If you are planning on doing a lot of holiday entertaining, these easy appetizer recipes will help make your planning and cooking faster and easier!
Artichoke Cheese Dip
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/8 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/8 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/2 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Mix together the mayonnaise, cheeses, spices, and artichoke hearts. Pour into a 2-quart baking dish and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Best served with toasted French bread or crackers.
Bacon Rollups
1 loaf white bread, crusts trimmed
1 8-oz. package softened cream cheese
1 pound slice bacon
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cut each slice of white bread and each bacon slice in half. Spread each slice of bread with the cream cheese. Roll the bread tightly, wrapping the bacon slice around the roll. Secure with toothpicks. Arrange the rollups in a single layer on a medium baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until the bacon is no longer pink and the bread is lightly toasted. Serve warm.
Port, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Spread
1 pound blue cheese
1/2 cup unsalted softened butter
1/3 cup port wine
1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts
Blend together the cheese, butter, and port in a food processor until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the nuts. Place the spread into a crock or small bowl and chill until ready to serve.
Cinnamon-Toasted Almonds
1 egg white
1 teaspoon cold water
4 cups whole almonds
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Lightly grease a 10x15 inch sheet pan. Lightly beat the egg white. Add the water and beat until frothy but not stiff. Stir in the nuts and blend until well coated. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the nuts. Toss to coat and spread evenly on the pan. Bake the nuts for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Allow to cool. These nuts should be stored in an airtight container.
Cook up something delicious tonight with this special recipe provided to you by Oxford at Sonterra Apartments in San Antonio, Texas and put our expansive kitchens to good use!