Holiday Party Pinwheel Appetizer

The holidays are a great excuse for even the most cooking-challenged individual to throw a get-together. If you are hosting a party or small gathering, don't panic! I've got a great solution for you. It's a party favorite and a real crowd pleaser.

This type of appetizer has grown in popularity over the last decade, so all your guests should be familiar with the look of the pinwheels when you set them out. However, these pinwheels have a bit of a holiday zest to them that will wake up the taste buds and give a great kick-off to your gathering.

Holiday Pinwheels

1 Package flour tortillas

1 16oz bag shredded cheese (cheddar & jack)

1 6 oz jar Ortega Guacamole

1 Package of sliced meat trio (Turkey, Chicken, Ham)

In this recipe, I use a small package of the large flour tortillas. Make your choice depending on how many guests you have and what other foods you are serving.

Take a tortilla and lay it out flat. Spread the guacamole evenly from the center to the very edge. Take a handful or two of cheese and sprinkle it from the center of the tortilla to the edge as well. Now, pick one meat from your choices (I usually start with Turkey) and layer the meat from the outer edge of the tortilla to the center. You don't want the center to be too full, so you can cut any extra meat off and set it aside for your next pinwheel of the same meat. Lightly spread a bit more guacamole and cheese on top and then begin to tightly roll the tortilla into a tube like shape. Cut off both ends and set aside for a family pet to snack on or just toss. Take your tortilla and begin to cut your pinwheels about one inch in thickness. Repeat instructions for the remaining meat.

Place your pinwheels in concentric circles on a microwave safe dish and pop into your microwave on high for about one minute or until the cheese just begins to get soft. You can also forgo the microwave and serve chilled.

I suggest serving this tasty appetizer with pico-de-galla salsa (chunky salsa) and corn chips. A pretty way to serve this dish would be to leave a small empty area in the center of your pinwheels and place a bowl of the salsa of your choice in it. Serve the chips next to it in a festive bowl and you have created a nice gathering area for your guests to munch at and talk. Any way you want to serve this, you'll have a quick and easy fan favorite to share with all your guests. Enjoy!