Easy
Does It Christmas Food
By Monica Resinger
Since both my husband and I have family to see at Christmas
time, we spend time with his family at our house on Christmas
Eve and my family at their house on Christmas day. 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. 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!
Here are 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 are included below.
What's your family's favorite cookie and candy recipes?
~ Beverages. The Irish Cream recipe below served
over ice is wonderful and a special treat. 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.
Recipes
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-Opt.
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 &
continue to boil for 2 1/2 minutes. Pour over crackers &
spread fast. Bake 5-7 minutes. Spread a large bag of chocolate
chips over, like icing. Top with chopped walnuts if desired.
Irish Cream
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.
Peanut Butter Bon Bons
1 - 1 Lb Box Powdered Sugar 2 Cubes Margarine (1 cup) 1
Cup Peanut Butter Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Almond Bark
Mix all ingredients except chocolate. Shape into round
balls. Chill. Insert toothpick & dip into melted chocolate.
Chill until set.
I know the recipes aren't for the health conscious, but
it's only once a year. Here's to hoping you have an `easy
does it' Christmas celebration this year.
Copyright ©, 2003, Monica Resinger
