If you’re looking for a complicated, posh appetizer where you spend hours in the kitchen….this is NOT it! If you want a simple appetizer that delivers a big Wow factor and satisfaction every time, you’re in the right place! When I’m in a rush but need an appetizer I can rely on, Italian Flags always come to mind. Yummy chicken sausages topped with the colors of the Italian Flag. Let’s just say the artichoke is white ‘cuz I wanted a departure from the usual Caprese combo. Although, that would be tasty too!
They are very versatile and fit so many different venues. I’ve made them for a Happy Hour Baby Shower, birthday parties, dinner parties, football game snacks and Movie Club. Movie Club is our relaxed version of a book club.
Each month someone picks a movie, not just the latest hit, but movies from all genres like documentaries, biographies, classics and real thought provokers on social issues. We have a fantastic venue with a small movie theatre in an upscale condominium community. A movie club could be held in your own home on a big screen TV. It’s not the venue, it’s the people and the conversations arising after the movie that make this such a great evening! Oh, there is the sharing of appetizers and wine which takes this evening to a whole new level too.
I have used a variety of sausage flavors and they are all great. Aidells Brand Chicken with Apple, Italian Style with Mozzarella Cheese or Artichoke & Garlic are favorites of mine.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat; mist with cooking spray. Add the sausage; cook, turning once until browned on both sides. The sausages are cooked but this step adds a wonderful caramelization which gives the appetizer an additional layer of flavor.
Thread a grape tomato half onto a small wooden toothpick. Next thread an artichoke piece and add 1 small or 1/2 large basil leaf onto the pick last. Stab the pick into a sausage round, arranging them on the pick so it can stand up on the sausage end as a base.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make about two-dozen “Flags”. This party size portion is just in time for football season!
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 package chicken sausages, cut into 1-inch rounds (8-10 rounds to a link)
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- 12 grape tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- Toothpicks
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat; mist with cooking spray. Add the sausage; cook, turning once until browned on both sides, about 7 minutes.
- Thread a grape tomato half onto a small wooden toothpick.
- Next thread an artichoke piece and add 1 small or 1/2 large basil leaf onto the pick last.
- Stab the pick into a sausage round, arranging them on the pick so it can stand up on the sausage end as a base.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make about two-dozen "Flags".
- I have used a variety of sausage flavors and they are all great. Aidells Brand: Chicken with Apple, Italian Style with Mozzarella Cheese or Artichoke & Garlic are favorites of mine.
Love it!