Snap Peas Hors D'Oeuvres
Delightful snap pea hors d'oeuvres feature fresh sugar snap peas filled with a creamy shrimp and cheese mixture, perfect for parties or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shell the sugar snap peas, reserving both peas and pods.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the peas, cottage cheese with chives, cream cheese, cocktail sauce, dry mustard, and hot pepper sauce.
- Blend until smooth.
- Rinse and drain the tiny shrimp.
- Fold the shrimp into the blended mixture and chill.
- Serve the pea pods as dippers for the cheese-shrimp mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened before blending. You can substitute the tiny shrimp with crab meat or diced cooked chicken for a different flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more hot pepper sauce or a pinch of cayenne. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the freshness of the dish and add an aromatic touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese-shrimp mixture as a delightful appetizer at parties, paired with a crisp white wine. The snap pea pods provide a fresh, crunchy contrast. Consider serving alongside a light salad or as part of a seafood platter featuring dishes like Shrimp Or Lobster Cebiche(From Ecuador) or Shrimply Scrumptious(Shrimp Creole) for a cohesive menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese-shrimp mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pea pods can also be kept in a separate container but are best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture, but avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snap Peas Hors D'Oeuvres contains roughly 21 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese-shrimp mixture a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste.
What can I use if I don't have snap peas?
If sugar snap peas are unavailable, you can use cucumber slices or bell pepper strips as dippers. They provide a similar crunch and freshness, making them excellent alternatives.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the shrimp and add diced vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for crunch. You might also consider incorporating diced olives or artichokes for additional flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).