Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Holiday Eats and Tasty Treats

This weekend is time for family, friends and presents. But let us not forget the best part of it all... eating and drinking all of the yummy food and drink we shy away from during the rest of the year! Here are a few delicious and fun ideas that you can bring along with you to your holiday gatherings!

Dip:
Greek Artichoke and Garlic Dip. Easy to make and delicious!

What you'll need:
1 garlic clove
6 cooked artichoke hearts
juice of one lemon
1 cup yogurt cheese
2tsp lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

*Simply combine everything (except 2tsp of lemon juice) into the food processor and blend until smooth. Add additional lemon to taste as well as salt and pepper. Serve with pita, crudites, or cracker, and enjoy!

Appetizer:
Pigs in a blanket. Simple, non fussy and always a hit.

What you'll need:
2 sheets of pasty dough
12 all beef hotdogs
1 large egg
1/4tsp of salt
poppy seeds for garnish

*Roll out pastry dough and cut into 6 equal sized squares. Pierce hotdogs several times and roll into pastry dough. Dip entire rolled hotdog into egg wash to seal. Place on baking sheet and garnish with poppy seeds. Bake until golden and puffed (about 20 minutes on 425 degrees.) Cut each roll into five sections and serve with mustard.


Cocktail:
Brandy Alexander. A go to Holiday favorite.

What you'll need:
2oz. Brandy
1oz of creme de cacao
1oz. heavy cream or half and half
1/4tsp. grated nutmeg

*Combine Brandy, Creme de cacao, and heavy cream into a shaker half filled with ice. Shake well, pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with nutmeg.

Dessert:
Turtle bars. A tasty treat that children and adults will love.

What you'll need:
Dough (save time by buying a pre made baking dough)
14oz. can of condensed milk
1 large egg, beaten
1tsp. pure vanilla extract
1cup coarsely chopped pecans
3/4 cup of sweet chocolate chips
1 cup of toffee chips

*Spread dough into a greased 9x13 inch pan and bake until just golden (about 13 minutes at 350 degrees.) Whisk egg, milk and vanilla together and pour over the baked crust. combine pecans, chocolate chips and toffee together and sprinkle on top. Bake for about 25 minutes until filling is set toffee is melted and edges are golden brown. Let cool completely in refigerator for about 2 hours, cut and serve.