Fun and Festive Appetizers for Get Together

Fun and Festive Appetizers for any Get together
We all that Labor Day signifies the last weekend of summer filled activities.Bar B Ques are a big part of family and friend get togethers and I have compiled a few fun and festive appetizers that everyone will love for just that occasion.You will be in and out of the kitchen in less time than you thinks.These appetizers are quick and easy to make and very portable.

Easy Ham and Swiss Pinwheels
1 pound of your favorite deli ham chopped
3 tablespoons of butter softened
1 garlic glove minced
1 tablespoon of fresh mined chives
1 tablespoon of fresh minced parsley
1 package of frozen pastry puff (thawed)
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water in a small bowl
grated swiss cheese

Combine ham,butter,garlic,chives and parsley in a mixing bowl and set aside,roll each pastry sheet onto a floured surface,cut pastry into small squares ( about 72),spoon about a 1/4 teaspoon of the mix into each square,top with a sprinkle Of swiss cheese and fold each square by the corners into the middle ( it will resemble a purse like look) ,combine egg yolk and water and brush each filled pastry,bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.This recipe makes about 6 dozen.

Mexican Fiesta Dip
1 small can of sho peg corn
1 can of black beans
1 can of rotel (whatever style you prefer)
1 small red onion (chopped)
1/2 cup green onions ( chopped)
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
zesty Italian dressing ( about 1/4 bottle)

mix all ingredients together chill in fridge for about 1/2 an hour before serving,it is a chunky dip so I prefer to use Tostitos Scoops.This recipe can also be made into mini taco salads by adding seasoned cooked beef,lettuce and shredded cheddar cheese served on top tortilla chips.

Pineapple Cheese Ball
3/4 shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
2 teaspoons grated onion
1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple drain juice
1/2 package of cream cheese ( softened)
2/3 cup chopped parsley

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl except the chopped parsley,shape into a round ball and chill in fridge for about 30 minutes,remove from fridge and roll ball into parsley serve with Melba toast crackers or crackers of your choice.

Veggie and Cheese Skewers
1 block of mozzarella cheese cut into cubes
1 block of cheddar cheese cut into cubes
20 small cherry tomatoes
1 yellow bell pepper cut into small squares
1 red bell pepper cut into small squares
1/3 cup Italian Vinagrette dressing
Fresh basil chopped or chopped parsley
wooden toothpicks or small wooden skewers

Roast both bell peppers on a grill for a couple minutes remove and cool then cut into small squares.Mix dressing and chopped basil/parsley in a small bowl set aside.Rotate cheese,peppers and tomatoes on each skewer ,with a basting brush lightly cover each skewer with the dressing and basil/parsley mixture place in shallow dish and let stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes turning occasionally to coat all sides of skewers,place in fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.

Italian mini subs
1 loaf of french baguette
1 package of pepperoni or deli pepperoni
1 package of salami or deli salami
1 package of provolone cheese(slices) or deli provolone cheese (about 1/2 pound)
yellow onion (sliced thin)
lettuce (chopped)
tomato ( sliced thin)
sliced banana peppers
sliced black olives
creamy Italian dressing

Cut baguette in half length way,spread creamy Italian dressing over both open sides ( you can put as much or as little as you like),place slices of pepperoni on bottom half of the baguette,on top place provolone cheese slices then salami slices,top with lettuce,tomato,banana peppers and black olives,place top half of baguette on and cut into about 1/2 inch pieces and serve.

Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers on the grill
1 can of pineapple chunks or fresh diced pineapple
1 package of already peeled and deveined medium sized shrimp
parsley finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Rinse shrimp in a colander then place in a bowl with olive oil and garlic powder and a dash of both salt and pepper mix well,rotate shrimp and pineapple on wooden skewer sticks and place on grilled,you only need about 3-4 minutes on each side or until shrimp turns pink,serve immediately.