Since my mom always makes
a big beautiful dinner and we have so much going on at the time,
I usually make a snack buffet table for the Christmas Eve celebration
at our house.
It is very simple and helps keep my stress level down. I can make
all of it ahead of time and just set the table up later.
I don't
get fancy with the table decorations, but do include a pretty poinsettia
tablecloth and pretty holiday paper plates and napkins.
I started
this about seven years ago and it's now a tradition that everyone
looks forward to because it's easy and provides delicious snacks
all day long. The best part is that by using paper plates, there
are no dishes or pots and pans to wash! The only clean up involved
is
putting away any leftovers, that is, if there is any!
I will share a couple of my recipes with you later in this article,
but now I'd like to give you a few tips to plan your own snack buffet.
When you have time, take out a piece of paper and start writing
down some possibilities.
Write down any recipes that come to mind
as you read the following:
Trays of things to dip is always popular. I like to put
out a
veggie platter with ranch dip (I use the packet of `Uncle Dans'
found in the grocery store to make the dip) and an assortment of
crackers with my popular recipe `clam dip'.
A tray of sandwich makings. I load a tray with deli meats
and cheeses, and other sandwich makings such as onion, tomato, pickles,
mayonnaise, and mustard. You might try a tray of club sandwich makings
or Reuben sandwich makings. You can also experiment with different
breads such as party rye or sourdough.
Cookies and Candies. Each year I make two or three of our
family's favorite recipes which I'll include below. What's your
family's favorite cookie and candy recipes?
Beverages. Each year grandma Laura makes her special Irish
Cream that we serve over ice. We also buy pop and beer and this
seems to make everyone happy. You might have a favorite punch, eggnog
or hot buttered rum recipe you'd like to serve.
Crunchy things. I always have the Chex mix out.
Don't forget that you can have family members or other guests contribute!
This will give you more variety and less work! Just tell them to
bring a snack type item.
Holiday Recipes
I'll now share my recipes with you in case you'd like to try them.
Clam Dip
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (6-ounce) can minced clams, save juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt to taste
Combine cream cheese and clams. Stir in just enough clam juice
to make a nice consistency for dipping. Add remaining ingredients
and thoroughly combine. Serve or cover and chill. Serve with crackers
or chips.
Toffee Treats
1/4 Box Saltine Crackers
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Butter or Margarine
1 large bag Chocolate Chips
Chopped Walnuts-Optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cover a large cookie sheet with aluminum
foil. Grease with butter. Cover with saltine crackers. Bring 1 cup sugar
and 1 cup butter to a boil and continue to boil for 2 1/2
minutes. Pour over crackers and spread quickly. Bake 5-7 minutes.
Spread a large bag of chocolate chips over the top, like icing. Top with
chopped walnuts if desired.
Easy Irish Cream Liquer
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 2/3 c. Whiskey
1 tsp. instant coffee
2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
1 tsp Vanilla
Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix on high for 30 seconds.
Refrigerate. Shake well before serving over ice. Should keep for
at least 2 months.
Here's to hoping you have an 'easy does
it' Christmas celebration this year.
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