We start the week off with amazingly easy appetizers. Your guests will love munching on these favorites so much they may enjoy them even more than the turkey. Everyone loves cheese, crackers and summer sausage so we start with a giant platter to keep appetites at bay. We love a hearty whole wheat cracker (such as Triscuits) and a sharp cheddar cheese or smoked gouda to compliment your favorite summer sausage. Display crackers, sausage and cheese in neat rows on a large serving platter and appetizer #1 is served. While guests are munching, you can quickly pull together our next two treats: Teriyaki Short Ribs and Stuffed Mushrooms. They are so quick and easy you won't believe your eyes. And, the flavors will have your guests singing your praises. These two dishes are so good, you'll want to tuck them away for a quick dinner any time of year.
Teriyaki Short Ribs
2 pounds beef flanken short ribs
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 cups water
2 tsp. minced garlic
8 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp. honey or corn syrup
1/4 cup corn starch
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup green onions
15 minutes
Makes 25 riblets
Preheat oven to Broil. Heat soy sauce, 2 cups water, garlic, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium low heat until just bubbly. While sauce is cooking, mix cornstarch and 1/2 cup water in a separate bowl until smooth and add mixture to sauce. Stir and allow sauce to thicken. Remove sauce from heat. Spoon sauce over short ribs and place on a broiler pan. Broil ribs for 5 minutes per side. Remove ribs from heat and slice into sections using the small bones as your guide. Each 'rib' should make 4-5 pieces. Place riblets on a serving platter and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with additional teriyaki sauce as a dipping sauce.
Stuffed Mushrooms
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
24 whole crimini mushrooms
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
20 minutes
Makes 24
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground Italian sausage in a small frying pan over medium high until very crumbly and cooked through. While sausage is cooking, wash and dry the mushrooms. Remove the stems from each mushroom by gently twisting it out of place. A hollow will remain. Place 1-2 tsp. Italian sausage into each hollow. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake on a cookie sheet for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Serve immediately.