Christmas Is Here!

It is hard to believe that the Christmas season is already here!  For me, it is the most wonderful time of year for cooking and entertaining!  We have friends over for drinks and appetizers, office parties to attend and family get togethers; all of which are perfect for fun holiday food!  I personally think "bite-sized" foods are fun; and you get to eat more than one of everything!  Over the next few days, I will be sharing some of my favorite appetizer and dessert recipes for you to share in your home, or take to that special party!  I hope you enjoy trying these recipes as much as I like making them!

Gifts of food are a favorite with everyone and perfect for that "hard to buy for" neighbor, co-worker, teacher, hair stylist, etc.  I will be posting some of my favorite gift ideas along with fun ways to dress up the packaging!

For those of you who have overnight guests, I will be sharing some recipes for dishes that will make entertaining easier.  I know you want to spend as much time visiting as possible and less time in the kitchen!

Enjoy making many special dishes, snacks and desserts this Christmas season.  Each and every one will be made with love and a full heart!

First of all, I am going to share a few of my families favorite appetizers!

Spinach Rolls

1 pkg. flour tortillas
2 pkgs. frozen, chopped spinach; thawed and drained well
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 pkg. Ranch salad dressing mix
6 green onions, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can water chestnuts,  chopped fine
1 pkg. bacon bits/pieces
1 Tbl. Cajun or Creole seasoning (optional)

Combine cooked and drained spinach with remaining ingredients. Mix well.  Spread 1/4 to 1/3 cup of spinach mixture on each tortilla.  Roll up and store in refrigerator until time to serve.  Slice each roll into 1 inch pieces.

Spinach Rolls

Ham and Pickle Rolls

2 pkgs. danish ham
cream cheese, softened
Claussen Kosher Dill Pickle Spears, whole

Cut each pickle lengthwise in half.  Spread each ham slice with about 1 Tbl. cream cheese.  Place pickle slice on one end of ham and roll up.  Chill until ready to serve; slice into 1 inch pieces.

Roll-ups can be prepared, wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Cut into pieces just before serving.

For easier spreading, pat ham slices dry with paper towels before spreading with cream cheese.

Ham and Pickle Rolls

 

Party Ham Rolls

2 packages (7 1/2 oz each) small party rolls

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

2 tablespoons prepared mustard

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons poppy seed

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

8 ounces thinly sliced ham, chopped

6 ounces Swiss Cheese

Melt butter; add mustard, poppy seed, onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over low heat until onions are transparent.

Without separating rolls, slice party rolls horizontally.  Cover bottom half with ham and cheese; replace top.  Pour warm butter mixture over rolls. Wrap each package tightly in foil and refrigerate until ready to bake; one hour to overnight. 

Bake (covered with foil) at 375 ° for about 30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted.  Cut into individual rolls.  Serve warm.

Party Ham Rolls