Whether you are celebrating a graduation, birthday or anniversary, the following simple recipes will help you get the party started without breaking the bank:
FETA ARTICHOKE DIP
Ingredients:
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained, chopped
8 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 chopped Roma tomato
2 chopped green onions
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix first 6 ingredients together.
Place mixture in a pie pan.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove from oven and top with tomatoes and green onions.
Serve warm with pita bread, crackers, tortilla chips or raw vegetables.
SPICY CHEESE BALL
Ingredients:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 ounces crumbled Bleu cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
3 to 4 drops hot pepper sauce
1 pinch of cayenne pepper
1/2 cup finely diced red pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
3/4 cup finely chopped, toasted pecans or walnuts
Directions:
Mix first 5 ingredients in food processor and chill overnight or until firm.
Roll the cheese mixture into a ball, and coat in this order: parsley, cayenne, pepper and nuts.
Wrap in plastic or wax paper, and refrigerate until party time.
POMEGRANATE AND MANGO GUACAMOLE
Ingredients:
4 medium to large ripe avocados
1 cup white onion, finely chopped
2 fresh Serrano chilies, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3/4 cup pomegranate seeds
3/4 cup mango, peeled and diced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Directions:
Halve, pit, and peel avocados and mash in a bowl.
Stir in onion, chiles, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and then fold in pomegranate seeds, mango, and cilantro.
Season with salt and additional lime juice.
Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until party time.
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