Entertaining at home is often a stressful endeavor, especially if you have limited time and resources. However, with a few simple recipes and a little time, you can put together some terrific hors d'oeuvres for a cocktail party your guests will rave about. Some recipes may be prepared the night before your gathering.
Easy Cucumber Sandwiches
You will need: One loaf of cocktail pumpernickel bread, one 12 oz. container of ranch or green onion cream cheese, one cucumber sliced thin, and dill weed (fresh or dried).
Simply spread the flavored cream cheese on each slice of bread, top with a slice of cucumber and sprinkle with dill. Make these a few hours ahead, wrap in a damp paper towel and store in the refrigerator. Serve on a fancy plate.
Easy Mini "Cheesecakes"
You will need: One package of shortbread tea biscuits (such as Lorna Doones), one large package softened cream cheese, and ¼ cup orange marmalade.
In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and marmalade together till blended. Spread or pipe onto the tea biscuits. These taste amazingly like cheesecake. For a special twist, use an icing decorator to pipe the cream cheese filling onto the cookies, and garnish with sprinkles or fruit. Place separately in mini cupcake papers for a nice presentation.
Easy Salmon Phyllo Diamonds
You will need: One package frozen phyllo sheets, butter or margarine (not spread), one 6 oz. can of salmon, one large package softened cream cheese, one cup mild shredded cheese, ½ cup finely chopped scallions, 1 tsp. dried dill.
Melt butter. Brush a cake or sheet pan with butter and place 3 to 4 layers of phyllo in the pan, layering butter between each sheet. Drain the salmon and remove any bones. Mash it up with the remainder of the ingredients. Mix well. Spread the mixture over the phyllo. Top with 3 to 4 more layers of phyllo sheets, layering butter between the sheets. Press down with your hands to make it all even. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 15 minutes, till golden brown. Let cool to room temperature. Turn out on a cutting board. Cut into diamonds by slicing the sheet lengthwise into 1- to 2-inch strips, then cutting the strips on a diagonal.
Easy Swedish Fruit Dip
You will need: One large (16 oz) container of vanilla yogurt, 1 tbsp. ground cardamom, honey, an assortment of cut fruit, such as apples, pears, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, etc.
Mix the cardamom into the container of vanilla yogurt. Place in a decorative bowl. Drizzle with honey. Serve with fruit and sweet crackers.
Easy Scallion Garlic Veggie Dip
You will need: One 16 oz. container of sour cream, ½ cup finely chopped scallions, two cloves of finely chopped garlic, salt and pepper to taste, assortment of sliced vegetables such as sweet peppers, cucumbers, celery, carrots, jicama, raw zucchini, raw turnip, radishes, etc.
Mix sour cream, scallions, garlic, salt and pepper together. Let stand overnight, covered, in the refrigerator. Serve in a decorative bowl, surrounded by an assortment of raw vegetables.
Ham and Cheese Tomatoes
You will need: One container of grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, one large package softened cream cheese, one cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup finely diced ham, a Ziploc sandwich bag.
Cut each tomato in half and scoop out the seeds. Mix softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, and ham together. Scoop into a Ziploc bag. Seal the bag, getting all the air out. Snip off a bottom corner, large enough to pipe the filling through. Pipe ham and cheese filling into each tomato half. For a nice presentation, line a decorative plate with red lettuce and place the stuffed tomatoes on the plate.
Tags: cream cheese, will need, softened cream, softened cream cheese, finely chopped