Unique Cannolis

Grasshopper Cannolis From Stuffed Artisan Cannolis

Some like their drinks served on the rocks, others served neat, but I know that the very best cocktails are served in cannoli form! So head over the Stuffed Artisan Cannolis on the Lower East Side. If you aren't heading into the city and live in Long Island/NYC area there are seven Whole Foods locations that sell Stuffed Artisan Cannolis. Only in NY! And I thought bagels and cheesecake were the best reason to love New York! Add these great flavored cannolis to the list!

Cherry Tomatoes - Bocconcini Lollipops

Photo and recipe from: http://moogieland.blogspot.com/

Looking for something a little different for an appetizer? Try this easy to make but attractive recipe that is based on caprese salad. This pairing of mozzarella and tomatoes is a perfect combination for picnic weddings or appetizers anytime of year.

Photos courtesy of Dahan Caterers Washington DC

Moogie from Moogie and Pap's web site suggests using black rice inside a tall glass to stabilize the skewers, but you could easily serve this on a base of seen above of grass, inserting the skewer into the field of green.

Ingredients:

12 cherry tomatoes (stems removed) You can use regular cherry tomatoes or Trader Joe's sells heirloom cherry tomatoes.

12 bocconcine (baby Mozzarella)

2 tablespoons virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasonings

1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions:

1. With a sharp knife, remove the top 1/4 inch of each tomato.

2. Skewer the bottom of each tomato with a large wooden or bamboo skewer. For the most eye-catching presentation, stand the lollipops in tall glasses. (I put black rice inside my glass to help stabilize the lollipops)

3. In a bowl, combine the seasoning and olive oil, and parsley. Drizzle a little over each tomato before serving.

Highlight Your Food Choices by Using Colorful and Unique Vegetables

Photos courtesy of thebarefootshaman

As an Etsy addict I came across an Etsy store, Thebearfootshaman, where they have heirloom seeds for sale for absolutely gorgeous vegetables!  Take the time to browse the store for vegetables to brighten your wedding day food selections.  Even if you aren't serving the food cooked, some of these would make a great part of a crudite or chesse display. 

My favorite is the Five Colors Swiss Chard.  These colorful plants are almost impossible not to grow! They will grow in places where there isn't enough sun or too much sun as well as where the soil grade is poor.  You can cook them like spinach for a colorful side, after all, why serve ho-hum green beans with almond when you can highlight your plates with this gorgeous vegetable?

Purple Cauliflower from Sicily (photo from thebearfootshaman)

This gorgeous purple cauliflower is a great accent vegetable or perfect for hors d'oeuvres.  Use it as a dip bowl by hollowing it out.  Surround it with cheeses.  The options are endless.  And not to be a killjoy but it's also good for you! 

The Bearfootshaman offers additional seeds from other heirloom varieties, so head on over.  Even if you aren't planning a wedding the seed choices will jazz up dinner any night of the week. Visit TheBearFootShaman for lots of other choices like pear shaped tomatoes, chocolate color peppers and more!