Spring Fling - The Last Zoom Party - Appetizers

March 21

This is the last get-together by Zoom. Soon, we will all be two weeks past our two vaccinations and able to see each other - IN PERSON! We chose the date to celebrate the return of Spring and a fond farewell to Zoom. Just appetizers we decided, anticipating our first full dinner together.

Guacamole and Tomato Salad

by Michele

My husband, David, has perfected a guacamole that we frequently enjoy. Therefore, I decided to invite him to participate in this appetizer exchange. His guacamole includes thinly sliced kalamata olives, sriracha and a touch of mayo. This resulted in a creamy, slightly spicy guacamole. To complement it, I made a tomato salad that included red onion, basil, EVOO and balsamic vinegar. Of course, it was topped with a sprig of cilantro and a wedge of pita chip. The combination was tasty, refreshing and a prelude to spring.

Mini Tarts Filled with Leek and Asparagus

by Billa

For my celebration of spring, I decided to make an appetizer using my favorite spring vegetable - asparagus. Because this was a Zoom affair, I wanted something that is served at room temperature. An online recipe for mini leek and asparagus tarts fit the bill. The filling turned out to be a flavorful, delicate custard. The egg-based crust was delicious. Plus, the little tarts looked adorable.

WHICH CAME FIRST - THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?* By Luci

A handful of foods represent Spring (shamrocks {yes, they are edible}, lamb, e.g.,) but perhaps the most iconic is the egg. Cultures around the world celebrate the egg as a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and regeneration. But eggs pose the paradox: if chickens come from eggs and eggs come from chickens….. In an illogical (flighty?) attempt to resolve the paradox, I brought the chicken and the egg together: hard-boiled eggs stuffed with chicken salad. For Spring color, I soaked the boiled egg whites in green food dye after removing the yolks. The dye changed the eggs' white color to a lovely aqua, rather than a true spring green. An early spring herb, chives, flavored the chopped chicken along with equal amounts of mayo, sour cream and goat cheese. To round out the picture, a bit of dessert - a Peeps and chocolate candy eggs. Cute?