Appetizer, Drink And Dip Recipes!

Ok, my dear readers…last year at this time, I posted some easy, comfy, cozy recipes and I thought I would re-post because, well because they are sooooo good and easy and perhaps you missed them the first time around.

We all love to have pretty little Christmas Cookies and all things “snacky”…I think I just made up another word….around for the friends and relatives who drop in around the Holidays or just for the family.

So, I have several very easy recipes that I would like to share with you.

One is a chocolate covered pretzel that is about the easiest thing to make and the combination of salted pretzels and creamy milk chocolate are simply the best ever for that sweet and savory craving that we all get.

You do get that craving don’t you?  It isn’t just me?

I know this simple recipe is something your children can help with and everyone knows how to dip pretzels in chocolate.

I am sure this is one of the first recipes ever recorded…..so I am sure you know how to make them…all I am doing is reminding you of this simply delicious pretzel and you can let your imagination run wild as to toppings.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

1. Melt almond bark, vanilla or chocolate or both, in microwave until smooth…you can use dark or milk chocolate chips too!
2. Dip pretzel bows, rods or whatever shape you have in your pantry into the melted chocolate and place on waxed paper or parchment paper
3. Sprinkle colored sugars, multi-colored sprinkles or coconut or whatever you prefer…add flake salt if you prefer 

 How simple is that?

Second is the Sugared Cranberries…..these are great for garnishes for your main meal or for the top of specialty drinks…just spear them on a skewer and lay across a cranberry cocktail and Wowser!  Instant glitter and glam….and sometimes people think they are not real!  I love surprising them with the real thing!

Sugared Cranberries

1.  Bring 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar to a boil until the sugar is dissolved, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the cranberries and let the cranberries sit in the sugar water for about 1-2 hours
2. Place the cranberries in a strainer and allow to drain completely.  Add the cranberries to a shallow bowl or pie dish and sprinkle about 1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar (depending on how many cranberries you are working with) and gently toss until all the cranberries are coated in sugar. If you are making a very large amount of sugared Cranberries…use a sided cookie sheet.  
3. Allow the cranberries to dry, in a single layer for at least an hour. The longer you let the cranberries sit in the sugar water…the softer they become….I love to pop them in my mouth as is…..or you can use them as a garnish or dropped into a drink.  So pretty!

Now it can’t get any easier than that!

Stuffed Mushrooms

1. In a medium sized bowl, combine 1/2 cup Italian-style dried bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated *Pecorino Romano, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of  olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
2. Fill about 25 large (2 inch diameter) white mushrooms (stems removed) with the filling and place filling side up on cookie sheet that has been lined with foil or parchment paper
3. Drizzle small amount of olive oil over the filling of each mushroom and bake in 400 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until the tops are golden.  Serve warm.

*I have to smile every time I use Pecorino Romano Cheese…I can’t help but think of my dear dancing friend across the pond!  Hugs to you my friend. 🙂

If your family loves mushrooms, these are just the ticket!  I bought these at my supermarket and they are the right size for stuffing…about 2 inches in diameter.  

Rapunzel and Harley Davidson (you know I never give real names) brought a similar stuffed mushroom to our Christmas Party.  I am anxious to compare recipes with Rapunzel to see if the recipes differ….but I can tell you the stuffed mushrooms were certainly a hit and gone within minutes.

AND so easy to  make!

Let me tell you about the Colorful Confetti Dip!  The year was 1975 and the annual Office Christmas Party Potluck!  Two recipes came home with me that day…the Confetti Dip and the Crock Pot Spaghetti!  I have made both recipes many times since that day and on a future post, I will tell you the story behind both recipes and the interesting ladies who made them.

The dip is a bit unique as it has sugar…but trust me, this is that sweet and savory taste that one gets when dipping a salty chip into the colorful confetti looking dip.  I love serving this confetti strewn dip on New Year’s Eve…but the red and green “confetti” works just as well for Christmas too…and lastly, it is pretty!

Colorful Confetti Dip

1.  Using a double boiler or heavy pan….combine 3 beaten eggs, 3 tablespoons of  vinegar, 3 tablespoons sugar. 1 teaspoon melted butter and a dash of salt over medium heat stirring constantly because this thickens really fast.
2. Once the mixture has thickened, remove from heat and stir in 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese until blended
3. Add 3 tablespoons of minced onion, 3 tablespoons finely diced (well drained) *pimento and 3 tablespoons of finely diced green bell pepper and chill until ready to serve. 

*Make sure your pimento is blotted dry with a paper towel after draining if you use a jar …or your dip will be a pinkish color! 😉

I hope you enjoy one or more of these quick recipes….and I hope you are enjoying the Holidays.

If it is cold where you are, grab a big sweater, or PJ’s and cozy up to a cup of hot chocolate and relax!  No stressing with these easy recipes.