Quick Party Foods

Cheese Assortment Tray

Need a couple of quick and easy appetizer ideas for a party? In my mind you can never, ever go wrong with a cheese tray! Hey, and if they don't clean it out, think of all that yummy cheese you can munch on for the next week. Definitely a win-win situation. We are fortunate around here to have a cheese outlet store, which has an endless variety of cheese flavors in small packages. They also let you try samples of each type. So that tomato and basil herb flavor that looks really good can be taste tested first. Sweet Pepper Pickle? Yep, throw that one in the basket too. And of course 1 Year Aged cheddar.... You get the idea. After I cut up and arrange the cheeses on a platter, I cut out and tape the flavor label to the edge of the dish, so folks can decided how brave they want to be. Pretty isn't it?

My next old holiday 'stand-by' is the easy "Vegetable Pizza". There are dozens of recipes for this on the Internet, but its so easy, I can just pull it right out of my old (figure of speech of course) brain here. This is my version of veggie pizza, when you want something to offset all those sweets. Veggie Pizza

1 Can Crescent Rolls (any brand)
2 packages cream cheese (or lowfat variant)
1/2 cup Miracle Whip
1 Pkg Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Mix(you can add to taste preference)
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Bacon Bits (real bacon is better--but either works)

Lay crescent rolls flat in a greased 9 x 13 pan, joining them at the seams. Bake until just lightly golden. This forms your crust. After the crust cools, soften to mix cream cheese--add mayo and Ranch Dressing. Mix well and spread over cooled crust. In the meantime you can chop up your cauliflower and broccoli into bite sized pieces. You can also add other veggies of choice--carrots are good. Just make sure they will keep well and compliment the taste. Sprinkle veggies over cream cheese filling. Just before serving I add the layer of shredded cheese on top and a few light sprinkles of bacon. That's it! Keep refrigerated. This is usually a well liked snack and well its kind of pretty too.