In addition to the old standby snacks like nuts, candy bowls filled to the brim with those gaily wrapped Christmas chocolates, or the chips and dip bowl, you may wish to offer your family and guests some more substantial appetizers to get those mouths watering, but not fill them up. We want to save room for the main course after all and don't forget that dessert table in the corner. So, here are three easy recipes I think you will enjoy.
easy christmas dinner recipesDon't turn your nose up until you taste these SPAM SALAD BITES. You will need:
- 1 can Spam or other processed potted-ham lunch meat product (but I have found the Spam brand works best)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 tablespoon pimento
- 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard
- 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise (or mayonnaise style salad dressing)
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices
In the bowl of a food processor place the ham product, cut into cubes, and the other ingredients except the mayo. Pulse until all ingredients are mixed and mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should not quite form a ball but be moist. Remove and mix in the mayo.
Spread about a teaspoonful on each cracker or toasted baguette. Garnish with a sliver of pimento.
OPTIONS:
You could also stuff this mixture into prepared cherry tomatoes. Simply remove the end and hollow out the seeds and pulp. Stuff the cavity with the ham mixture. Try using a can of white meat chicken or tuna instead. I have even used canned salmon and can shrimp which came out deliciously and was a real surprise to my guests.
BANANA HORS D' OEUVRES
You will need:
- 2 large bananas
- 1 cup citrus juice, (lemon, pineapple, grapefruit, or orange. You can also use a lemon-lime soda but you lose some of the flavoring)
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Peel and slice the bananas into one inch slices. Marinate the slices in the juice in a plastic bag in the fridge for about 1 hour.
Drain the juice and pat the bananas dry on a paper towel. Stir the softened, room temperature cream cheese to remove any lumps. Spread each slice of banana with the cream cheese and roll in the chopped nuts. Serve with toothpicks or on a skewer. This is also a great addition to a chocolate fountain table.
OPTIONS:
You can also do this with tart sliced apples or even firm pears. You could also use slices of melon for a delicious alternative or you may want to do some of each.
And Here is an old favorite of my grandmother's. We all love deviled eggs and these HARLEQUIN EGGS are no exception, although they are a nice twist on an old standby. You will need:
- 1 cooked carrot
- 1 cooked beet (or you can used cooked, canned beets, about 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup cooked and minced green beans
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 4 hard cooked eggs
- Paprika
Shred the carrot and beets. Mix with the beans and blend with mayonnaise and seasoning. Cut the eggs into halves lengthwise, as you would for deviled eggs. Remove the yolks and set aside. Fill the cavities with the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with sieved egg yolks. If you don't have a sieve you can crush the yolks finely with a fork. Garnish with a pinch of paprika, a sliver of carrot, beet or bean, or even a slice of olive.
In a hurry? Try one of these Optional BALLS ON PICKS Appetizers.
- Anchovy balls - mash 4 ounces anchovy paste with 2 hard-cooked eggs. Add 5 drops of Worcestershire sauce, a few grains of cayenne and 2/4 cup minced parsley.
- Celery balls - Combine 3 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, dash of pepper and a small pinch of cayenne. Form balls and roll in 1 cup of minced celery.
- Burning Bush - Combine 3 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon minced onion and roll in minced dried beef.
Fill those plates with these delicious appetizers and your guests will stop asking you, when will dinner be ready.
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