Holiday Party Appetizers

[CookForMe]

Do you like to buy or make your own appetizers for holiday parties?

[Barksdale]

Are you about to suggest something from your employer, Safeway again?

Don't you realize how annoying that is?

It's called SPAM.

[layla17]

Yeah I agree... it's getting a little ridiculous now. No one wants to buy stuff from Safeway, because you're recommending it.

[Adin]

if you have the luxury of time to make appetizers, then its more appreciated if you make it otherwise if you don't have the time of day, then you have no choice but to buy.;)

[CookForMe]

Adin-
That is true and not true. Everyone always has time, you just have to make time. :-) Some people are just naturally lazy tho, and have the time and dont utilize it. I think making appetizers are fun and don't take too much time.

[Barksdale]

You are a college student with a lot of time on your hands, obviously.

When you grow up, you'll no doubt learn that there is never enough time to do everything you want to do, so you prioritize.

So NO, everyone does NOT always have time. Choosing to buy rather than make appetizers does NOT make someone "lazy."

Maybe you will also learn some manners, as well.

[CookForMe]

I wasn't calling anyone lazy. I said some people are naturally lazy, but it wasn't directed at you if you buy your appetizers.

[Barksdale]

Reread your post.

[CookForMe]

Let me say this again, I wasn't trying to imply or say that anyone in this forum is lazy. I am sorry if you or anyone took that as an insult.

I was just trying to see if anyone in this forum could share their plans for holiday appetizers and snacks that they plan on serving at their holiday party. I say it's fun to make them because especially for Christmas you can decorate them to represent Christmas spirit. Especially decorating with kids. I find they find it very fun to help with decorating. :)

[CookForMe]

Has anyone ever made Candy Sushi before? Its not really an appetizer, more of a dessert snack. Its made with cake, marshmellows, and fruit snacks. The end result ends up looking like sushi. Very cute snack for the dessert table.

[Barksdale]

Please don't post Safeway's recipe for that silly kids sushi.

You are nothing but a Spammer. Unwanted here.

Also, Safeway should be concerned that their employees insult people on message boards. I've copied your post to send to them.

[NOCHEF&JUSTLOVESFOOD.YUM]

There are thousands of great appetizer recipes out there. I like this one overall for entertaining because it tastes great hot, it is filling and vegetarian. Perfect for everyone.

Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

24 fresh mushrooms, stems removed ( I Like portabella, but white button are smaller)
1 (10-ounce package) frozen chopped spinach
2 ounces cream cheese
4 ounces feta cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped green onion, with tops
1 teaspoon your favorite seasoning mix ( Italian, Mexican,etc)
Salt, to taste
1 cup grated Parmesan fresh is always best

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp paper towel. Thaw spinach in a colander; squeeze out as much moisture as possible. In mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except mushrooms and Parmesan. Mix well. Fill mushroom caps with mixture and place on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle Parmesan on top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

[Liketobake]

Has anyone ever made Candy Sushi before? Its not really an appetizer, more of a dessert snack. Its made with cake, marshmellows, and fruit snacks. The end result ends up looking like sushi. Very cute snack for the dessert table.

I have not heard of that before, but please post a reciepe, I would love to make it. Then I could tell my boyfriend that yes I do eat certian kinds of sushi;) :D :D

[CookForMe]

Barksdale has requested that I do not post the Safeway candy sushi recipe. You can PM me if you would like. Haha...certain kinds of sushi, haha. This is the kind of sushi that sends you to the dentist with a cavity! :-p

[Barksdale]

The only reason you are here is because you are being paid by Safeway to promote their products.

That's SPAMMING.

You do it on a lot of other boards too -- the ones that let you get away with it.

You contribute nothing else to speak of and even manage to give bad advice and be rude as well.

[CookForMe]

If anyone took offense to any posts of mine, I apologize. I did not intentionally try to insult anyone. Take care and have a great holiday.

[NOCHEF&JUSTLOVESFOOD.YUM]

Ok, Let's get back to the Christmas appetizer favorites. There are a zillion out there, here are two of my favorites:


Cream Cheese and Cheddar Ball Rolled in Chopped Pecans





2 packs of cream cheese (8 oz. each)
8 oz. cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice (or from the plastic lemon squirt ball)
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
dash cayenne pepper (about 1/4 and then to taste)
1/8 tsp. salt (seasoned salt is fine here too)
1 cup pecans (chopped fine)
Directions:

Let the cream cheese sit out for an hour or so. It's much easier to mix when warm.
Put the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl and mix well. You can use your hands to get it well mixed, but if you're a neat freak, then use a spoon and mix, mix, mix.
Add the seasonings. Mix well.
Put the mixture in the refrigerator for an hour or so. Then, you can form the cheese into a ball. You can do it before, but it's hard to make a ball out of warm cheese.
This recipe easily makes two cheese balls. You can have two different trays featuring different crackers, or have one cheese ball for a gathering and one for home.
Either roll the cheese ball around in the finely chopped pecans or gently pat the pecans into the cheese. I generally use a combination of rolling and patting.
That's the basic southern cheese ball recipe. It's great served on crackers or Triskets or any other bread type munchie

and

Christmas Oyster Roll recipe

16 ounces cream cheese
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 small onion, grated
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cans smoked oysters, well drained and finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cream together cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion, mayonnaise and salt. Spread mixture on wax paper until it is about 12 x 8 inches and less than 1/2 inch thick. Chill in refrigerator about one hour.

Spread oysters on top of cheese mixture, and roll up into a log. Roll log in chopped parsley and chill refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.

[NOCHEF&JUSTLOVESFOOD.YUM]

BTW

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!!!

[CookForMe]

You too NoChef! Less than 2 weeks left for Christmas. I hope everyone has a great Christmas.

[fedrik]

I organize my holiday parties through Center'd. A friend suggested some easy-to-use planning tools for all kinds of occasions. She mentioned a personal event planner called Center’d. You can check www.centerd.com for more information. There’s quite a lot of info out there for planning any event. So it is easier than getting appetizer from outside and you can enjoy your party also.

[Semigourmet]

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Thanks for the link fedrik!

I am making a couple new appetizers this year, peppered Rosemary Crackers, and a Parmesan Black Pepper crackers. I will also make some Permesan and Cheddar Crisps.

[Semigourmet]

Might make a dip or two Asiago Sundried Tomato Dip, and a Pan Fried onion Dip. To go with the toasts.

[axeray]

Do you have any dip recipes handy?

[Semigourmet]

are you serious? LOL

which would you like. do you have any in mind? (I have not tried this one yet)

Asiago and Sundried tomato Dip

Makes about 32 servings of 2 tablespoons each

Ingredients

1/3 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes (not oil packed)
1 cup water
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup finely shredded Asiago Cheese
8 medium green onions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 ½ cups sour cream
Assorted crackers, if desired



Directions

1. Mix tomatoes and water; let stand 30 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

2. Spray inside of 1 to 2 ½ quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place tomatoes and remaining ingredients except sour cream and crackers in slow cooker.

3. Cover and cook on low heat setting 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring after 30 minutes, until cream cheese is melted. Stir until cheese is smooth; stir in sour cream.

4. Scrape down side of cooker with rubber spatula to help prevent edge of dip from scorching. Serve dip with crackers. Dip will hold up to 2 hours.



Pan Fried Onion Dip (I have not made this one either)

Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

2 large yellow onions
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup sour cream
½ cup good mayonnaise


Directions

1. Cut the onions in half, and then slice them into 1/8 inch thick have rounds. (You will have about 3 cups of onions.)

2. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, cayenne, salt, and pepper and sauté for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 more minutes, until onions are browned and caramelized. Allow the onions to cool.

3. Place the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat until smooth. Add the onions and mix well. Taste for seasonings. Serve at room temperature.

[axeray]

Thanks for that Mary.

I like to try out new things and make things from scratch.

I'll give these ago on the weekend.

[monamona]

I make them myself. Unless, I am hard pressed for time then I buy. But if I am preparing for the family, I try hard to do them myself. Even if it means I would have to look through the cook book several times.

[greatmagic]

Do you like to buy or make your own appetizers for holiday parties?
I would suggest cooking on your own for parties.let me know if you need great recipes!! check recipes on my site. http://www.givefries.com

[Drama Queen]

Ok, Let's get back to the Christmas appetizer favorites. There are a zillion out there, here are two of my favorites:


Cream Cheese and Cheddar Ball Rolled in Chopped Pecans





2 packs of cream cheese (8 oz. each)
8 oz. cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice (or from the plastic lemon squirt ball)
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
dash cayenne pepper (about 1/4 and then to taste)
1/8 tsp. salt (seasoned salt is fine here too)
1 cup pecans (chopped fine)
Directions:

Let the cream cheese sit out for an hour or so. It's much easier to mix when warm.
Put the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl and mix well. You can use your hands to get it well mixed, but if you're a neat freak, then use a spoon and mix, mix, mix.
Add the seasonings. Mix well.
Put the mixture in the refrigerator for an hour or so. Then, you can form the cheese into a ball. You can do it before, but it's hard to make a ball out of warm cheese.
This recipe easily makes two cheese balls. You can have two different trays featuring different crackers, or have one cheese ball for a gathering and one for home.
Either roll the cheese ball around in the finely chopped pecans or gently pat the pecans into the cheese. I generally use a combination of rolling and patting.
That's the basic southern cheese ball recipe. It's great served on crackers or Triskets or any other bread type munchie

and

Christmas Oyster Roll recipe

16 ounces cream cheese
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 small onion, grated
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cans smoked oysters, well drained and finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cream together cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion, mayonnaise and salt. Spread mixture on wax paper until it is about 12 x 8 inches and less than 1/2 inch thick. Chill in refrigerator about one hour.

Spread oysters on top of cheese mixture, and roll up into a log. Roll log in chopped parsley and chill refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.

I've made a simpler variation of your smoked oyster appetizer. I use finely chopped onion, finely chopped garlic, cream cheese and smoked oysters chopped. This is one of the best appetizers ever and it's become a traditional "must" at our house for any party, anytime.
I like your version and may try it tonight. Thanks for posting.