Spring is Popping Off—and Balaboosta is Popping Up!

Spring has finally sprung, and we’re more than ready for it!

To kick off the season, Balaboosta is teaming up with two of our favorite local legends—Moderation Brewing Company and Knead & Nosh Bagels—for The Rise of the Bagel Star Wars Brunch Pop-Up on (you guessed it) May the Fourth. Our menu is lightyears beyond your average bagel, in fact it’s out of this world!, Come for the secret menu ( our kimchi pimento cheese plays a part), stay for the space puns, and raise a brunch beer to the Rebel Alliance—because with enough carbs, anything’s possible... even the Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs.

May the Fork Be With You.

One of the best parts of running a small biz in Midcoast Maine? Collaborating with other makers, movers, and magic-makers who keep things local and full of heart. From craft brewers to bold bagel bakers, to the incredible farms and producers we source from (peek at them here), it’s these connections that bring a taste of Maine, and how lucky we all are to be here to every thing we do.

Also—May just so happens to be my birthday month (the 22nd, if you’re curious—and no, not turning 22, but thanks for thinking it). We’re launching into a jam-packed summer of catering, events, and community joy.

Speaking of Collaboration

Tickets go on sale May 5th for Mid Coast Hunger Prevention’s June 18th Plates of Plenty Auction . Balaboosta will be serving a delightful array of passed appetizers and our buddy Bab’s Table will be serving the main course and of course our friends at Jackass Annie will be (wo)manning the bar… it should be such a FUN night— also there are going to be tons on Auction Items ( Dinner catered by Balaboosta being one of them btw)

#balaboostame #maythe4thbrunch #midcoastmaine #supportlocal #maineevents #eatlocal #bagelsandbeer #springpopup #kneadandnosh #moderationbrewing #starwarsbrunch #brunchgoals #communitypowered

Heading to Moderation for May the Fourth - The Rise of The Bagel brunch.

Spring ...eventually.

April - 10 Easter & Passover Hors d’Oeuvres (Without Eggs!)

Butter dipped radishes.

Spring is in the air, and at Balaboosta, we’re crafting delightful holiday spreads that bring people together—without the need for eggs!

Gosh, eggs are just so expensive lately, and I have relied on them as a main part of my holiday preparations for years from dyeing Easter eggs to relying eggs to make my Passover cakes rise.

My plan for this year is to not do away with eggs entirely, but to use them wisely and with some reverence. Yes, we will still decorate some eggs, and as a mixed household we celebrates both holidays, so I need to be strategic.

I’ll be blowing out the inside of any eggs I plan to decorate ( click here to learn how) then saving the insides for my Passover baking, did you know you can freeze separated eggs?? CLICK here to learn how to make Pysanky, Ukrainian style egg designs - I have a few wooden ones that were painted by my great great grandmother!

Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Passover, or just the joy of the season, these hors d’oeuvres are fresh, festive, and perfect for any gathering.

1. Whipped Ricotta & Honey Crostini

Crisp baguette slices or matzoh topped with airy whipped ricotta, drizzled with local Maine honey, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh thyme.

2. Savory Herb & Olive Tapenade Tartlets

Mini phyllo or matzoh cups filled with a briny, garlicky mix of Kalamata and green olives, fresh parsley, and a hint of citrus.

3. Miso-Glazed Carrots with Toasted Sesame

Sweet, caramelized baby carrots roasted to perfection, brushed with a rich miso glaze, and topped with crunchy sesame seeds.

4. Zaatar-Spiced Cauliflower Bites

Crispy roasted cauliflower seasoned with earthy zaatar and served with a cool, garlicky tahini dip.

5. Cucumber Rounds with Lemon-Dill Hummus

Thin cucumber slices topped with a velvety lemon-dill hummus and garnished with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

6. Stuffed Peppadew Peppers with Herbed Goat Cheese

Sweet-and-spicy peppadews filled with a creamy blend of goat cheese, chives, and a touch of lemon zest.

7. Butter Dipped Radishes

Crunchy and pretty! Spring radishes dipped in savory herb infused butter,

8. Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Muhammara on Pita Chips OR matzoh

A rich and tangy Middle Eastern-inspired dip served on house-made pita crisps or garlicky matzoh

9. Smoked Salmon & Avocado Endive Cups

Fresh endive leaves cradling silky smoked salmon, creamy avocado, and a bright squeeze of lemon.

10. Harissa & Maple-Glazed Meatball Skewers

This recipe uses honey, but I substitute real Maine maple syrup to keep it seasonal and local. These tiny tender meatballs are skewered for the perfect bite.

At Balaboosta, Chef Ali and our team love creating memorable dishes with vibrant, seasonal ingredients. These hors d’oeuvres are proof that you can serve up an egg-free feast that’s bursting with flavor! Which one will you be trying first?

Let us know in the comments or reach out for catering inquiries—we’d love to be part of your holiday table!