Help, I'm in a rut!
I'm having some friends over and am planning on making some snacks... the only problem is, lately, I feel like I have NO ideas!
I want to make a flatbread... maybe caramelized onion with some embellishments... but what should I serve with it? Something pretty easy, but also interesting... and does anyone have any flatbread toppings they absolutely love? I'm not married to the onion idea. I feel like a failure!
Thank you!!
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16 Comments:
It's not as fancy as your idea with the onions, but my favorite flatbread topping is from a restaurant -- grilled flatbread, smoked salmon and/or smoked salmon spread. Here are 2 pics to give you an idea.
My second favorite topping is basil, sliced tomato, with olive tapenade.
Cassaendra at 12:06PM on 06/26/09
I make a caramelized onion, fontina and fresh thyme pizza that elicits moans when eaten. You could put some greens atop, arugula? Maybe make one other type of flatbread or some grill-roasted, marinated veggies on the side for people to pick at. Or a little antipasto platter?
sarajane at 12:26PM on 06/26/09
All of those ideas sound excellent, thank you!!
lizaj at 1:00PM on 06/26/09
I would add along with the caremlized onions bacon and avacado or some, Italian sausage (or any type sausage) and roasted peppers or tomatoes. A herbed cheese spread with the onions on top.
pjracz10 at 1:10PM on 06/26/09
Obvious suggestions from me are:
Baba Ganoush
Hummus
Bruschetta
(definitely salmon! @ Cassandra)
pestos
Here's a home-made dip/spread I LOVE to make and super easy (and vegitarian):
Cut and grill
• eggplant
• red onion
• whole head of garlic
(grill these up to be quite soft)
Mush all your grilled veggies (I use a potato masher) with your favourite cream cheese (I like philly's veggie flavour), I add some lighthouse ranch dressing, lemon juice, freshly chopped dill, fresh parsley and a bit of EVOO for consistency. Season w s n p :)
This spread is really versatile too; so you can add/subtract ingredients;
and it can be topped with almost anything:
I like to grill pumpernickel bread, top with the spread, grill a pork tenderloin with a spicy rub, cut it into dollar coins, top the bit!
good luck~!
hungrychristel at 1:13PM on 06/26/09
I've made a pizza/flatbread with with smoked salmon, capers, creme fraiche, red onion and some herbs or arugula. A drizzle of olive oil and some maldon. One of my favs. (kinda like this one http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/wolfgang-puck/pizza-with-smoked-salmon-and-caviar-recipe3/index.html)
You could also do goat cheese and thyme with the caramelized onion flatbreads.
Polenta squares with mushroom ragu is an easy make ahead and is pretty easy. I think this one was pretty good. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/polenta-squares-with-mushroom-ragu-recipe/index.html
I've also just done toasted pita with hummus drizzled with olive oil, a few pine nuts and parsley...it's just simple.
bigfatmouth at 1:14PM on 06/26/09
I stuffed fresh figs with blue cheese, topped it with 1/2 a toasted pecan and sprinkled fresh orange juice over them with and grated some orange zest.
Maybe you could spread the figs and blue cheese on the flatbread and top with the rest.
mrstkach at 1:40PM on 06/26/09
Here's what I made a few nights ago (sorry, no pictures yet).
Make or buy pesto.
Spread the pesto on toasted bread slices; top with roasted red peppers and blue cheese. Put under the broiler for 3 minutes: DONE!
Also, toasted breat topped with sliced figs and blue cheese and broiled for 2-3 minutes: SUPER good!
another easy snack is dates or figs stuffed with hard cheese or almonds and wrapped with bacon of prosciutto and baked until the "meat" is crispy.
orchidgirl at 1:54PM on 06/26/09
I really like:
figs / blue cheese / prosciutto - drizzled with honey or not
caramelized onions / black olives / fontina / ham or bacon
nectarines / brie / thyme / bacon bits
bitchincamero at 4:15PM on 06/26/09
My favorite flatbread topping is a traditional margherita pizza (roma tomatoes, fresh basil, mozz) with an added twist: fresh sliced avocado added just after removing from the oven.
Here's a pic, if that helps:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxcriden/3631224782/
Good luck with your snack-making!
maxcriden at 5:01PM on 06/26/09
I like to top a pizza dough with pesto, grated parm, basil, oregano and olive oil and bake just as you would a regular pizza. I don't go to heavy on the pesto, I just like the flavor, but I don't want it to dominate.
dmcavanagh at 5:43PM on 06/26/09
I would take advantage of the season and stick with ingredients that need very little cooking and more "assembling." I think that always ends up with food that is not only more delicious but also easier.
As for flatbread toppings, my favorite restaurant makes a wonderful pizza with fresh figs and creme fraiche. It's delicious, as is one made with caramelized onions, prosciutto, spinach, and fontina cheese (similar to what bitchincamero described).
sarar at 5:47PM on 06/26/09
thanks everyone! i'm feeling less hopeless. all of these ideas REALLY helped! i'm going to make two flatbreads-- one with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and thyme from my new herb garden... the other with just olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper (maybe a little fresh oregano, too?). i'm going to make a little plum tomato bruschetta to go along with it.
THANKS AGAIN!!
lizaj at 6:12PM on 06/26/09
Just in case you need any additional ideas... i love making these pita pizzas topped with gruyere , pecorino and mozarella and a bunch of fresh spinach on top... it should work with your flatbread.
if you're in the mood to flavor the flatbread before you make it... i have made these garlic/herb breadsticks, these sun-dried tomato ones, and the traditional parmesan/pepper. A huge hit when I make them...
If you're in the mood to dip - here is something sweet, here is something savory, and here is something salty...
Madelyn
KarmaFreeCooking
MadelynRodriguez at 6:32PM on 06/26/09
Whenever I need ideas I go photograzing! I always find something to make!
watchforbears at 1:01AM on 06/27/09
here's some good advice: find awesome snack recipes, Q&A'S on expert chefs, restraunt blogs the best tips and tricks for dining on www.behindtheburner.com
fOODLOVER26 at 11:37AM on 07/07/09