Holiday Appetizers
December 20, 2007 – 8:34 am
One of my favorite things at holiday parties is the appetizers … if they’re good that is! Over the past few weeks, we’ve been unearthing the rich history of mustard, as well as sharing various mustard inspired recipes. When you want to add a healthy punch of flavor to your culinary creations, mustard is a “go to” ingredient. Don’t disappoint your guests with average appetizers. Try these easy recipes that are flavorful and festive!
Crab Dip - Crab is a food often associated with special occasions and the holidays. This dip is absolutely delicious served with fresh cut veggies and small slices of toasted sour dough baguette.
Makes 1-1/2 cups or 12 servings, 2 Tbsp. each.
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup GREY POUPON Harvest Coarse Ground Mustard
2 Tbsp. sour cream
1 can (6-1/2 oz.) crabmeat, drained, chopped
1 green onion, finely chopped
Mix cream cheese, mustard and sour cream until well blended. Stir in crabmeat and onions; cover.
Refrigerate several hours or until chilled.
Storage:
Store any leftover party dip in a tightly covered container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Discard any dip that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Ham Dijon Pastry Cups - Ham is to Christmas what turkey is to Thanksgiving. These petite pastries are savory, buttery and look especially festive if you garnish them with diced red and green bell peppers before baking.
Makes: 24 servings, 1 pastry cup each
1 pkg. (17.3 oz.) frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
1 container (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Swiss Cheese
5 slices OSCAR MAYER Thin Sliced Smoked Ham, chopped
1/3 cup chopped red pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp. GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard
PREHEAT oven to 425°F. Roll out each pastry sheet to 12×9-inch rectangle on lightly floured surface; cut each rectangle into 12 (3-inch) squares. Place 1 pastry square, with pastry corners pointing up, in each of 24 medium muffin cups.
MIX remaining ingredients until well blended. Spoon 1 Tbsp. of the cream cheese mixture into each pastry cup.
BAKE 15 to 18 minutes or until filling is heated through and pastry is golden brown.
Planning a party can be really fun, but also a bit hectic just before the big day. Tomorrow I’ll be sharing some tips about one of the most important elements of any party … hosting!
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