Jessica's Joyful Kitchen

Pumpernickel bread slices 1/4 cup whipped cream cheese 8 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (pickled good too) 3 hard boiled eggs Caper berries 2 medium tomatoes, core, seeded and diced 2 teaspoons chopped, fresh chives Salt and pepper Toast the bread and spread 1 1/2 teaspoons of cream cheese on top of each piece. Put a slice of smoked salmon, a couple of slices of onion, egg, and about 1 tablespoon of chopped tomato on top of that. Sprinkle with capers, chives and season with salt and pepper. Recipe courtesy of Ellie Krieger

Smooth and creamy with a delicious combination of flavors – artichokes, white beans, lemon, parmesan, and basil. I’m excited to take this to a tapas potluck tomorrow :) 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 1 (12-ounce) package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves 1 teaspoon lemon zest 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper In a food processor, combine the artichoke hearts, beans, cheese, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is chunky. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil. Spoon the artichoke mixture onto pita chips or crostini and serve. Recipe courtesy of Giadia at Home

Cookies: 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1/2 cup milk 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup grated zucchini, squeezed 1 tsp vanilla extract 1. Mix shortening and sugar. Add in egg. Mix. Add milk and mix. 2. Add in dry ingredients and stir. 3. Blend in the zucchini and vanilla. Using a small scoop, drop onto a greased baking sheet. Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 350* for about 12-15 minutes, until the bottom gets browned. Makes about 20 sandwiches. Cool and sandwich cookies with cream cheese filling. Filling: 4 oz cream cheese, softened 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened 2 1/4 cups confectioners sugar 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Scant 1/4 teaspoon salt Beat all ingredients together until light and fluffy. Recipe courtesy of Real...