Quick and Easy Christmas Appetizers

The holiday season is always hectic, to say the least. There is always something that needs your attention. In most cases, quick and easy is not an option. Christmas should be a time of joy, not a time of stress, rushing around to prepare appetizers for those unexpected guests that seem to be dropping by.

Well, I have some quick and easy Christmas appetizers, that may be made in advance to help minimize the time spent in the kitchen, which allows you more time to enjoy with friends and family. So, for the next time unexpected guests knock on your door, the next Christmas party or for just whenever you need something quick and easy, all you have to do is reach in the freezer, grab an appetizer, pop it in the oven for a few minutes and voilà! You're done.

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

1 16 oz. package of frozen spinach

1 14 oz. jar of artichoke hearts in water(drained and chopped)

1 8 oz. container of ricotta cheese

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese

½ cup of sour cream

1¼ cup mozzarella cheese

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. chopped fresh garlic

¼ shredded mozzarella cheese (for garnish on top)

Sauté spinach and garlic in small amount of vegetable oil for 2 minutes. In mixing bowl combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese and sour cream. Using hand held mixer, blend on high speed until creamy.

By hand, fold in spinach and garlic mixture, artichoke hearts, 11/4 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake in pre-heated 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Cool and freeze, or pour into freezer safe container and freeze until needed, then bake. Either way works great.

This recipe is really great served with tortilla chips. I like to make my own from soft corn tortillas.(these may be frozen un-cooked until needed. Cut tortilla's in half, and then cut each half into 3 triangles. Cook in 350 degree oil in deep fryer until golden brown and crispy(about 3 minutes). Lightly salt while still hot.

Shrimp and Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Pepper Wrapped in Bacon

8-10 jalapeños

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

16-20 raw shrimp(peeled and de-veined)

8-10 slices of raw bacon(cut in half)

Wash and cut each jalapeño in half and remove seeds. Place 1 shrimp in each jalapeño half, then place as much cheese as you can in each pepper. Wrap each cheese and shrimp stuffed jalapeño in bacon and secure the seam with a toothpick. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 30-45 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. This recipe may be cooked in advance and then frozen or you may freeze first and cook when needed. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping sauce.

Pickle Wraps

6-8 whole dill pickles

½ pound thin sliced turkey(deli-style)

1 8 oz. package cream cheese(softened)

¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/8 cup black olives(chopped)

Using a hand held mixer, on low speed blend the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and black olives until creamy. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture onto a slice of turkey and wrap around each dill pickle. Slice into bite size pieces. These appetizers may be made several days in advance.