Appalachian Tapas Midnight Snack Recipes

PATATAS BRAVAS WITH CHEAT GARLIC AIOLI

Steps:

• Combine the pressed garlic, mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt and pepper to taste in a blender or food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Allow the aioli to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This can be made ahead.
• Boil the fingerling potatoes in salted water until they are just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and let dry.
• Carefully slice the potatoes in half lengthwise once they are cooled.
• Heat a cast iron pan with 3 tablespoons of olive oil until very hot. Work in batches (don't overcrowd the pan) and fry up the potatoes until each side is crispy and evenly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Using tongs, transfer the potatoes to drain on paper towels, and while they are still very hot, sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, paprika, and fresh thyme.
• Serve the potatoes immediately while still warm on a bed of fresh parsley, sprinkled with additional parsley and thyme. Serve with the aioli. Enjoy!

APPALACHIAN TAPAS, (MIDNIGHT SNACK!)

Steps:

• On a large platter, fold a single paper towel into ¼ of its original size and lay the pickles and the olives out on it. (If you don't do this, they'll drain juice and make your saltines soggy!).
• Make a tic-tac-toe cut on the bologna slice so that the individual pieces will fit on a saltine. Then, cut the cheese slices into quarters so that they, too, will fit on a cracker. Lay them out on the platter on a small piece of wax paper.
• Spread the peanut butter on the celery rib pieces and lay them on the platter.
• Put the sauerkraut and the salsa into two small ramekins, respectively. Place them on the platter along with with a spoon.
• Trim the mushroom stems at the bottom and then cut them in half. Place them on the platter along with remaining ingredients.
• NOTE: I always take this to bed at about midnight or one in the morning and munch away while reading (my wife heads for the other bedroom *.*). I like to chase it down with either a big glass of milk or some iced apple juice. An awesome snack!