The Bookworm Sez

Variety makes these appetizers a hit for the holidays

This year, holidays will look a little dif- n ferent. No large family gatherings, no hugs from Grandma, no office Christmas parties. This year is like no other. Instead of making the traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, why not shake it up when it comes to food? We are planning on doing all appetizers for Christmas eve. It will be just the six of us, so a large meal isn’t necessary (and to be honest, we have picky eaters that won’t want to eat it anyway). Having an COOKING WITH KRISTIN By Kristin Kveno My husband already has picked out the appetizer he’s making for Christmas: Armadillo Eggs. While no armadillos are actually in the recipe (thank goodness) the rest of the ingredients come together in these crispy and delectable appetizers. Armadillo Eggs https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/33950/armadillo-eggs/ 24 jalapeno peppers 1 pound sausage appetizer night allows each family member to make 2 cups all-purpose baking mix an appetizer of their liking. My kids have gotten 1 (16 ounce) package Cheddar cheese, shredded pretty good at being innovative in their food cre- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes ations, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they 1 tablespoon garlic salt will come up with. 1 (16 ounce) package Monterey Jack cheese, cubed

Here’s a few of my favorite holiday appetizers. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a medium baking Some have been my tried-and-true for years now. sheet. Cut a slit in each jalapeno pepper. Remove and discard If you’ve never had bacon wrapped figs, please try this recipe at once. The first time I heard of this appetizer, I wanted nothing to do with it as I’m not a fig person. But the combination of bacon, goat cheese and figs creates a flavor profile that can’t be beat. seeds and pulp. In a medium bowl, mix sausage, baking mix, Cheddar cheese, crushed red pepper and garlic salt. Stuff jalapenos with the Monterey Jack cheese cubes. Shape sausage mixture around the jalapenos to form balls. Arrange jalapeno balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned. Bacon Wrapped Figs with Herb Goat Cheese https://www.joyfulhealthyeats.com/bacon-wrapped-stuffed-figsn herb-goat-cheese/ You can never go wrong with a cheese ball, especially if arti25 dried figs 8–9 strips of bacon, cut into thirds 3 ounces goat cheese chokes are involved. I’ve been making this recipe for years, it’s simple and delicious. Spinach Artichoke Feta Ball 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped 8 ounces cream cheese 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped 4 ounces feta 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Fill a medium saucepan with water. Bring to a boil. Add dry figs to saucepan. Remove from heat and let figs sit for 5-10 minutes, until they are plump. Remove figs from water and place on a paper towel lined plate. Pat dry.

In a small bowl, add goat cheese, rosemary, thyme, sage and garlic powder. Using a fork mix everything together.

Snip the stems of the figs and cut a slit in the figs (enough to stuff it with cheese) about a ½ inch. Stuff each fig with the goat cheese mixture, then wrap with pre-sliced bacon and secure with a toothpick in them. Place wrapped figs on parchment paper lined baking sheet seam side down. Repeat process until all figs are stuffed and wrapped. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bacon is crispy. 4 ounces canned artichoke hearts, chopped 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 package dry ranch salad dressing mix

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, spinach, feta, artichokes, garlic and ranch dressing. Mix together with hands until well blended, form into a ball or log and set on a serving plate. n

Cowboy Caviar seems to be a hit with everyone. Making it a day in advance brings out the flavors and marries all the ingredients into a taste sensation. Cowboy Caviar 2 cans Rotel 2 cans white corn 2 cans black beans (drain all cans) 1 tomato, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 8-10 green onions, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped garlic 16 ounce bottle Italian dressing

Mix all ingredients. Serve with Frito Scoops.

Whether you’re creating an elaborate holiday feast or ordering pizza, these recipes can add some flare to any holiday gathering, no matter the size. Happy eating everyone!

Kristin Kveno scours the internet, pours over old family recipes and searches everywhere in between to find interesting food ideas for feeding your crew. Do you have a recipe you want to share? You can reach Kristin at kkveno@thelandonline.com. v