Awsome Appetizers!

[KLO1]

Pepperoni Pizza Dip
In looking thru my files I found this recipe from long ago, non L/C days. It is really good and l/c without any changes.

Pepperoni Pizza Dip

1 8-oz. pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 t. dried oregano, crushed
1/8 t. crushed red pepper, optional
1/2 cup pizza sauce (can use spagetti sauce, I did)
1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
1/4 cup sliced green onion
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (2 oz.)
Sweet pepper strips, broccoli flowerets, or crackers

In a small mixer bowl beat together cream cheese, sour cream, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper. Spread evenly in a 9-10 inch quiche dish or pie plate. Spread pizza sauce over the top. Sprinkle with pepperoni, green onion, and green pepper. Bake in a 350° oven for 10 minutes. Top with cheese; bake 5 minutes more or till cheese is melted and mixture is heated through. Serve with sweet pepper strips, broccoli flowerets, or crackers.
Makes 1 1/2 cups, 12 servings

138 cal; 4 g pro; 3 g carbo; 12 g fat; 32 mg chol; 261 mg sodium; 76 mg potassium
These figures were provided with the recipe

[AlliECaT]

I made these quite a bit over the holidays and they were a total hit! I actually doubled the recipe to take to parties.

2 Wasa crackers
2 Tbs. melted butter
6 Oz. Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese
1 Tbs. minced onion (dried is fine)
1 can (14-3/4 oz.) salmon, drained
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. dry sherry
1 Tsp. dill weed
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 24 mini-muffin cups with Pam. Crush crackers fine and mix with melted butter. Divide evenly between the muffin cups and press into the bottom.
Beat together cream cheese, swiss cheese, onion, salmon, sherry, dill weed, salt and pepper until almost smooth.
Fill each muffing cavity to the brim.
Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until just set.
Cool on wire rack. Store in the refridgerator.
They are better the second day and keep for quite a few days!
Hope someone else likes this too!

AlliE

[archichick]

I went to a wine-tasting party and brought the most delicious appetizer:

Pear Bundles:
-4 Bosc pears
-Spreadable Herb Cheese - Alouette
-1/2 lb Thinly Sliced Prosciutto
-Baby Arugula

Cut the pears into slices. Top with a Tablespoon of Herb Cheese. Put one or two slices of arugula on top. Wrap with a slice of prosciutto.
Easy to make - with only 4 ingredients. Arrange pears on plate, and it looks wonderful - tastes better.

These have 3 carbs each. So the recipe is best when you are having a party or need to take something to a party.

[archichick]

This is what the Pear Bundles looked like:

[YarnLady]

Mozzarella Marinara Sticks - had these last night, wonderful, thank you!

[NorthernNisse]

Josie's Thick and Rustic Bacon Dip

1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dried garlic granules
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2-3 tablespoons Hormel Real Premium Bacon Bits...the kind in the bag (I am not chinsy with these)

In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients well.
Cover bowl and let stand in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Stir well and transfer to serving dish.
Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley.

Great with Almond Thins or Cheese-it's.

[alexandra1]

1 16 oz. roll spicy sausage( I use bob Evans, but Jimmy dean is fine)
25 stuffing mushrooms caps trimmed well( I really trim the tops to have flatter bed to stuff.
8 oz. cream cheese
1/4 finely chopped green onions
extra crusehd red pepper flakes


I was surprised to see Dottie's recipe because I made this recipe up in my teens(17 years ago)

crumble sausage and cook in skillet until done. meanwhile chop some of the stems of stuffing mushroom and saute in a little butter with the green onions.. mix the two together and add cream cheese to desired texture. add extra crushed pepper flakes to taste( I like them zingy) Stuff into mushroom caps and microwave or bake softening, but still a little firm. these are a huge hit at every gathering I take them too.
I am known for these mushrooms. I also vary it with chopped well drained spinach in the filling

[becksterinindy]

3 CHEESE SPREAD

16 oz. cream cheese

4 to 6 oz. gorgonzola (crumbled)

4 to 6 oz. blue cheese (crumbled)

1 tsp. worchestshire

1 tsp. pepper

Mix together and serve stuffed in celery, between cucumber slices etc. or just serve plain with almond thins.

[Zib]

Archchick, those pear bundles are really beautiful and sound yummy. I'll be sharing that recipe and pic with my sometimes LCing MIL as she's always doing platters for parties.

Zib

[fishinDi]

WOW! These are some great recipes....can't wait to try 'em

[VAmomof2]

I don’t like seafood so I can’t personally vouch for these but my DH and DD scarfed them up.

English Cucumber
Cream Cheese
Sliced Salmon
Freshly cracked black pepper

Rinse and dry the cucumber (no need to peel it). Slice into 1/8-1/4 inch slices and place between 2 paper towels to drain excess water. This can be done ahead - I just roll the paper towels up and leave them on the counter for a while.

Smear each cucumber round with a little cream cheese (or herbed cc spread), top with a little slice of salmon (around 1-2 inches square) and place on a platter. Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over the top.

[KLO1]

Southwest Cheesecake

16 ox cream cheese, softened
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded*
2 cups sour cream, divided (16 oz.)
1 ½ packets taco seasoning (a packet has 4 tablespoons), I now use Dottie’s
3 eggs, room temperature
1 can (4 oz.) green chilies, chopped and drained
2/3-cup salsa, any temperature, mild to hot-your choice!

Combine cheeses; beat until fluffy. Stir in 1 cups sour cream and taco seasoning. Beat eggs in one at a time. Fold in chilies. Pour into 8-½ inch springform pan. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes, or till center is just firm. Remove from oven; cool for 10 minutes. Spoon remaining sour cream over top of cake; return to oven for 5 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. Refrigerate, covered, overnight. Remove from pan; place on serving plate. Top with salsa.

Serve with tortilla chips. This was pre-carb of course!

Yield 50 servings, this is what the original recipe said!

1 package (8 oz. equals 3 cups shredded cheese)

Hope you enjoy this as much as my family does!

[jlsrtn]

I love all the recipes.. Thanks everyone

[Alfy]

Originally posted by helenback
Jalapeno Poppers

jalepeno peppers (i always get too many.... to make sure Ihave plenty)
8oz. Cream cheese
Sliced bacon (i use 1/2 slice, per 1/2 jalapeno)
Optional: FINELY chopped onion/garlic powder..



Slice jalepenos length wise(in half) and get rid of seeds etc.

Cut small piece of cream cheese and insert in pepper, wrap uncooked slice bacon around pepper.

If you use the onions or garlic mix them in with the cream cheese, then add into the jalapeno...... mmmmmmmm

Bake on cookie sheet (bacon grease will run off) @ 350 degrees until bacon is fully cooked.

Check your oven, you don't want to cook too fast or cheese will bubble over.

It doesn't matter whether I make a few of these or dozens, family and friends eat 'em all! every time!

[Alfy]

Originally posted by helenback
Jalapeno Poppers

jalepeno peppers (i always get too many.... to make sure Ihave plenty)
8oz. Cream cheese
Sliced bacon (i use 1/2 slice, per 1/2 jalapeno)
Optional: FINELY chopped onion/garlic powder..



Slice jalepenos length wise(in half) and get rid of seeds etc.

Cut small piece of cream cheese and insert in pepper, wrap uncooked slice bacon around pepper.

If you use the onions or garlic mix them in with the cream cheese, then add into the jalapeno...... mmmmmmmm

Bake on cookie sheet (bacon grease will run off) @ 350 degrees until bacon is fully cooked.

Check your oven, you don't want to cook too fast or cheese will bubble over.

It doesn't matter whether I make a few of these or dozens, family and friends eat 'em all! every time!

You can make poppers with tuna and cheese ,you just make the tuna like you were making tuna salad Mayo/tuna and add shredded cheese to your liking. Then you stuff the jalapenos with the tuna mix then just put them in the toaster oven until brown (like putting a pice of toast in) they are awsome !!! Try it.

[Cyrano]

Cheese stuffed olives

1 jar of large green olives (I use Lindsay Sicilian Pitted in a jar)
Some gorgonzola cheese (blue cheese is good too)

Take the olives and drain well, blot with paper towel

Stuff the empty green olives with larger pieces of gorgonzola cheese (it's easier if you use whole pieces and let them soften a little or come to room temp).

EAT!

[rrosser]

I found this recipe on the Betty Crocker website and it is just too cute to eat!

Make-Ahead Snowman Cheese Ball


All holiday appetizers should be this fun! This adorable snowman is made of a delicious spread of seasoned cream and Cheddar cheeses.

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (16 ounces)
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 drops red pepper sauce
1 container (4 ounces) whipped cream cheese, softened
Decorations (see Success Hint), if desired
Assorted crackers, if desired


1. Mix 3 packages cream cheese and the Cheddar cheese; divide into 3 equal parts. Combine 2 parts to equal two-thirds of mixture; mix in pesto. Mix onion, mustard and pepper sauce into remaining one-third mixture.
2. Cover each cheese mixture and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm enough to shape. Shape each cheese mixture into ball. Wrap each ball, label and freeze.
3. About 12 hours before serving, remove balls from freezer. Thaw in wrappers in refrigerator.
4. Arrange balls on serving plate with smaller ball on top for head of snowman. Frost snowman with whipped cream cheese before serving. Decorate as desired. Serve with crackers. Store covered in refrigerator.


1 Serving: Calories 42 (Calories from Fat 35 ); Total Fat 4 g (Saturated Fat 2 g); Cholesterol 10 mg; Sodium 45 mg; Total Carbohydrate 0g (Dietary Fiber 0g); Protein 2 g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 2 %; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 2 %; Iron 0%
Diet Exchanges: 1 Fat


Do-Ahead Tip
You can make this cute little guy up to 1 month ahead!

How-To
Guests may be a little reluctant to start sampling your delicious creation, so make extra to fill serving bowls to help get them started.

Success
Use your imagination to decorate this whimsical snowman! You can use fresh rosemary and dried cranberries (crown), chopped olive pieces or raisins (eyes and buttons), pimiento or red bell pepper (mouth), radicchio or carrot ribbon (scarf), and asparagus spears or celery sticks (arms).

[alexandra1]

For all the great ideas! I have to take few things I can eat to a Christmas party for the skating coaches next week and I want to stay on plan...
Along with my stuffed mushrooms a few of these will work well!

[csnme]

Originally posted by Cyrano
Cheese stuffed olives

1 jar of large green olives (I use Lindsay Sicilian Pitted in a jar)
Some gorgonzola cheese (blue cheese is good too)

Take the olives and drain well, blot with paper towel

Stuff the empty green olives with larger pieces of gorgonzola cheese (it's easier if you use whole pieces and let them soften a little or come to room temp).

EAT!

These are great in a vodka martini!

[TXkim]

ASPARAGUS ROLLUPS

Thinly sliced roast beef
Asparagus spears, cooked until crisp-tender
Mayo mixed with horseradish and lemon juice

Spread mayo mixture on roast beef slices. Top with an asparagus spear and roll up. Chill.

These are tasty and pretty.

[BAMA-GAL-60]

The scallops wrapped in bacon are just awesome.
Josie sent in the recipe for them. Anymore good seafood recipes for us Josie?

[Phrede]

Phrede's Pepparoni Poppers

Pepperoni slices
Softened cream cheese
Green olives

Put enough cream cheese between two slices of pepperoni to look like a little sandwich.
Cut olives in half lengthwise. Spread flat side of olives with cream cheese and stick on top of pepperoni patties.

Serve & enjoy

I saw where someone, (I'm sorry, I can't recall who) had come up with the pepperoni and cream cheese portion of this appetizer. I made them, but decided I wanted to add some color to it. Thought about trying the olives... awesome!
You really should try it, simply to make, looks nice, tastey, was a real hit at our last gathering.

Phrede

[Sassay]

Do you have the carb count on the potato skins?

[dcarlee]

This is awesome!
http://www.carleedise.com/lowcarb/ch...enchildip.html

Chicken Enchilada Dip

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (cooked and run thru the food processor)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers
1/4 cup of sliced jalapenos from a jar, chopped
salt and cayenne pepper to taste

Place shredded chicken in a medium bowl, and mix in cream cheese, mayonnaise, Cheddar cheese, green chile peppers, jalapeno pepper, and seasonings

You can either use the room temperature mix and spread on LC tortillas and roll up and cut in slices or heat the mix in a casserole dish in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes and serve as a hot dip.

The original recipe was from AllRecipes.com

[Charski]

Oh dang, Carlee - that made me drool!! Yummmmm............

[whidbeydodster]

PORK RINDS & CHEESE

I don't even miss chips and cheese now. Just cover pork rinds with grated cheese on a real plate and microwave for approx 1 minute. Yummyumm delicious and ohhh so easy.
newmember Doddie

[whidbeydodster]

Cover pork rinds with grated cheese on a real plate then microwave for 30-60 secs. So easy and so yummy.

Doddie the new member

[colklnk38]

I missed the post for the mozzerella sticks and dip could someone post that again, ppppllllleeeeaaassse? Thanks bunches!

[hirezmary]

Another simple dip:

Cook 1 lb of ground beef over stove top.
While that's cooking put the following in a microwave dish or crock pot if you want to leave it warming for a long time:
1 8 oz package of cream cheese
1 block cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
1 block jack cheese
1 jar salsa - I like hot, but choose mild if you like that better

After the cheese is mostly melted, drain the beef, and add to the mixture.
I usually nuke the cheeses first, and then throw everything into the crock pot, so on a game day or holiday, the family can help themselves whenver they want.

For dipping, I by the kids a bag of nacho doritos and for me, I take several Mama Lupe's LC tortillas, cut into 4's and deep fry. They make good tasting and very sturdy chips for dipping.
I usually make up a larger bunch of chips then I will need, and just bag them up for later.

Also, you can go a step further. Sometimes I make these into fancy nachos.
I just put some of the dip on chips on a plate, and add some guacamole, sour cream, a small slice jarred jalapeno, and a half of a black olive.
4-6 of these nachos is a full meal for me!

Simple and yummy!

[magnamater]

I am baking ahead for the holidays--canapes, and freezing. . .

I made Sausage balls--same ole recipe with Carbquik, sausage and cheese.

But I made it in the food processor.

Quick!

No messy hands, for some reason even making the balls!

Know this is obvious to all you cooks, but I loved the ease.