I'm Back...& Bringing Some Simple Holiday Apps

Friends, it's been quite some time since we've connected here. So, hello. How are you? How are things?

The Fellow here, and I'm back from a self-imposed sabbatical. The reasons are numerous, but don't think it's because I've lost my desire to share all things fab. In fact, these last few weeks have re-energized me to keep the content coming for you: ways to host, decorate, dine and, in general, add delight to your life.

So, on with it. The holidays. When did THAT happen, right? I take a blogging break and the next thing you know, we've blown through Thanksgiving, and before the turkey was cold on the table, a flurry of holiday prep is happening as snow flurries are nearly upon us.

When the holidays draw near, so do we to our family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. No doubt you've already attended your fair share of open houses and cocktail parties, and you may even have a few more on your schedule before December 25th.

Whether you plan to host yourself or simply provide a snack at someone else's soiree, I'm collecting & sharing easy yet tasty appetizers that will make your holidays shine.

BAKED BRIE
This one has recently gotten lots of 'repinning' from my Pinterest board, so it seems you're interested!

1 small wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz)

1/2 - 3/4 cup of preserves

1 tube of crescent roll dough

Unroll crescent dough on an oven-safe pie pan or baking sheet. Place the brie wheel in the middle. Top with the preserves; recommendations include blackberry, mixed berry or fig. Wrap the crescent dough around the top of the cheese and bake according to dough directions, typically 8 - 10 minutes until dough is golden brown. Serve with crackers.

 

MOM'S CHEESEBALL

 

This is my mom's almost-famous cheeseball recipe - a real down-home version. I couldn't think of a snazzier name because...well, it's a cheeseball. Just let it suffice to say that I used to skip the actual meal just to have more of this.

 

2 - 8 oz packages of cream cheese

1 small onion, diced

2 - 6 oz packages of dried/chipped beef, diced (in the lunch meat section of the grocery)

2 tbsp of Miracle Whip

1 tsp of garlic salt or garlic powder

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (if desired)

 

Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature until soft. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for 1 hour. Garnish the cheeseball with chopped parsley before serving if desired. Serve with crackers.



 

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These are 2 simple stand-bys to get you started. In the coming days, I'll continue sharing more appetizer ideas as well as tips for holiday decorating, festive drinks and more. No matter how hectic your holidays, my quick tips will help you celebrate big in simple ways.

 

Cheers, friends!