Simple Party Snacks

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 May 2009 09:16 AM

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.

Related Articles:

Graduation Party Snacks

Graduation Party Recipes

Graduation Day Desserts

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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