Get your party off to a tasty start with these fabulous appetizers. For the braver souls, try these Sausage-Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers. They are really very good and not as hot as one might think. With the sausage, and cheeses they are rather mild. And the ranch dip is quite soothing. But if you want to cool things down a bit, go for this Devilish Ham and Cheese Ball with an assortment of party crackers. As always, be sure you have plenty of drinks on hand for the party. Expecting any diabetics at your party? Both of these recipes are fine for diabetics, too.
SAUSAGE-STUFFED JALAPENO PEPPERS
1 lb bulk sausage
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
22 large jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
Ranch salad dressing or dip
In a large skillet, crumble sausage and cook over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain sausage well.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese; fold in the sausage. Spoon about 1 tablespoonful into each jalapeno half. Place onto two ungreased 13x9-inch baking pans. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until filling is lightly browned and bubbly. Serve with the ranch dressing or dip.
CAUTION: When cutting and seeding jalapenos, use gloves to protect hands. Do not touch eyes or face before thoroughly washing your hands!
DEVILISH HAM AND CHEESE BALL
16 oz low-fat cream cheese
8 oz sharp cheese, shredded
1 can (2 1/4 oz) deviled ham
1/4 tsp paprika
2 tbsp parsley flakes
1 tsp prepared mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
finely chopped pecans, optional
Soften cheeses in a large bowl. Add Worcestershire, lemon juice, mustard, paprika, deviled ham, salt and parsley. Mix well. Chill until almost firm then form into 1 or 2 balls. Rolls in pecans, if desired. Wrap in Saran Wrap and refrigerate. Serve with an assortment of whole-grain crackers.
Enjoy!
| Price : | Post Date : Nov 26, 2011 08:28:32
