The Christmas season is one of my most favorite times of the year. Focusing on the “Reason for the Season” the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is center at our home. Giving gifts, serving others and of course all the tasty treats that appear make this a blessed time.
One of our family traditions for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinner is appetizers, appetizers, appetizers. Yep that’s right we only eat appetizers. A few of our family favorites are 7-layer dip, a veggie/relish tray with dill dip, Sweet and Sour Meatballs, and Pigs in a Blanket.
The holidays are hectic so make it easy on yourself. I plan the menu this way, one meat/protein dish, one or two simple dishes, and a fresh healthy one. I also like to try a new appetizer every now and then, you never know, it could become the new family favorite.
Seven Layer Dip
Directions
In a 9x13 dish or a deep pie plate mix the refried beans and about 2/3 – ¾ cup of salsa.
Next mix sour cream with 2 TBS taco seasoning and spread over beans.
Layer guacamole, remaining salsa, green chilies, cheese.
Top with olives and tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips.
Serves a large crowd. Great for pot lucks.
Veggie/Relish Tray with Dill Dip
Dill Dip (My go to dip :)
1 cup sour cream (Substitute greek yogurt for a healthier option)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp celery salt
1 TBS Dill weed
1 TBS dried chives
Mix ingredients and serve with fresh veggies, pickles and olives.
Sweet & Sour Sauce
Mix Brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
Meatballs
Directions
Mix ingredients in a bowl well. Don’t over mix as this will make meatballs tough.
Form into meatballs.
In a fry pan drizzle a little oil.
Over medium heat fry meatballs until browned.
Pour sauce over and simmer until sauce thickens or reduces.
Pigs In a Blanket
6 thin slices of deli ham smoked, or black forest is best
8oz of cream cheese
1 jar of favorite dill pickles (you can use baby dills or cut larger pickles to size needed)
Directions
Lay the ham out on cutting board.
Put the cream cheese and pickle in the middle of the ham slice and then roll it up. I like the pickle and cream cheese to be the equal proportions.
Roll up the ham and secure with a toothpick on each end and cut in half.
It is so easy to do and very delicious, they won’t last long.
If you make 12 it serves about 4 people.
I sure hope you enjoy these appetizers during the holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
And don't forget the special ingredient: LOVE!
Photo Credit: Jennifer Renshaw