appetizers & beverages | 33
HOLIDAY CHEESE BALL
andrea bolden, unionville, tennessee
With its colorful flecks of green onion and pimiento,
this cheese ball is great as a Christmas or New
Year’s appetizer. It can be made with fat-free
cheeses without sacrificing the zesty Italian taste.
1 package ( 8 ounces) cream cheese,
softened
1 cup ( 4 ounces) shredded part-skim
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 jar ( 2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
Toasted French bread slices, assorted crackers
and/or fresh vegetables
1 In a small mixing bowl, combine the first
seven ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for
30 minutes. Shape into a ball and roll in
walnuts. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2 Serve with toasted French bread slices,
crackers and/or vegetables.
Yield: 1 cheese ball.
CHICKEN POPPERS
(PICTURED ABOVE)
charlene crump, montgomery, alabama
Wrapped in bacon, these cute chicken bites can
be served with your favorite dipping sauce. I made
up this recipe using a few food items that were on
hand. It was an immediate hit!
3 pounds boneless skinless chicken
breasts
1 cup ground fully cooked ham
25 to 30 cheddar cheese cubes (1/2-inch
cubes)
1 pound sliced bacon
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 Flatten chicken to 1/4-in. thickness; cut
into 1-1/2-in. strips. Spread each with 1
teaspoon ham. Place a cheese cube on the
end of each strip; roll up. Cut each slice of
bacon in half widthwise. Wrap each around
chicken roll-up; secure each with a
toothpick.
2 In a large skillet, cook roll-ups in oil until
bacon is crispy, about 10 minutes. Add the
broth, salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15
minutes or until chicken juices run clear.
Serve warm.
