Three Crowd Pleasing Appetizers That Make Holiday Entertaining Easy & Affordable

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Sof'ella Gourmet Natural Foods has created a trio of Healthy, All Natural and Easy-to-Prepare rice dishes that are perfect for any holiday meal. These dishes can be easily prepared on the stovetop in less than 15 minutes or in the microwave in less than 10 minutes. Available at Northeast Costco Club Stores for $7.89, the 3-pack includes: Garlic & Rosemary Risotto, Cuban Rice & Beans, Broccoli & Cheddar Pilaf. Come sample these gourmet side dishes at Costco on November 11th and 21st.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091109/LA08396)

Sof'ella Chef Jennifer Black Dea has turned the side dishes into festive hors d'oeuvres that are budget friendly and ideal for holiday entertaining. The appetizer recipes make up to 45 bite size portions. "When planning for a party I like to get creative and come up with quick and easy to make appetizers," says Dea. Try Mushrooms stuffed with Broccoli & Cheddar Pilaf, Garlic & Rosemary Risotto turned into Crispy Mozzarella Risotto Balls or Mini Tacos, overflowing with Cuban Rice & Beans.

For 24 Garlic and Rosemary Risotto Mozzarella Balls:
Ingredients:

• Sof'ella Garlic & Rosemary Risotto Box
• 4 ounces Mozzarella, cut into 24 1/4" cubes
• 2 Cups Bread Crumbs, Coarse
• 8 Cups Oil
  

Instructions:

• Cook Risotto Mix according to instructions.
• Spread Risotto out onto a sheet pan, cover and place in the refrigerator to cool.
• Heat Oil in a large pan to 365 degrees.
• Take a Mozzarella cube and press a ball of Risotto around each cube.
• Place Bread Crumbs in a bowl and roll each Risotto ball.
• Fry Risotto Balls in the hot oil for 2-4 minutes or until golden brown.
  

For 40-45 Broccoli and Cheddar Pilaf Stuffed Mushrooms:

Ingredients:

• Sof'ella Broccoli and Cheddar Pilaf Box
• 45 Mushrooms, de-stemmed
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
  

Instructions:

• Cook Pilaf according to instructions.
• Spread out onto a sheet pan, cover and place in the refrigerator to cool.
• Turn oven on to broil.
• Assemble Mushrooms open side up onto 2 sheet pans.
• Place a teaspoonful of rice into opening of the mushroom.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.
• Lightly brush Butter onto the sides of each of the mushrooms.
• Place sheet pan into oven and broil for 5 minutes or until tops begin to turn golden brown.
  

For 40-45 Cuban Taco Appetizers:

Ingredients:

• Sof'ella Cuban Rice and Beans Box
• Bag of tortilla scoops
• Sour Cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
  

Instructions:

• Cook Cuban-Inspired Rice and Beans according to rice instructions.
• Spread out onto a sheet pan.
• Cover and place in the refrigerator to cool completely.
• Place a teaspoonful of rice onto your favorite tortilla scoop chip.
• Garnish with salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
  

Owner, Carlo Brandon started Sof'ella Gourmet Natural Foods to provide nutritious and easy to prepare products while ensuring that taste and quality are never compromised. He named the company after his daughters, Sofia and Stella, to stay focused on his goal of providing good food for his and everyone's family.

    CONTACT:  Adeline Ashley, +1-213-623-0075, adeline@sofellafoods.com