The Perfect Party Plate

I came across this recipe pretty much by accident. It was Valentine's Day, and I wanted to surprise Scott with a simple appetizer before we decided to make dinner for each other, later that evening. I was perusing through Pinterest, as I usually do when I'm looking for inspiration, when I came across this little gem. I read over the recipe and thought that I could simplify it so basically anyone could prepare it with little ingredients, and very little effort. 

If I ever throw a dinner party, or a trendy tapas party, I'm totally breaking out this recipe! For my version of the recipe, here is what you'll need:

• 28 Ritz crackers (I used the wheat, generic Publix brand)
• 1 small tub of chive flavored cream cheese
• 4 or 5 slices of cooked ham
• 4 or 5 slices of roasted red peppers, chopped (I used Mancini's brand that come in a jar)
• parsley

1. Lay the Ritz crackers out on a cutting board, platter, or on whatever surface you are going to present them on. 

2. Spread a dime-sized dollop of cream cheese over the unsalted side of the cracker.

3. Cut up the thin sliced, deli ham into squares, or you can just tear it into pieces like I did. (it was much easier that way, and it looked more rustic). Place ham on top of cream cheese.

4. Cut up the roasted red peppers into squares, so they fit nicely on top of the ham.

5. Sprinkle each cracker with some parsley for garnish, and Voila! There you have it.

It's really as simple as that. It was the perfect party snack, and Scott gobbled them up. I was really surprised how tasty they were for such a small bite. 

What is your favorite appetizer or tapas plate to entertain with?

Easy and Delicious Spinach Dip Recipe

So, your college level Rhetoric and Argumentation class is hosting a class party at the end of the semester...I know what you're thinking, "highly unlikely." Never rule out the possibility, but I digress. Perhaps, you have a cookout to go to and you're in charge of bringing the appetizer. This situation seems more plausible anyway. I have a recipe that will win you awards, but I have to give credit to Scott for this one too!

 Spinach Dip

• 9 oz package of frozen spinach (drained)
• 1 Knorr Vegetable pack
• 1 cup mayo
• about 13 oz sour cream or (3/4 of a 16 oz container)
• 10 or so water chestnuts (diced)
• circular piece of bread
• 1 package of baby carrots
• celery (cut into thirds)

In a large mixing bowl, combine, the spinach, vegetable pack, mayo, sour cream and water chestnuts. Mix until everything is incorporated and creamy. Refrigerate the mixture for at least two hours.

While the mixture is chilling, cut the top of the bread and dice up that piece into 1" chunks. Hollow out the bread, so it looks like a bowl. When the dip has chilled enough, spoon it into the bread bowl and arrange the bread chunks, baby carrots, and celery around the bowl on a pretty serving dish.

Scott showed me this recipe, but he uses a Hidden Valley Ranch packet instead of the Knorr Vegetable packet. You can use either one, but I prefer the Knorr packet because it not only has seasonings in it, but little pieces of vegetables too. I think it takes the spinach dip to another level. Seriously, you might just eat the whole thing before your friends get a chance to. Be careful, I've warned you!