Labor Day Potluck Picks

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

03 Sep 2009 05:31 PM

Don't let the last unofficial weekend of summer go by without taking advantage of perfect picnic weather. Gather the clan and head to the park or beach for a Labor Day potluck.

The following simple dishes are sure to be winners at your holiday fiesta. Not only are they portable and tasty, but also, you don't need utensils to feast on them:

TEXAS CAVIAR

Ingredients:

1 can black-eyed peas, drained

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup celery, finely sliced

1 green bell pepper, finely diced

1 tomato, diced

1 small onion, finely diced

3 chopped scallions, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

8 oz. bottle of Italian dressing

Directions:

In large bowl (or Tupperware container), combine all the ingredients except one of the chopped scallions.

Use the remaining scallion as garnish before serving.

Chill overnight if possible.

Serve with Fritos or other sturdy dip chip.

CHEESE AND BACON POLENTA BITES

Ingredients:

24 1/2-inch thick slices of polenta from a prepared roll

2 tablespoons butter

2 cups sweet onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/4 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

8 slices bacon, cut into 2-inch long strips and cooked

6 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, sliced

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Arrange polenta slices on a baking sheet, and bake 5 to 7 minutes per side, until hot.

In a large skillet, heat butter over low heat. Add onion and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add walnuts, cherries, brown sugar, rosemary, salt and pepper and cook 8 to 10 minutes more, until onions are caramelized.

Top each polenta bite with a bacon slice, one tablespoon of the onion mixture and a slice of Gorgonzola cheese.

Garnish with a few dried cherries if desired.

Related Articles:

Simple Party Snacks

Gourmet Appetizers

Simple Snacks to Take on the Road

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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