Chili's-style southwestern egg rolls or baked brie with jelly as appetizers.
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
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JuLo — September 6, 2010 @ 7:46 pm
Yum! Sounds like a delicious package! My mom just made an appetizer a few weeks ago that I could not stop eating – dates stuffed with almonds, wrapped in bacon, and then baked until crispy and delicious. Though I'm always a sucker for a good ol' cheese platter.
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Sare — September 6, 2010 @ 7:57 pm
I'm not an expert in appetizers, but I like pretty much anything involving cheeses or breads…or bacon. All three=even better
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MindySue — September 6, 2010 @ 8:10 pm
My favorite appetizer is Spinach Artichoke Dip…really any kind. And then there is hummus…and nachos…and…oh well, I have lots of favorite!!
mindyoja AT hotmail DOT com
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Tawny — September 6, 2010 @ 8:12 pm
cute! those would make a good appetizer! i've seen things like this but with meatballs. good luck with the contest!
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Jayne — September 6, 2010 @ 8:45 pm
I'm a dip girl so I love making different vegetable and cracker dips. Thanks for the fun giveaway! I'd love to try Saucy Mama's sauces.
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Elaine — September 6, 2010 @ 10:02 pm
The type of appetizers I make depends on how many people I expect; for big BBQs, I like putting out several different baguettes and tapenades. For smaller parties, though, parmesan-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates are always the favorites.
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Heather — September 6, 2010 @ 10:57 pm
I can't wait to try these! They are so cute and look so easy! I know Chad would love some of those sauces! He likes the heat!
I really like this homemade cheeseball from my family cookbook! It's always a hit as an appetizer!
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Megan — September 6, 2010 @ 11:58 pm
I love spinach dip in a sourdough bread bowl.
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foodie — September 7, 2010 @ 12:11 am
I love making hummus. Simple, yes, but delicious.
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Joanne — September 7, 2010 @ 12:33 am
Natalie these are just the cutest! I love that you infused them with the chipotle mustard so that you definitely get a hit of it in every bite. These do leave a lot of room for variation though! Which just adds to their cuteness, I think.
My favorite appetizer…hmmm. I'm going to have to go with chicken satay. I just love the peanut sauce!
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Nikko — September 7, 2010 @ 1:19 am
My favorite party appetizer, (for a chance to win the goodies….), has to be a puff pastry (I like to make it myself but frozen does it too) cut into squares. I top them with a nice, pungent goat cheese, a slice of ripe pear, or a thin slice of apple and then let them bake for a bit.When they look about half way cooked I drizzle them with olive oil, balsamic vin, some toasted almonds, honey, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper and just bake off till done. Fresh herbs sprinkled on at the end (like thyme) are a good touch. These are yummy and finger food friendly. Hope that wins!!
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Rachel — September 7, 2010 @ 2:42 am
My favorite appetizers are always dips, especially hummus, it's my favorite! What a great giveaway!
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Jenni — September 7, 2010 @ 6:09 am
Obviously I am slow on the uptake … my favorite appetizer? Hmmm. I often take queso dip places, it's much better homemade. I also do a dip out of velveeta and dehydrated refried beans that is wonderful.
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Lorraine — September 7, 2010 @ 11:13 am
Do I have to pick just one?? I love homemade green salsa and tortilla chips. And just about everything else, too. I love food.
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steven — September 7, 2010 @ 12:24 pm
I now know exactly what I am bringing to a post-labor day party this weekend—these oh so cute Itty Bitty burgers here!
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Susan — September 7, 2010 @ 1:09 pm
Nothing can beat the simplicity of large, fresh shrimp served with a tangy homemade cocktail sauce.
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Jill — September 7, 2010 @ 1:56 pm
I'm southern, so my favorite appetizer is cheese straws. Classic.
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Patty Jensen — September 7, 2010 @ 2:25 pm
Wow………these look amazing and I will have to give them a try this weekend for our tailgate party. My favorite appetizer has to be Rattlesnake Sliders. Good luck with the contest.
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Cyndi — September 7, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
My go to appetizer is deviled eggs. I have 30 chickens so I have plenty of eggs to share.
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Jamie — September 7, 2010 @ 3:45 pm
I like South western egg rolls and nacho cheese sauce to dip them in. YUM!
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MrsDragon — September 7, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
Those burgers are adorable! I love appetizers but my gave is probably 7 later dip. I will make that as a meal by itself!
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Elizabeth — September 7, 2010 @ 5:41 pm
Count me out of the giveaway as I am in the contest too and already have enough of this stuff!
I had to comment on the burgers though. So cute and they look delicious!
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Heather — September 7, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
My new favorite appetizer is Buffalo Chicken Dip. It tastes just like eating hot wings and you don't have to worry about the messy fingers or face! Thanks for the giveaway.
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Elisa — September 7, 2010 @ 6:27 pm
Hot crab and artichoke dip… YUMMY!!
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Marissa — September 7, 2010 @ 6:51 pm
I love garlic bread and those bacon-wrapped water chesnuts. Yummy. I also really like the skillet queso from Chili's.
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Ang — September 7, 2010 @ 7:09 pm
I love to bring spinach artichoke dip to a party It is super yummy and really easy.
I am anxious to try these little burgers. My boys will love them!
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Natalie — September 7, 2010 @ 7:31 pm
I can't get over how cute these are! I'd love to win the giveaway :) Favorite party app? Buffalo chicken dip…so bad, but soooo good!
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Tamarama — September 7, 2010 @ 9:01 pm
I love gyoza. And shrimp w/cocktail sauce. And vegetables with fresh dill dip. Man, I just love finger foods!
And to Fayanne at the top, you are awesome! We've had smørbrød at Christmas since I was a little girl. Some other toppings we use are sliced deli meats, Norwegian caviar, pickled herring, smoked salmon, smoked baby clams, lime pickles, green olives, and lettuce. We usually put a little mayo on the butter, too, and sometimes use sourdough or pumpernickel in addition to the rye bread.
losherringoos[at]gmail[dot]com
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Aleisha Z. Coleman — September 7, 2010 @ 9:27 pm
commenting, love your stuff!
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Stormyblu43 — September 7, 2010 @ 10:33 pm
My favorite appetizer to make is stuffed jalapenos…I cut fresh jalapenos in half lengthwise…stuff them with cream cheese with a bit of fresh crab meat mixed in…wrap them in bacon and grill or bake them until they're golden and a bit crisp :o)
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Chelsea — September 8, 2010 @ 1:29 am
Nat! I'm so impressed with how cute these are! And how fun would they be for a game night. Set them out like checkers on a checked plate/platter next to some board games and oh my gosh…
My favorite app. is Buffalo Wing Dip. I got the recipe from a friend and then Chelsercized it. SO good. Love my improvements. I didn't like buffalo wings before moving out here and now this dip is my fave indulgence. You'll want the recipe when you're in the mood for fatty fatty cheese and chicken.
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perdantasterx — September 8, 2010 @ 6:03 am
I have to say these little burgers are so cute!
My favorite appetizers…hrm…I really love to have an array of different things. I've got the fat kid appetite so I love a lot of things from fatty to healthy lol! I love sweet and spicy potato wedges, boneless buffalo wings, my momma's onion dip & frito chips, spinach & artichoke dip with homemade chips, olives, calamari, parmesan crisps, and I really love to try new cheeses! Thanks! :)
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grace — September 8, 2010 @ 10:35 am
chatty burgers, eh? how fun. :)
i'm honestly not much of an appetizer fan, but i'm always a sucker for the classic brie-jam-puff pastry combo.
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jenn — September 8, 2010 @ 11:47 am
Nat, those are so cute and look delicious!
I guess I'm a plain jane, but my favorite appetizer would be chips with fresh salsa. Yum.
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Ruth L — September 8, 2010 @ 1:31 pm
Shrimp Salsa. I can eat it all day, everyday.
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Sarah — September 8, 2010 @ 1:35 pm
My favorite appetizer has got to be potstickers…although I love them so much sometimes I eat them as a whole meal!
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Jessica — September 8, 2010 @ 3:02 pm
I love the tacky (but fabulous) mini hot dogs in dough. Yumm.
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Krissa — September 8, 2010 @ 3:22 pm
i like spinach artichoke dip…or bacon wrapped sausages with brown sugar over them…SO GOOD!
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Rachel — September 8, 2010 @ 3:28 pm
My favorite appetizer is definitely stuffed mushrooms!!
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Kristen Greenstreet — September 8, 2010 @ 3:47 pm
These look great! I could live off finger food – in fact, that's what we're serving at our rehearsal dinner. Pinwheels are my favorite right now.
kegreenstreet@gmail.com
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s — September 8, 2010 @ 3:50 pm
My favorite party appetizer would have to be Mushrooms bundles. You can't go wrong with mushrooms, butter, wine and garlic! Love it!!
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danasfoodforthought — September 8, 2010 @ 3:58 pm
These tiny burgers are too cute!
I'm a dip girl, and my favorite appetizers are caramelized onion dip and hummus. Thanks for hosting a great giveaway!
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Urban Wife — September 8, 2010 @ 4:00 pm
My favorite party appetizer is bruschetta.
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Mary — September 8, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
I love baked brie!
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A Christian Friend in Texas — September 8, 2010 @ 4:36 pm
My favorite party appetizer is Mango Avacado Shrimp Cocktail! Served with chips – its to DIE for!
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Carrie — September 8, 2010 @ 4:38 pm
My favorite app is my mom's artichoke dip!
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melanie:::adorkable — September 8, 2010 @ 5:01 pm
well, I can't really think of any appetizer other than these little burgers right now! :D
So glad I hopped over from Tasty Kitchen!
blessings!
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Aunt Granny — September 8, 2010 @ 5:43 pm
A variety of cheese and crackers…easy and sure to please!
Aunt Granny
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From Snowflakes To Hotcakes — September 8, 2010 @ 5:54 pm
The appetizer that has been the biggest hit at our house has been PW's Bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos.
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JMN — September 8, 2010 @ 6:41 pm
I love your site! My favorite is black olive tapenade, spread on tiny cheese crackers. My blog has the recipe… it's so simple and so good!
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Dixiesoap — September 8, 2010 @ 7:16 pm
Carrot dip- sauted carrots, minced garlic, plain greek yogurt. Yum-o!
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So-Sew Me — September 8, 2010 @ 7:18 pm
I am from Texas so I would have to say stuffed jalapenos which are cream cheese stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon and cooked in a cast iron skillet. I have made (and eaten) more than I care to admit.
Good luck on the contest. Your recipes look fantastic, in fact I have had your Asiago Quiche and Sun dried tomato hummus on my to do list for quite a while.
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Jenny — September 8, 2010 @ 7:50 pm
I love making and eating stuffed mushrooms! They are easy to put together and are always a crowd pleaser.
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Erickson Country — September 8, 2010 @ 8:35 pm
tortillas rolled up with flavored cream cheese and other tasty tidbits love, love love them ericksoncountry
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Jen — September 8, 2010 @ 8:39 pm
My favorites usually include anything with cheese or spinach hummus dip!
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Michele — September 8, 2010 @ 8:46 pm
Favorite app…hmmm, so hard to pick just one but I will go with the little party meatballs from my childhood. You know, the oh so good meatballs soaked for hours in a warm gooey bath of grape jelly and chili sauce :) Well that's my favorite for today at least. Those burgers look delish!
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Colene — September 8, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Sausage balls… dough, sausage, and cheese… it doesn't get any better than this! :)
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Hannah — September 8, 2010 @ 9:12 pm
Prosciutto wrapped melon or asparagus are always an easy go-to for a fun cocktail party with friends. But when I do App Night with my nieces and nephews we really like buffalo chicken meatballs, mini grilled cheeses with bacon, tomato and gruyere, and pita chips with baked artichoke and spinach dip! oh boy, I'm hungry.
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Chris — September 8, 2010 @ 9:42 pm
My favorite party appetizer is one that someone else makes for me!
(7 layer dip with chips always lures me in)
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Dawn — September 8, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Appetizers! I love them all, but if I had to choose it would be bacon-wrapped scallops or shrimp.
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Frontier Mom — September 8, 2010 @ 10:11 pm
Gosh, I'm not sure…maybe Ina Garten's Ham & Cheese puff pastry? I do need to try your Fried Green Tomatoes on Polenta though!
Thanks for the giveaway!
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Melissa — September 8, 2010 @ 10:49 pm
Jalapeño poppers. They can be fancy, homemade, or out of the box in the freezer. It's the comb of melted cheese and spicy jalapeño that just gets me every time.
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Mary — September 8, 2010 @ 11:09 pm
Appetizers… I think I prefer them to the actual meal! I'm a sucker for pesto, tomato, and mozerella on a toasted pita… or a cracker… or anything like that. :)
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Gridiron Girl — September 8, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
The sample package looks amazing! Thanks for the chance to win. My favorite appetizers are mini meat pies, similar to empanadas. Meat pis were created in my hometown of Natchitoches, LA and they are a must at all our get togethers. We even have a festival to honor the meat pie… http://www.explorenatchitoches.com/events-and-festivals/natchitoches-meat-pie-festival/
~Janna
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Jodi — September 9, 2010 @ 12:42 am
I love almost any appetizer type food, especially boneless buffalo wings and those tortilla thingys with the cream cheese and goodies wrapped up inside!
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Kelly — September 9, 2010 @ 1:27 am
Your Itty Bitty Burgers look delicious! In high school, a good friend and I "splurged" on iced coffee and bread and butter pickle sandwiches on cocktail rye bread…I still love them!
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Dea-chan — September 9, 2010 @ 4:51 am
The best party appetizer that I ever made was puff pastry with goat cheese and caramelized mushrooms and onions on top. The fact that I had a French friend over made it even better — he ate half of it on his own!
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Lindsey — September 9, 2010 @ 12:40 pm
I love any and all dips!
Lindseycurlygirl@aol.com
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The Double Dipped Life — September 9, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
I love dips. Salsa, spinach, bean… you name it! Thanks for the great giveaway!
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Sarah — September 9, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
Mmmmm, it absolutely has to be potato skins. Spinach-artichoke dip is pretty fabulous too!
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paddlemama — September 9, 2010 @ 1:53 pm
One of my favorites is so simple: a block of cream cheese with pepper jelly poured over the top and served with Ritz crackers.
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suswins — September 9, 2010 @ 1:54 pm
Mini BLT sandwiches – always one of my favorite appetizers!
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Katie Mast — September 9, 2010 @ 2:58 pm
i love dips and meat and cheese platers. my info is. Katie, ktz1992@msn.com
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Kelly @Balance Design — September 9, 2010 @ 4:01 pm
Cute little burgers! Great idea for a party. ;)
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Lionmb — September 9, 2010 @ 4:57 pm
My favorite is a recipe for stuffed mushrooms that my mom always made. They are a "secret family" recipe, and sooo good!
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kthy — September 9, 2010 @ 6:44 pm
Great ideas planning on trying these out for my next Ladies night!
Kathleenhck@aol.com
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Amy — September 9, 2010 @ 7:41 pm
Brie/crescent rolls/raspberry jam…so yummy, and even my kids like it! Would love to try these sauces.
No blog, email is amyhermannATgmailDOTcom
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SarahBeth — September 9, 2010 @ 10:19 pm
just discovered your site! love it!
my fav party app is this yummy sausage dip i make!
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Megan — September 9, 2010 @ 11:35 pm
Spinach artichoke dip is my favorite! Yummm.
Megan, gostkowski.m@gmail.com
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Misti — September 10, 2010 @ 12:07 am
Appetizers are my favorite! Any kind, any time.
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Roz — September 10, 2010 @ 2:09 am
Hard to pick so many yummy appetizers! I just discovered your website and can't wait to try those itty bitty burgers, I have a feeling that will rank right up there.
I love shrimp, crab rangoons, wings, um my list could go on….
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A — September 10, 2010 @ 2:56 am
favorite appetizer is definitely spicy tuna tartare in sesame tuile. I could eat those for life!
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Dorie Howell — September 10, 2010 @ 3:43 am
Yummmmm and sooo cute!
Dorie at doriehowell dot com
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Ms. Lollipop — September 10, 2010 @ 4:21 am
artichoke dip…so dangerously calorie happy but delicious!
catharine [dot] ellie [at] gmail [dot] com
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lauren — September 10, 2010 @ 10:12 am
I make little pork overkill appetizer that are to die for: mini hotdog bites wrapped in paper thin prosciutto, then wrapped in a mini crape. It's the perfect blend of sweet and salty, all on a toothpick. [:
lalizabk (at) gmail [dot] com
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Tyra — September 10, 2010 @ 3:54 pm
I just stumbled across your blog, and I love it! My fave party food has got to be the basic pigs in a blnket…seriuosly, brings out the kid in me!
momentsbytyra@gmail.com
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Janssen — September 10, 2010 @ 9:48 pm
Spinach Artichoke dip. mmmmm. . . I can pretend it's healthy, right?
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Conflicted Dreams — September 10, 2010 @ 9:55 pm
I'm pretty much a sucker for any type of appetizer… Maybe a bacon wrapped date? Or jalapeno dip? Or lumpia? Or just chips and dip? Too hard to pick just one!
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Jill — September 11, 2010 @ 12:40 am
I love dips, and my latest favorite is one my bro-in-law makes: rotel cheese dip with spinach and bacon. It is addictive!!!
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dubious — November 3, 2010 @ 3:17 pm
I too love dips…hummus, black bean dip, crab dip, pico de gallo and guacamole…they're all yum! BUT, my fave appetizer is a recipe I made up called jalapeno crab poppers that I serve with remoulade sauce. mmmmm
Love the little burgers. They're adorable! The size is truer to an actual appetizer than a slider. Must try!
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