Despite being in a recession, many families are still planning to host loved ones during the holiday season. Whether you are gathering to celebrate Christmas or are planning to toast the New Year, your get together will likely involve food.
However, just because you’ve volunteered your home to be party central doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to impress your guests. There are hundreds of easy and affordable finger foods that make for prime party grub. The power is in the presentation.
The following recipes may sound like typical finger food fare, but you can kick them up by adding a few unique ingredients and presenting them on your best partyware.
FANCY CUCUMBER SANDWICHES
Ingredients:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 large cucumber (seeds removed and chopped fine)
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Dash of white pepper
1 loaf white bread
Butter
Directions:
Mix together (very well) cream cheese, cucumber, garlic powder, onion salt, mayonnaise, and grated onion. Add lemon juice and white pepper. Set aside.
Remove crust from the bread. Spread a thick layer of cucumber mixture on one slice of lightly buttered bread, cover with another slice of bread. Cut in half.
Arrange on a plate and garnish with fresh parsley.
Keep covered with plastic wrap. Chill at least one hour before serving.
HOMEMADE GOURMET CHEESE BALL
Ingredients:
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3 to 4 green onions, chopped
1 (8 ounce) jar dried beef, chopped
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
Directions:
Place cream cheese in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add green onions and dried beef, pulse a few times until well combined.
Form the mixture into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until firm.
Roll in pecans and parsley.
Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Serve with crackers.
KICKED UP MINI CHEESEBURGERS
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground round
1/4 onion, grated
1 tablespoon steak seasoning salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 package herbed cream cheese
Finely diced red and green peppers
Directions:
Place ground chuck in bowl.
Grate the onion over the bowl so the onion and the onion juice mix with the meat. Add seasoning salt and pepper. Mix and form into patties.
Grill or fry burgers and top each with cheese and sprinkle with peppers.
Serve on warm buns.
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