Three-Cheese Cheese Puffs and Cranberry Cracker Spread

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

14 Jan 2008 12:29 PM

Potlucks provide the perfect opportunity to try foods you wouldn't ordinarily make for your own family. And if you have children a potluck is the perfect place for you to discover new ways to incorporate your kids' favorite ingredients into daily dishes. In a previous blog I wrote about a football potluck I attended over the weekend. My daughter didn't come, but she devoured the goodies I brought home for her.

Her favorite was a simple cheesy biscuit. I make plain biscuits at home all the time and she eats them without complaint, but I have never seen her inhale a biscuit the way she did with the one I brought home from the party. I immediately called my friend and got the recipe. Last night we had a Three Cheese Cheese Puff party of our own. Who knew what a little cheese could do for ordinary biscuits?

The second recipe is for a spread I couldn't get enough of at the playoff party. If you love cranberries (which I do) and pecans then you must try this recipe for a fast and simple snack that's ideal on crackers.

THREE-CHEESE CHEESE PUFFS

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cayenne pepper, to taste

1 cup water

1 cup flour

4 eggs

1/2 cup Asiago cheese, finely shredded

1/2 cup Aged Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 cup Pepato cheese, shredded

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a small saucepan, combine butter, oil, salt, cayenne pepper and water; bring to a boil. Add flour all at once; stir until mixture forms a smooth ball. Cook over low heat, until mixture is drier, but still smooth; place in mixing bowl. Beat in eggs, one at a time; stir in cheeses.

Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto greased cookie sheets.

Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned and firm.

Tip: For lighter puffs, use 2 whole eggs and 4 egg whites instead of 4 eggs.

CRANBERRY CRACKER SPREAD

Ingredients:

8 ounces crumbled blue cheese

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup chopped dried cranberries

Directions:

Mix the blue cheese and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Stir in the pecans and cranberries. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra pecans. Serve with hearty crackers.

More Recipes for Party Dishes:

Spicy Sloppy Joes with Cold and Crunchy Coleslaw

Chocolate Football Rice Krispie Treats and Playoff Pinwheels

Football Food

Baked Beans and Cheesy Wedges

Shrimp-tastic Snacks

Delightfully Delicious Dips

Hearty Party Dips

Super Sandwiches for the Big Bowl Games

Bowl-o-Rama: Party Recipes for Football Fans

Two Appetizers For Your Holiday Party: Deep Fried Tortellini and Artichoke Dip

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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