Quick and Easy Christmas Party Appetizers

Holiday house parties don't have to be stressful events. With a little planning and some easy noshes you'll wonder why you didn't plan a few more!

Shrimp Spread

Simple and so tasty!

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 (4 1/4-ounce) cans tiny shrimp, drained

1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion

1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in lemon juice until well combined. Stir in remaining ingredients and chill at least 2 hours to

blend flavors. Garnish with chopped green onion and serve with crackers, chips or fresh vegetables. Refrigerate leftovers. Makes approx. 3 cups.

Pulled Pork Mini Sandwiches

This is a great make ahead hot dish!

3-4 pound boneless pork loin

18-ounce bottle favorite barbecue sauce

Small sandwich rolls.

Place pork loin in slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce over top and sides of roast, turning to coat. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours, until meat is tender but not dry. Remove roast to a platter and shred using 2 forks. Return to slow cooker and mix thoroughly with sauce. Turn slow cooker to warm or low setting. Serve with sliced rolls. Serves 12-15.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

All the flavor of a popper in a simple dip!

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup mayonnaise

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained

2 ounces canned diced jalapeno peppers, drained

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Tortilla chips

Stir together cream cheese and mayonnaise, in a microwaveable bowl, until smooth. Stir in green chilies and jalapeno peppers. Sprinkle top with cheddar cheese and microwave on high for about 3 minutes or until hot. Serve with chips.

Tomato and Mozzarella Kabobs

The colors of the season in a quick and easy appetizer!

30 grape tomatoes

8-ounces fresh mozzarella balls

1 cup of your favorite bottled vinaigrette style dressing

Marinate the tomatoes and mozzarella in vinaigrette for one hour. Using frilly toothpicks or small skewers thread 1 tomato and one mozzarella ball onto each.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.